The photo looks a little sepia toned, perhaps because of the poor lighting downstairs.  But don’t they look grown-up?!

The puppies are all eating and drinking water out of dog dishes now.  Finley’s nursing only occasionally.  We’re beginning to pull back on her food as the puppies’ need for her milk declines.

Biff’s been on “tootsie roll” patrol throughout the day.  The puppies are pooping and peeing closer to the area we’ve targeted for them, but the level of human support to get this going in the right direction is huge.  Their sleeping place (the original whelping bed) is nice and clean.  And they’re enjoying all the toys we’ve bought for them.

Thankfully they still sleep for long stretches through the day and night.  Those times are our salvation.  They will be five weeks old on Thursday/Friday.  Although the time with them has been intense, it does seem to be going by quickly.  There’s nothing lovelier than having puppies pile onto you when you’re seated on the floor with them – adoring faces looking into your eyes, licks and “kisses”, pawing to get closer and snuggle in.  And that skunky puppy breath smell!