Oh my!  Things are gearing up as the puppies now begin to paw, wrestle with and mouth each other – every imaginable body part, often while the other is fast asleep.  Biff put out a few puppy toys and a couple of them began to gnaw on those, too.  I even saw one little guy carry one of the toys in his mouth for a few steps.  This photo doesn’t reflect any of this action, as we are supervising the active times (primarily for who looks like they might be about to pee and needs to be moved swiftly to the “pee pad” area).  Thank goodness for the nap times between romps!

Meanwhile, Chev, Finley and Xupe have been living in the background, well cared for by the “helpers” who have been working with us.  Finley’s been markedly interested in the puppies and is especially attentive when they’re drinking from bottles.  Xupe has been very curious of them as little creatures, but he keeps a little distance.  Chev should be the proud papa of 12, but he, well, he simply doesn’t seem to give a rip about his offspring. He is enthusiastic, however, about every meal that includes a few pieces of the various “extras” we’ve been working into Reine’s meals – beef, chicken, liver, etc.