With eyes and ears open for business — and walking getting more skilled by the hour, it seems — the babies are beginning to interact in their environment with intention.
Star Garnet
This apple toy, which has been through multiple litters, is a great example.
Topaz and Jasper
When a puppy even slightly bumps it, the apple makes a pleasant and brief musical noise. The puppies look interested, and then they circle it, bumping it intentionally to generate the noise. They do this for a minute or two, and then move on.
There is lots of licking and mouthing of toys — this is Star Garnet.
Star Garnet
They are awake more and more each day but still spend the overwhelming majority of their time sleeping. This is Sapphire and Jasper.
Sapphire and Jasper
Does this look comfortable?!
Jasper
Happy Monday 🩷💙💙💙
(Later)
I thought for sure we would have an escapee today. Jasper gave it a good shot.
Jasper
Star Garnet was so close.
After seeing how close, I put down a folded fleece so that the landing will be soft when someone finally does make the leap.
Once they start escaping, the door will have to be closed but that makes it harder for Capella to go in and out so I am delaying it as long as possible.
It was another day of eat/sleep (95%), playing (2%), and getting good at walking (3%) — this is Topaz.
I wondered if they might like some water to drink. Jasper had other ideas about what to do with the water.
HOW is this comfortable?!
Jasper
Topaz with Sapphire. You can tell it is Sapphire because he is the only one that doesn’t have a significant white tail tip.
The puppies are getting so interactive with Capella. That is Star Garnet with her paw on Capella’s face.
Star Garnet was being so persistent that Capella finally just pinned her. Gently — but, yes, she pinned her 😂
Topaz snuggling with his mom.
Sapphire making the apple jingle.
They are all so social.
Topaz
I have waited over four years for this precious litter, and you can bet I am taking full advantage of my time with them 💙💙💙🩷🙏
This is SO fun.