Sadly, we’re heading into another stretch of subzero temperatures.  It was 30 degrees this AM, but the temps are headed downward.  17 degrees below zero is predicated for tonight.

We had the puppies out a lot yesterday while the weather was “warm”, but that window of opportunity is closing up today.  The shot above is from yesterday – Chev and Finley were out in the yard while Barley and Xupe were in the “potty” area.  Finley loves playing with the puppies when we put them together.  Chev wags his tail at them and gives a low daddy growl.

Gentle reminder:  Have you checked your puppies’ nails?  I found that Barley and Xupe were ready for trims this weekend.  I nipped just the little “hooks” off the tips of their nails while they were napping, still using a typical human nail clipper from the drugstore.

Everything I’ve read indicates that it’s very helpful if you regularly handle your puppies’ paws and nails when you’re playing/snuggling with them and clip their nails just a bit each time, getting them accustomed to the process.  We did this while they were with us.   I don’t know why others don’t recommend that you do the clipping while they’re snoozing, but I’ve found it’s the very easiest way.  The puppy may awaken a little and shift about, but it’s generally very easy to get all their nails in one or two nap times.   The nails seem to be ready for a little nipping every 10 days or so.

There are plenty of websites that provide videos and even cross-sections of the nail’s anatomy.  Here’s a screen shot from one website.

Here is Barley (formerly Number 7), taken today during a “potty” break and later, out in the yard with a pigeon (white pigeon in cage) that Biff set up for the dogs to experience.

Here are a couple of shots of Xupe (pronounced zupe).  Yes, it’s a weird name, pulled from the middle of his kennel name, Antoine de Saint Exupery, the author of The Little Prince, one of my favorite books.  He’s had the good company of his brother, Barley, who will be with us just another week before moving to his home in New York.

There doesn’t seem to be a Griff anywhere that doesn’t love the snow!

Aya, who lives in Upper Peninsula Michigan, has a “sister” who already appears to love her.  It looks like she naps on her own at times, too.

The puppies sure appear to be good at lounging.  Here is Dutch at home in “his” chair.  I’ve got a couple more pictures to post, but they’re just not quite loading for me tonight.  Stay tuned and I’ll get more up soon.

Here’s an update about Stache, from his new home…

“Just an update that Stache is adjusting beautifully here in Stillwater!!!  He is sleeping great, going to the bathroom outside and eating well, too.  We are so very, very, very happy to have him in our family!!!!”

Woody (Number 8) and Chesny (Number 11) both appear to be settling into home life darn well.  It doesn’t hurt that they’ve both got adoring children caring for them.  Here are some shots we received today.  Woody is in the first two shots.  The second two are Chesny.  (Send me photos and stories at pattiroseloftus@gmail.com if you’re willing to have them posted.  Biff doesn’t always get everything forwarded to me from his email.)

We were down to 2 puppies after “Chesny” (aka Number 11) left with his family Sunday morning.  Here they are just before they headed back to Manitoba with their new family member.

Dutch’s (above) and Jazzy’s (below) families sent these photos of their puppies at home.  We heard that Atz had a successful flight to Denver and Chesney (the last pup to depart) left here this morning for Manitoba.  All reports are that the “potty training” is going pretty well.  We’re thinking about you all.  Right now Numbers 7 and 2 (Barley and Xupe) are downstairs playing in a space that now seems a little lonely with so many of their littermates gone.  Biff had the two of them outside for a while today and they’ve had some playtime with mommy Finley, so they’re fine.

We welcome photos and stories of your adventures with your puppies.  I’ve got a couple of packed weeks at school and may not get things posted every day, but I will continue to add to this blog as often as I can.  Feel free to share tips if you find something really works for you that other families might want to try.  I can post them, too.

What a big day for a whole lot of people and puppies!  We started with 8 puppies and are now down to 3.  The house is growing very quiet, strangely quiet and we’re thinking a lot about the busy families that now have puppies at home.  Here are a few shots from this afternoon, photos that I took and a few sent from the puppies’ new families who have shared their first hours experiences.  Thanks to all who are sharing their photos and stories.  It sounds like they’re all off to a great start!

 Number Three (“Dutch”) was warmly received by his family today.

The family of Number Ten (who will be know as Chesney) came from Canada to meet their puppy and play with him.  They’ll be back tomorrow to pick him up and begin their trek back home.

And here’s Jazzy (Number Six) who I didn’t get to photograph yesterday with her family.  She’s already settled in at home with her new family, looking pretty comfortable.

This picture, sent by Aya’s people, says it all.  They’ve headed off to the big world, in the care of wonderful people.

Arlo (Number 10), above and below, got busy settling into his new life.