1
22 day old Dauntless checks it out...
And just what do I have in my hand? Minced beef, roasted rare!
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2
The pups are mostly asleep...
I wonder how long before they wake up and smell the beef!
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3
NOT long at all!
Infact, it was easier to tip the dish out cause they wasn't enough room for all to fit!
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4
Xena cleans up!
Like a good momma, Xena cleans up all her pups messes!
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5
23 day old pups are making it to the paper...
SOME of the time! Once they can hold it longer, they can travel farther from the nest. I am happy that they are making the effort - at this stage of the game that is what counts!
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6
Xena supervises...
She is ready to bite Ruby if Ruby gets too wild. Meanwhile Jack is doing everything under the sun to entice Ruby to play! Poor Ruby!
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7
Not long now, Xena...
The pups are finishing with the transitional phase and entering the first stage of socialization, the 'period of awareness.' Once the pups reach the second stage of socialization, the 'period of curiosity', they will be ready to interact with the pack, and Xena will relax her guard over them.
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8
Meanwhile...
The pups continue to socialize with each other, as they explore the full range of their capabilities - nosing, pawing, biting and vocalizing/growling and barking.
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9
Watch out Ruby!
Ruby could not resist and had to step into the pen to touch noses with the pups.
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10
Aww - so cute!
Its easy to see why Ruby has a hard time resisting!
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11
Even Astro..
Sneaks a visit while his momma is out for a potty break.
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12
Not long Xena!
We are slowly introducing solid foods, but Xena will still need to nurse the pups for a few more weeks.
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13
More comfy!
Sometimes its easier to stand, sometimes its easier to sit!
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14
They are so alive now!
Astro can't seem to believe that the pups are really dogs!
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15
And Ruby continues to pine...
All she does is sit and watch pups grow!
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16
The whole pack wants in on this!
Today is the day the whole pack takes interest in the pups. Before Conan and Astro could have cared less about the pups, but today Conan demands to meet the pup! Beyond any book or timeline, the pack lets me know just where the litter is in its social development.
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17
24 day old pups..
They are increasingly mobile and eager to explore their tiny pen. They get tired quick tho, so its a few minutes of activity and cuteness followed by a long nap, and then back at it again.
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18
Ruby noses in...
And the pups just taunt her and continue to play under her nose!
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19
Pups being pups...
They will come say hello if they sense you are there, but still they cannot see!
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20
Pawing mom on the muzzle...
Pups are trying out dog behaviors, so they paw and bite, and chirp and growl and -cutest of all - they wag those tails!
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21
Xena and her 24 day old brood.
We continue to drape the quilt over one end of the pen to create a cover for the nest. This is essential as it keeps the heat in! Its cold in MN in early March!
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22
Guarding pups..
Pups are behind Xena in the warm nook...
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23
Longing for pups...
Ruby holds her vigil, counting down the hours...
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24
SIGH...
Nothing to it but thru it Ruby - we all have to wait for the pups to grow before we play with them!
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