This week has lead to a lot of nights of very little sleep. These little ones like to wonder around their box and have no problems screaming until I put them back with Caipirinha. I can't complain though, 'cause that's why I have them set up in my bedroom for the first couple weeks. One thing I do have to laugh about is that Caipirinha whines louder than the puppies she hears her puppies in distress. When I look to see what’s going on she’ll look at the puppy and then me and then the puppy again, as if to tell me she doesn’t want to disturb the rest of the litter and needs my help.

A recap of their last week. At day 4 they went off to the vet to have their first check up and get their dew claws removed! BIG OUCH! It is a rather nasty procedure for all of us, but is also very necessary. They have completely healed and I don't think any will have much of a scar – just a little line where their “thumb” used to be!!! All had front dew claws, a couple had rears and little Savannah had double dewclaws in the back. So far it looks like the belly buttons are closing up nicely as well…

All puppy eyes are still tightly sealed shut, as are their ears. They are born with their ears straight up tightly against their heads and swollen shut. As you will see in the pictures, some are starting to lay properly and a couple are in the adorable stage of sticking straight out!!!!  Due to the fact that they cannot see nor hear, they are really quiet for the most part! Mostly just little whines, whimpers, and squeals when they are trying to find out which nipple they can claim for themselves, followed by enthusiastic sucking!! They all will be getting their first toe nail trim today, which is always fun, as they are soooo wiggly. Caipirinha REALLY appreciates it! – that’s 176 little daggers dulled ! Toe nail trims are a weekly adventure from here on out!

We have started them on the ‘Early Neurological Stimulation, "which was developed to stimulate their early neurological systems which will help them become a healthier, more intelligent, easy to train, confident and capable canine companion in the future. In short, it requires doing some very simple exercises with each pup from 3 days old until 16 days old. This is something the breeder of my first Ridgeback does, and I love her dogs. For more information, check out this website: http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html

Enjoy pictures of these little ones!