081109

Officially, until 2:37pm today, it is still the END of the "9th Day for the 9 Pups".
So, this morning, we begin weighing the pups in "POUNDS" ~ no more "grams to ounces" conversion. Selfishly,I am feeling GREAT since Misty stayed in the
whelping box for more than 6 hours straight last night, adjusting to the needs of the pups - who nursed nearly nonstop - before the great dam needed to go
outside and have more to eat. What did that mean for me? It meant that I could stay on my "dog bed" aside the whelping box, with my eyes shut - moving only to
count-by-hand the nine puppies each time Misty would readjust position. Once I knew each was fine and eating or sleeping, I could go back to "half-sleep". YAY
This means progress! They are, of course, growing daily - I have recorded their weights below and as of today each is at least 2.5 times their birth weight. Each
responds with vigor to Misty entering the whelping box and each has been seen "playing" at Misty's head. All are scooting on all four feet; a few are showing
early signs of opening their eyes; all are quite competitive at the 'lunch line' - even if the fatties do take over like a little "gang". The reds are heavier than the
blacks and often times they segregate from each other when feeing. WEIRD!. Misty still keeps her whelping box and all the puppies neat and tidy. They all
respond to my voice when I approach the whelping box and all are familiar with my scent and manner of touch. I learned the importance of early and consistant
contact, verbal recognition, additional bonding and imprinting deatils, and so many other things, several years ago, not only by mentors, but by reading the
book: "Breeding a Litter" by Beth J. Finder Harris. This read includes valuable information for those wanting to truly "rear a litter" ... and not just 'make puppies'. I
continue with the biosensor program/early neuroligcal stimulation; and have begun some sensory/object recognition exercises that will work into tug play when
they can see. I have kept movies and or music playing near the whelpng box and find that the pups rest easy to country music (especially Darius Rucker).
Found it interesting, so I thought I would share.
It is raining and Misty is coming in with mud. This is my "Q" to stop typing, and clean her up before i have 9 mud pies on my hands.
Hope you like todays photo memories ~ and the rest (above). There are so many, I have to start a new page.
Before I do ... a puppy NEWSFLASH: Navy Collar boy was the first to escape the whelping box. Several have tried, but today, "Braun" did it.

"Hey, whatever works, right?!"

"I got you, babe"

"God is great God is Good,
let us thank Him for this food ... Amen"

It is now 2:36pm ~ so completes the "NINE DAYS OF NINE". I hope you have enjoyed the photos and the information.
This is a litter I am extremely proud to have bred. I know they will continue to bring us much joy and excitement.
Congratulations to the families awaiting their gorgeous pups ... and to those homes who will be coming along soon.
The ongoing photo-journal saga will continue on a new webpage: MISSissippi MOOn
One more "Thank You" to Lisa & John Carnes, Mary Rodgers, Cathy Ceely, and Todd Babbitt -
"Without EACH of you, 'THIS' would not have been possible."
~ Kathy Babbitt, 08/11/09

Purple Collar BB                                     1.76 #
Pink Collar BB                                        1.72 #
Lt. Blue Collar BB                                   1.48 #
Orange Collar RB                                   1.72 #
Yellow Collar BB                                     1.72 #
Black Collar RD                                      1.70 #
Navy Collar BD                                       1.85 #
Red Collar RB                                         1.50 #
Green Collar BD                                     1.50 #

- NINE DAY Weights -