Ruffly Speaking

We were able to get the camera battery working again (rice bag, works miracles!) but the light was already failing so I just took a quick snap of the whole group. I love this picture because it shows how tiny Clue is compared to her ravenous and ever-growing brood.

Eyes are just beginning to slit open; you can barely see a glint behind the lids. Tomorrow or the next day should give us a whole crew of new peepers. They are all beginning to stagger around, and when Clue jumps in they attack her long before she can settle on her side. She is no longer curled around them all day; she snuggles beside the whelping box and keeps a close eye on them, but goes in only to feed them and clean them. They're solid, warm, and thriving, and I am thrilled with how she has done as a mother. 

Everyone is over 1.5 lb now, just where they should be, and a couple will be over 2 lb by the weekend. Tomorrow or Saturday we'll do their first worming, which (aside from whatever they've sucked off our fingers) will be their first experience with not-mom. I expect to start them on solids next week, and am watching Clue and their weight gain to see exactly when. Usually there's a day when the mom dog looks at you and says "NOOOOOO! Help me!" and that's when you start with one good meal a day to take some pressure off her. 

All in all, and keeping all fingers and toes crossed, this has been a wonderful litter. In another week when they can maintain their own body temperature I'll really breathe easier, but every day is a great day and I just love them to death.