Isla's 'HAY' Pups 1 wk. old

Isla and Tonka’s ‘HAY’ pups are now just shy of 1 wk. old. It’s hard to believe we are already nearly a week in. The little tiny, not so tiny actually, bushel of 12 pups are now fat, plump, thriving, strong and wonderfully wiggly, squishy squashy potatoes.

The fight at the milk bar increases their strength exponentially as they have to rotate around to get an equal feed. They do this quite magically and naturally on their own, though I also keep a close eye to make sure the smaller pups aren’t pushed off too often and get hooked up for a little extra time as needed.

Orchard, Oat, Prairie, Clover and Fescue are my smallest pups at the moment, even though they aren’t trailing by much. They’ll likely catch up very quickly, and who knows, they might end up the biggest of the bunch. At this stage, predicting size from a difference of an ounce or two is nearly impossible.  

Barley, Alfalfa, Timothy and Blue, the boys, are continually bulldozing the lineup, popping every one of their sisters off so they can claim the front row seats at the milk bar. Brothers for ya, such bullies! Little Orchard tries her very best to not be pushed around, but when Barley scoots right underneath her, off she goes.

My littlest pups often seem to carry a little extra pizzaz in their blood, something to prove, a bit of fight in their bones. She bustles around on her own, gaining strength, and practicing her next moves to keep her brothers in line. It’s incredible to watch.

I am loving the wide variety of golden shades in this litter. Many families ask to be on Isla’s list because they love her coloring. But genetics reach back and pull forward, and this time we have been blessed with just about every shade of golden. Isla herself is incredible - aware, calm and deeply content- and that alone should be the reason anyone would want to be on her list. The personalities of her pups that she has produced so far that go into homes have proven to be truly phenomenal, and I will continue to match pups with families based on this temperament first and foremost. Oat’s darker shade of golden and Rice’s very light, almost white coloring are simply an extra little bonus to consider.

The first week, I don’t get much done around here other than baby-watching and caring for mama. The littles captivate me, so I end up sitting in their box for hours, observing and taking in the wonder of these fresh, wiggly bundles of goodness.

Isla is such a good mama. She keeps careful watch over where each one of her wee pups is at all times. Once she’s sure they’re safely gathered on one side of her, she slowly inches herself around the box until she is comfortable, keeping her belly on the ground so she doesn’t accidently lay on one of them. This is instinctual, but also a learned skill. Not all first-time mamas master this maneuver right away, but Isla has perfected to a tee. I watch in awe at all the magic that unfolds the first week.

Isla receives lots of love, care and attention to make sure she’s recovering well after the birth that she went through. Her temp is checked regularly to monitor for any possible post birthing infections. She also gets plenty of warm baths in the nether regions, along with brushing, scratching and full-body massages. There’s quite a bit of down time for her right now, so we use that time to make sure she’s comfortable and well cared for. She is easily eating 12 cups of high protein performance food each day, along with extra toppers, to fuel her body so she is able to produce enough milk to nourish this many pups. Everything with her health is spot-on and cruising along beautifully. Isla is one happy, smiley, proud mama.

ENS and fully body handling began right at the three-day mark. It’s hit the ground running around here- there’s never a moment to waste before work begins. I am with these babies for such a short time, I make sure each and every day is used to it’s fullest potential. Soft, slow and comforting snuggles are always part of their day. Gently hands run over their ears, tails, face and tums. From the very beginning, they are surrounded by human touch – learning to trust and gain confidence in the human world.

The other dogs are eager to meet the babies, but Isla, even though very laid back, still says “no thank you” for now. She comes and goes from her box easily, without anxiousness or worry, while the other dogs mingle just beyond the nursery panels. I still keep her curtains up so she feels safe and protected, but she’s perfectly content with the others nearby. I couldn’t ask for a better mama.  

The other dogs bust around the yard, tearing up the wet ground that WA has brought in once again.  Keeping Isla dry and clean is a challenge, but I simply add yet another towel into the mix to dry her off before she goes back into her box.

The laundry is never ending around here, as I switch out the towels beneath the pups at least twice a day. I’m hopeful for drier, warmer weather soon….and MORE LIGHT come tomorrow!

Leia is due to have her pups tomorrow, and so far her temp is normal and she remains steady and calm. Her little ‘Berry’ babies seem quite happy to bake just a bit longer. I watch her behavior closely as she quietly works herself around the yard. She isn’t restless or uneasy yet- just happy, content and enjoying plenty of rest. Leia is getting lots of love and attention as we wait for her big moment.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out this week, showering us all with congratulations and blessings for the arrivals. I truly love hearing the excitement from the families who are waiting and how absolutely tickled pink they are knowing their magical little forever after bundle is soon be coming home to them.

I am currently shifting, shuffling and tentatively dividing families between these two litters. Official placement offers will begin once I have a final headcount of all pups that have arrived.

I am beyond excited to connect with each of you further and begin moving your journeys into the next stage ahead. The weeks to come have a way of flying by in a flash, and before anyone quite realizes it, ‘Gotcha day’ is suddenly upon us. Check out Isla's and Tonka's gallery page here ⬇ for more adorable photos of pups!

MORE PHOTOS OF PUPS