Noni's LITTLES - 4 wks old and MORE PUPS ON THE WAY!
Four Weeks of Wonder have flown by already...the Littles Are Growing Up Fast
Somebody please tell time to slow down. I blinked, and suddenly these tiny, round-bellied babies have gone from sleepy little potatoes to curious, confident, busy little explorers with places to go, things to investigate, and absolutely no intention of wasting a single minute of their day.
Four weeks old and their little personalities are definitely blossoming, their bodies are becoming more coordinated, and their curiosity is growing by the hour. They are learning so quickly that it's hard to keep up with them!
Every activity I introduce is met with enthusiasm, curiosity, and the unmistakable attitude of, "yah! What's next?”
All these pups are incredibly aware of are the big, wide world around them.
New sounds? Investigated.
New surfaces? Explored.
New experiences? Accepted with enthusiasm.
The great outdoors? Apparently their personal kingdom.
These pups are taking everything in. They are watching, listening, sniffing, learning, and gaining confidence with every new experience. Nothing phases them.
They are learning how to navigate their world.. the wider world.. into their new chapter.
The pups get to spend a good chunk of time outside, exploring new surfaces, enjoying our walks, and taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells.
We introduced the indoor slide and the outdoor stairs. I watch their little gears turn in their heads at full speed cranking over a they build coordination, and develop confidence.
Not only did these little cream puffs get more outdoor time but they also got more water time this week as well... they got to swim!
Well... perhaps float time is the more accurate description. Because apparently, in the mind of a four-week-old pup, being gently supported in warm water is the equivalent of checking into a five-star spa resort. They melted and were were all wet noodles in my arms. Their was full trust and acceptance through this exercise.
Goldens are always enthusiastic participants in the food department so
food introduction this week was, of course, a massive hit and went over with tremendous success. There was no need for a formal invitation. No need to encourage participation. No need to explain the menu. The moment food arrived, everyone was apparently a seasoned professional. By the end of the week, we are up to three meals a day, and the excitement is apparent as their little tails quiver and their whole body shakes with anticipation.
We are also continuing to work on crate training more and more each day.
At this age, the goal is to help them develop positive associations with their crates and build confidence in this new area of learning. We are keeping the experience gentle, encouraging, and age-appropriate, allowing them to become comfortable with the space while gradually learning that their crate is a safe and positive place to be. Feeding their meals in their crates helps with this tremendously as well as gives them the opportunity to eat at their own pace and not worry that their siblings will consume their meal first.
Some pups take to the crate introductions more quickly than others. It's another exercise that shows me who they truly are. Who sits and waits quietly for me to get them out after they are finished. Who starts to cry first. Who is confident enough to try to bark to get out. Or at times, who simply does straight to sleep. I note everything and see if it repeats with time. This surfaces their core nature as I do the nurturing.
These LITTLES are taking steps forward so quickly it is hard to believe they are only four weeks old.
Personalities are definitely blossoming and every pup shows me a new side of who they are everytime we interact.
Itty is an absolute doll. She has the sweetest little presence and is such a joy to watch.
Bitty is soft and sweet, with a gentle nature that makes her incredibly endearing.
Buttons is calm and collected. He has that lovely, steady little personality that makes you smile from ear to ear.
Thimble is a little sweetheart. She has such a charming personality and is simply precious in every way.
Snippet is slow and steady. He takes his time, observes the world, and does things at his own pace.
Pebbles is perfection. What more can I say?
Every one of these pups is special in their own way, and I truly could not have asked for a more amazing litter.
They are growing in confidence more and more by the hour. Watching them develop into these little individuals, each with their own quirks, expressions, and ways of approaching the world, is one why it's hard to get anything else done around here!
We are now just two weeks away from these little ones meeting their forever families!
Two weeks. That is both exciting and absolutely impossible to believe. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming them into the world, and now we are preparing to share them with the people who have been waiting so patiently to bring them home.
I cannot wait to watch the joy on their families’ faces when they finally get to sink their noses into that soft mushroom smelling cream puff. 1st joys get fulfilled, old pains get mended and hearts get filled and renewed. This is why I love what I do. And I am so excited to share them with their people!
And Now... Drum Roll Please! ...
We are expecting more pups here on the Homestead! Yes you heard that correctly!
Isla and Tonka have successfully been paired, and if the stars align perfectly, we should have more cream puffs arriving here in mid-November.
Its such a special time of year to welcome a new puppy into the world.
This litter is especially meaningful.
This will be Isla’s final litter before she retires.
THE QUEEN’S FINAL REIGN LITTER
Isla has produced some phenomenal pups, and it has been an absolute pleasure to have her as the queen of this pack for so long. She has given us beautiful babies, wonderful temperaments, and so many reasons to be proud of her. She has been such an important part of our program, and watching her journey from motherhood to retirement is going to be a very special experience. Her final litter feels like the closing of a beautiful chapter but only the start of something new for her. A celebration of everything she has given us. A celebration of her legacy. And, of course, one more opportunity to welcome her beautiful cream puff babies into the world. I cannot wait to see what this final pairing with Tonka brings.
And If that wasn't enough exciting news for you, I HAVE MORE!
Neema is only days away from being paired up as well. I am incredibly hopeful that we will have twice as many puppies to raise and prepare for their forever families after the holidays. The holidays just got extra busy around here! Busy, yes. But filled with joy, abundance, extra fur, and bushels and bushels of squeaky, squealy, wiggly little babes to be blessed with.
I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to help each and every pup grow into the dog they are meant to become. We have so much to look forward to.
Noni’s Littles are growing, learning, and preparing to meet their forever families.
Isla is preparing for her final reign. Neema is preparing for her next chapter.
And here on the homestead we are grateful beyond beileve for it all.
