They're growing and growing...

The gang did well in the living room where we had more control over the temperature so everyone was comfortable.
Dart not panting and pups not crying is the perfect temp! They are using their rears to help them nurse and are doing well nursing while Dart is sitting up. We've done Biosensor for five days now. The novel scents have been leather, tripe, orange, pine sprig and ground coffee. They reacted strongly to the tripe...other scents they just sniffed and took it in.
Off to weigh the babies after they fall asleep... they can't be still in the box for weighing if I have not just woken them up :)
Check the smugmug site for more photos and video...

Big day for visitors...

Today, Friday 6/27/08, we had seven new people come and visit then Marcy and Jim came to tend them for a bit.
Dart loves company!!! Everyone comes and sits and plays pass the puppy. Dart is very trusting with her babies.
It was a very busy day but I managed to get some photos and a video up on smugmug. Enjoy the comedians....

Day four...

It's Thursday and it's hard to believe they are four days old already. Everyone, including Dart, is doing well. They continue to do what they do....eat, sleep, pee and poop, Repeat. Watching them is addictive :) We've added a few soft toys to the whelping box. Today's novel scent was tripe and they had the same reaction to it that most people do, pulling their nose away! I sometimes pinch myself as I think "This is my job" - how cool! Check out today's photos.

The Last Couple of Days ...

... have been very busy so I have not had time to blog. I was in NJ all day yesterday and threw my back out, so getting to the computer was not going to happen. I am feeing better this morning, but promised Lise I would show her how to do this between us we can keep you guys posted.



Dart continues to be a wonderful mother. The pups are gaining weight and started bio-sensor today. To find out more about it go to http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html. We modified it slightly by using a frozen pie plate and timing how long it takes them to get off the plate (problem solving) and introducing a novel scent each day. Today's novel scent was a leather glove. Watching them take in the scent is amazing. We were having some difficulties regulating the room temperature, but seem to have that all under control. We know we've got it right when Dart is not panting and the pups are quiet.

I have uploaded more photos to the SmugMug site, so be sure to check them out.

The Comedy Club Is Open

Although their due date was June 24th, the Comedians decided they wanted to take center stage on Sunday June 22nd. Dart whelped nine pups in just under two hours. Lise was alone for the birth of the first three until Sandy Washburn and I (Marcy Burke) were able to get to her house. Gayle hopped in the car the minute she got the call and arrived just minutes after the birth of the last boy. All the pups are doing well, as is mother Dart.

In order of appearance the Comedians are:

Miss Purple, born 6:15 pm, weighing 11 ¼ ounces

Mr Red, born 6:26 pm, weighing 11 ½ ounces

Mr Black, born 6:38 pm, weighing, 11 ½ ounces

Mr Brown, born 6:43 pm, weighing, 11 ½ ounces

Miss Pink, born 7:09 pm, weighing 11 1/8 ounces

Mr Green, born 7:35 pm, weighing, 9 ¼ ounces

Miss Orange, born 7:46 pm, weighing, 10 ½ ounces

Miss Yellow, born 8:02 pm, weighing, 12 ½ ounces

Mr Blue, born 8:09 pm, weighing, 12 ¼ ounces

Stay tuned for pictures and video.