Clam shell bottle challenge

All the puppies have now gone. It's nice having things back to normal! They were such dear little creatures, we all loved them a lot.  Okay, maybe I didn't love them as much....they could be quite annoying, but they were cute.

Before the puppies left we tried them on the the clam shell bottle challenge. It's a fun test of their willingness to put up with the noisy bottles being pushed around. (Actually, we had trouble finding enough bottles, so there are some milk cartons there too.)

Kay only put in a handful of kibble, so perhaps the motivation wasn't as high as if it there had been hot dogs. However, Humphrey was straight in and while his litter mates watched in fascination... he scoffed the lot!

The next day we tried it again and everyone got in without much hesitation... they weren't going to let Humphrey eat it all for a second time!

One last puppy

There is only one puppy left now...it's Humphrey (who used to be Max).

That's my bed he's taken over... hmmmpf, indeed.

His legs have grown a couple of inches overnight. 

He's pretty cute, even I have to admit. He follows me everywhere and even tries to steal my ball. He's a cheeky little bugger! 

Only a few more days and even he'll be gone. Gracie and I won't know ourselves without all the puppies getting in the way.

Gracie, the pest

Gracie didn't want me to quit our game of running around the yard like lunatics. I thought I showed admirable forbearance. But the puppy biting my tail was the last straw!

bones, wonderful bones

The pups are enthusiastic bone chewers now. It's great to see those sharp little teeth biting in to something other than my tail. We had a bone picnic in the afternoon, when the day had cooled down a bit.



It went on for a long time, before the pups needed to run around and burn off energy. Then I went over and stole all their bones, one by one, and ate them all. I just love a good bone - could hardly eat my dinner, I was so full.

Puppies posing

You know, it's really hard to get six-week old puppies to stand like a show dog... even with a chicken neck as a bribe!

This is Blue boy, he's looking really good and standing nicely.

Green boy, (known as Super Max because he's the largest of all of them) standing pretty well...

Pink girl, she was quite focused on the food!

Purple girl did not want to stand on the table at all...

She had been playing and did not want to stop for a silly photograph.

And White girl cooperated just long enough to get some of the chicken.

 The weeks have sure gone by quickly. They are off to their new homes next weekend.

What an adventure it is having a litter of little Airedales around the place!

more puppies playing

It was a hot day, so the puppies got to play in the garage. They are six weeks old now and are becoming  real little terriers.

puppies at play

Yesterday afternoon's playtime. They are having such fun.

First comes lunch....

 Then off to explore...

puppies with bones

The pups understood straight away what to do with a chicken neck. It's a good use for those sharp teeth!

 

more puppies

The puppies latch on to Mum any chance they can get. She is very patient with them most of the time.

The pups at play under Gracie's watchful eye.

More puppy photos!

The pups like to spread out in their big pen.

Typical Airedale...looks asleep, but there is always an eye open to check out what's going on.

Sleeping with a toy for a pillow.

Starting to play with the toys.

First bone - very interested!

Puppies in the grass

The pups are able to have playtime in the yard now. They think it's pretty neat.

Merry Christmas from the Doubledaire pups

Merry Christmas to everyone! Have a great holiday.

Well here's a crazy idea...put hats on the puppies says Neil. I guess it's never too early to start with dressing up your Airedale!

The first photo shoot was chaos with puppies and hats everywhere. Then we tried it again when they were a bit sleepy and managed to get this photo.

Gracie and I lucked out this year and didn't have to wear hats or tinsel or santa claws outfits or nothing. It's pretty hot this time of year, so that's a relief.

puppies are three weeks old

 The pups are so big now, hardly room at the milk bar anymore.

They are already showing unmistakeable Airedale habits,  playing bitey face...

 sleeping on their backs...

and as of  this morning, they have decided they want out!

puppies' first video

Here's the video of puppies at play from yesterday.

They have a lot of white toes at the moment, but those mostly fade out as they get older.

Puppies at 18 days old - starting to play!

The puppies have just started to play! Their eyes are open, they are up on their feet and ready to start investigating the world.

Here's yesterday's after-lunch play time.

It didn't take long before they were all asleep again though.

Breakfast time

The pups are sleeping through the night now, which is good, but it does make breakfast a feeding frenzy of hungry pups.

 Gracie is finally past the sore nipples part and is much happier to stay with them until they can drink no more.

Full as a goog (Aussie slang for stuffed to the eyeballs).

Sleepy little boy, so cute!

A day in the life of a 13 day old puppy

Have a feed...slurp, slurp. Thanks mum!

Test out your legs for walking

Sleep.

Repeat at 12:00, 3:00 6:00 and 9:00.

Growing fast

 Puppies at day 5. Look how big they are already! 

These are the three sisters.

Puppies are here!

Exciting news - Gracie's puppies have arrived! There are three girls and two boys. Here is their very first photo.

Gracie is being a good mum and feeding them every time they squeak... which is pretty often.

Now that the hard work is over, the fun can begin. Puppies are so precious. I'm a grandmother again! (Gracie's younger sister, Elsa had pups last year.) I'm fascinated by these little guys and keep trying to get in the room with them. Kay says I have to wait a bit until I can play with them. Hmmph.

Gracie update

It's me, Gracie, again. I have had a great time lately....I've been eating, eating and eating some more. Food is my favourite. I've been getting four meals a day! So yummy.

However, you can see it has had an definite effect on my formerly svelte figure. I could hardly drag this tummy home from our walk this morning. Kay says not to worry, it is all going to change in the next few days. Hmmmm, wonder what that is all about?? Stay tuned for more news!