Beginning Week 2

Day one for the Head Start program. :)

Yes, I am shamelessly stealing that term from the public school system... (free services for children from age 1-5... breakfasts and lunch at school, that sort of program)

All of the puppies are gaining weight, per day, but a few are chunkers and a few are still clamoring for more or grumbling just a bit when nursing is over.

With large litters in the past, I have not needed to supplement with a bottle, but I thought I would try, given Star's gray hair status and older age... but these pups are not taking to a bottle, at all.

So this morning, at feeding time, the three chunkers who caught my eye first (big dark female #7 I think, shaded sable female with blaze #1, and of course, #10 shaded sable male) got to nap in a fleece-lined bin while mama fed the others.

Once Star knew that the 3 big ones were not in distress, she settled in for about 30 minutes of nursing the smallest and mid-sized pups.

I believe that the richest milk is in that first let-down as the puppies nurse, and it sure seemed to be true. Lots of scrabbling for placement, and then... they all settled in, little tails straight out and quivering, tiny gulping sounds saying... "success". :)

More milk let down as the pups nursed without competition, and all were full by the time it was done.

While the mid to smaller group filled their bellies, I took the opportunity to hold each of the roly poly siblings, one by one, stroking their backs and heads, until each was comfortable with settling in and crooning softly a bit. :)

The clean-up crew of 3 happily trundled over once they were released from their Kindergarten nap time, and Star obliged with a light snack.

Other notes: At a week old, they have started leaving more than golden drops behind... right on schedule. Star will clean this up until we add solid food.

Bedding will be changed more often. The washer will be put to the test...

Just like it should be as we launch into the second week with these sweeties. :)