I am getting a puppy, almost 4 weeks old. Yes, 4 WEEKS! Aieeee!!!1111

[uppityperson]

Acquaintance has puppies and I said I'd take one. Got a phone call that the mom dog wants nothing to do with pups so they started feeding them wet dog food mixed with baby formula, like a slurry. That the puppies are eating and pooping ok but they want them picked up.

I've a large carrier, crate, thing to let her sleep in and restrain her when she's not out and about with us. But I am feeling overwhelmed.

I'd hoped to wait 'til 8 weeks but it won't be. Time to pick up the multivax, the puppy, bring them home and combine them.

I am excited but overwhelmed with picking up a baby to coddle. And my cats, oh dear. At least the pup will be smaller than they are, for a bit. Pictures will be forthcoming.

thanks for listening.

[elleng]

1. 4 weeks! That's young!

Get extra stuff for pup to cuddle with, stuffed toys, ticking clock for heart beat. Check with vet about best food at this age; may still need milk for a while.

Breed?

Will love to see pics, but pup's well-being more important.

[southernyankeebelle]

60. I ended up with a puppy earlier then I wanted. Parents were moving. So my son had a pet

seal about the same color as the mother. He would cuddle right up to that seal and sleep. I also had a clock in the box. I feed him warm milk. He took to it very well.

[elleng]

61. That's really something,

cuddling up to a seal!!!

[southernyankeebelle]

62. It really was. That dog never cried. It didn't no the difference. It was so cute.

[rox63]

2. Please talk to a vet about taking a puppy that young home

Usually, 8 weeks is the minimum age recommended.

[Chemisse]

3. My mastiff was about that age when I got her.

We were led to believe she was older and realized her age later when we checked back through the paperwork. (We were afraid she was blind, but it turned out she was just incredibly young).

It's important to keep her warm when you are not cuddling her. You might also want to get her socialized with other puppies as soon as it's feasible.

On edit - the bonding you do with a pup this age is rapid and deep, since you are taking the place of the mother dog.

[Irishonly]

4. You have received great advice

I think getting the puppy to the vet immediately should be top on your list. You will be the prime example of a pet parent. Can't wait to see the pictures.

[TorchTheWitch]

5. don't do it

Four weeks is WAY too young. The pup still needs to be with it's mother and siblings until at least eight weeks of age. At four weeks they shouldn't even be handled much or outside or in contact with other animals as they haven't even gotten the age-appropriate shots yet.

This acquaintance has no idea what they're doing and the very idea of giving the pups away at a mere four weeks is nuts.

Without having been able to nurse within the first hour of birth and not having even gotten it's age-appropriate shots yet makes this pup EXTREMELY vulnerable and high risk for health problems down the road.

Just don't do it. If you want a puppy then get one that at least has good potential for good health.

[99Forever]

7. TTW..

... with all due respect, I don't see your response as productive. I'm not sure where you got your information, but some of it just plain isn't so. Yes, 4 weeks is somewhat younger than ideal, but not as traumatic as you might think. From my research, the consensus that is most common for the "ideal" age to separate pups from litters is at 7 weeks. Some say sooner, some say later. But what's really important is what happens in their new environment. With proper veterinary care, love and socializing interaction there is no reason in the world to think a pup doesn't "at least has good potential for good health." Maybe you didn't your reply to be quite so over the top, but if I had little to no knowledge of pups, it would have frightened me and that isn't helpful to anyone.

[TorchTheWitch]

28. I've spent years researching every aspect of dog breeding

and know what I'm talking about.

It SHOULD frighten people. People are constantly getting dogs they have no idea about their breeding and/or upbringing and then can't figure out why the dog has so many illnesses or dies. If people knew what is necessary in proper breeding and upbringing then the people doing the careless breeding and improper upbringing wouldn't find it so easy and we wouldn't be so unindated with so many unwanted health compromised dogs. I wish to God that I had known any of this before getting my first one who was improperly bred, taken from its mother at far too young an age and had a long list of health problems all his life because of it.

I don't know why you think my post was "over the top". The truth is never over the top, and the most decent thing anyone could do in this instance is warn the OP what they're getting into and why so they can make an informed decision whether or not to take on this pup or give them the chance to convince the acquaintence breeder to properly care for the pup until it is old enough to go to a new environment. And the truth is this pup still needs to stay in a confined and clean area with its siblings properly cared for until it is old enough to be sent to a new home REGARDLESS of the fact that the mother dog is rejecting the pups. Bad enough that they aren't getting the very necessary immunities through nursing, but to even further compromise them be sending them off into another home with new people and new animals before they're even old enough to have their second round of shots is just begging for trouble. The very least this breeder could do is make sure that the pups are properly cared for until they are old enough to be sold or given away. Any vet will tell you that before the THIRD round of shots a pup still has to be limited in it's contact with other people and animals because they aren't protected sufficiently. At four weeks this pup who is already immune compromised because of not being able to nurse would not yet even have had its SECOND round of shots.

And that's just the physical health. Behaviorally, it is necessary that the pups remain with each other until at least eight weeks of age. Bad enough that they aren't being cared for by their mother dog, but even worse to deprive them of each other as pups NEED to be with their litter mates until old enough to leave them.

[99Forever]

32. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

Last edited Sun Jan 1, 2012, 11:56 AM - Edit history (1)

I have little interest in having a debate with you over this. I'm sorry you've had bad experiences with your rescues or adoptions, but I see little value visiting such harsh criticisms on a good person trying hard to make a home for a pup in need. That's just how I see it and understand you view it differently.

Peace in the New Year.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

33. This is excellent info. I've been involved in breed rescue for over 10 years now.

I have learned a lot from reputable breeders and from other rescuers. What TTW is saying should give one pause.

The behavioral issues that can result from taking pups away from their littermates too soon are the hardest to compensate for. One can keep them warm, keep them fed, keep them away from sources of infection - but how does one teach them how to be a dog that knows how to interact with other dogs ?? Those skills also transfer to how they interact with the leader of their pack - their person and other people.

[99Forever]

34. Yes..

.. and in an ideal world, there wouldn't be any need for rescue because all pet owners would be responsible and have their dogs (and cats) spayed and neutered and every pup (or kitten) would find a perfect home at exactly the "correct age" with every one of their needs met.

Unfortunately we live in the real world and sometimes we have to do the best we can with situations as they actually are, not as we wished they would be. I commend your 10 years in breed rescue, been rescuing and fostering ourselves for as far back as I can remember, several decades, at least. Some of the very best dogs we've known have come from the most dire of circumstances. Some aren't so fortunate, but one thing I for sure, it's NEVER the pup or dog's fault that they are in a tough place and they ALL deserve a chance to have a decent life.

It sounds to me as if Uppity has a good handle on the challenges she'll be facing. That's just my take and I prefer giving helpful support to preaching about "how things should happen."

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

36. It may be "preaching" to you, to others it is

"educating".

Uppity is not the only one who will read these posts. Someone may learn something here that will be helpful in another situation and may prevent problems that may cause a dog to find itself in a shelter. So many are there because they are "biters" and many rescue groups can't take them. Their mothers and their littermates were supposed to teach them about bite inhibition and didn't - for a variety of reasons.

Unfortunately,their numbers are so high that many do not get a second chance - as I am sure you know, but others may not.

I'm sure that uppity is doing what she thinks is the right thing under the circumstances and I do wish her and the pup well. I hope the other pups are going to knowledgeable people, too. And that the owner's of the bitch will get her spayed.


Here are some articles to add to your research results and for others to learn from:

http://www.bestfriendcompaniondogtraining.com/images/Prevent%20Future%20Shelter%20Dogs.pdf

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html

http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/51/97/

[99Forever]

37. Another person with which I'll..

.. just have to agree to disagree with.

Have a nice holiday.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

44. I hope you had a nice holiday, too.

Mine was spent quietly with my dogs, me catching up on my newspaper reading and crossword puzzle solving.

If you have results of your research that it is OK to separate pups from their littermates before 8-12 weeks of age, please share. I don't see anything on the internets or in any of the books on my dog bookshelf

[99Forever]

45. You seem to have misunderstood what ..

.. I was saying. Maybe I wasn't clear. I agree that it's not good to separate pups at too early an age, if you had read the entirety of my posts you would have seen that. I'm NOT going to "debate" a position I have never taken, OK?

Where I don't agree with you, is in your preachy, talking down to, lecturing of the the person who started this thread. The people who really need to hear that, neither come to a forum such as this or listen when you do it. As Uppity pointed out SEVERAL times, this pup NEEDED a home NOW, and she is providing it. Multiple INCORRECT assumptions were made about the situation, which she tried, apparently in vain to correct. Yet it fell upon deaf ears. Quite frankly, it strikes me as quite rude and insensitive.

It's not a perfect world, especially for animals that NEED rescued. Getting up on your soapbox and reading the riot act to those of us willing to open up our hearts and homes to do it, is just plain counter-productive.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

47. I am sorry that you took my post that way.

That was not my intention at all. Maybe I read your posts too quickly.

Uppity did what was best in this situation. I just wanted to make it clear that taking pups away too soon is not best practice.

[99Forever]

48. No harm, no foul.

I think we're all on the same side here. Sometimes it gets goobered up when trying to get our thoughts across on this medium is all.

[uppityperson]

50. I in no way wanted a puppy this young, tried talking the owners into 8 weeks since they

wanted to have them go at 6 weeks. Getting the phone call at 4 weeks made my heart sink since there are many of this litter that probably will not make it or not be good dogs due to health and socializing issues.

The pregnancy was unexpected in an inherited dog that was supposed to have been spayed.

I am tired from being up every few hours all night dealing with her needs and smiling because it is so cute when she sleeps flat on her back with arms/legs straight at sides, or when she shakes her "sibling" stuffed toy and falls over. Ferocious puppy! When she wakes during the night she whines or barks, I carry her outside where she pees and/or poops, then carry her back inside for a quick cuddle, then tuck back in with jars of hot water and stuffed toys and snooze. Unless she decides she wants to play a bit, then the bear, the hand, the puppy have epic battles and chase around. Then I try and get back to sleep, hoping that she will also.

[jwirr]

40. What do you suggest doing about the fact that the mother dog in rejecting her pups? That is not

good for them either.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

43. Feed them but keep the pups together.

That would be the best solution, IMO.

[jwirr]

46. This I understand.

[uppityperson]

51. I agree. Unfortunately this wouldn't happen in this situation.

I guess I could have take 4 puppies home instead of one. The puppies are now all gone from the place they were. I'm not sure if the unspoken for ones were supermarketed free puppies or not, but they are gone. Shit, now I'll feel bad at not taking the last 4 of them also.

I can do what I can do and can do 1. Ideally they should have all stayed together for at least 6 weeks if not 8 or 12. Second would be feeding them all together. I can do what I can do.

[dixiegrrrrl]

91. Message self deleted by author

[uppityperson]

12. thank you for your concern. Maybe you missed "multivax" in my OP. I'd rather rescue one than

have her killed outright.

I am not sure why you thing she couldn't nurse within the first hour of her birth, and vaccines aren't age appropriate yet but rest assured I will vx her when it is.

[TorchTheWitch]

29. rescue???

You said nothing about rescuing this pup and you most certainly didn't indicate that the pup would be killed outright. Why in the world would anyone get a pup from a breeder that is so horrible that they'd kill the pups outright???? WTF???

Pups need the immunities provided by their own mother's milk. Since the mother of the pups has rejected them obviously they haven't been nursing. REGARDLESS of the mother rejecting the pups they STILL need to stay in a confined sanitary environment with their litter mates ESPECIALLY because their mother rejected them. Exposing these pups to a different environment before they've had AT LEAST their first two rounds of age-appropriate shots is detrimental to their health and ESPECIALLY because their immune systems have already been hugely compromised because of their not nursing.

Since you seem so adament about getting the pup so young, it's vital to know what you're getting into. I would absolutely urge you to talk to the acquaintence and try to convince them how important it is that the pups remain together and in their accustomed controlled and sanitary environment until they are at least eight weeks old. Just why is it that this person is unwilling to do this, and why in the world would you need to be worried that they'd actually go so far as to kill the pups outright???

[uppityperson]

38. Witch, it does nothing positive to assume so much. Not a breed, not "adament about getting pups so

young" but an acquaintance with pups who said "take them now". Again, thank you for your concern.

[99Forever]

6. Don't be intimidated...

.. you can do just fine and your puppy can thrive.

Since Spring we've got an education on young pup rearing. For starters, we got Sadie May, a White German Shepard at age 5 weeks. A previous pup from the same place had Parvo and it's a very awful and often fatal disease that hits both pups that haven't been vaccinated and older dogs with compromised immune systems. It's CRITICAL to get your pup in for it's vaccinations when they are due. Normally the first should be at 6 weeks, second at 10 weeks, final at 16 weeks. Check with your vet to be certain, because without mommy's milk and it's antibodies, it might be different.

We did add 2% milk to Sadie's food for about a week, then gradually changed to water, then to just dry, our vet said the extra fat was helpful. He recommends Purina Puppy Chow because of it's balance. Says the pricier feeds aren't necessarily better and some aren't as good. Sadie May is now 7 months old and is a long legged beauty filled with energy and love.

Then our 1/2 French Bulldog/ 1/2 Boston, Lolah had a litter of 6 pups. When they reached about 4 weeks, Lolah couldn't keep up with their appetite, so we supplemented by feeding them a "slurry" of whole milk and Puppy Chow mixed in a blender for a week or two, changing over to water. Lolah weaned them completely at 5 weeks. At about 6 weeks we began to to see some diarrhea in them, the vet suggested it might be from the wet food, so we gradually reduced the water over a couple of days. Worked like a charm.

Anyway, congrats on your new family member and just have fun and patience with him(her). Pups are my most favorite thing in this world, besides grandbabies, that is. We're lucky enough to have both.

[99Forever]

8. Picture proof :^)

<a href="" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Sadie May at 5 weeks"></a>

Sadie May at 5 weeks.


<a href="" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Sadie at 6 months"></a>

Sadie May now.

[Walk away]

9. What a beautiful dog! nt

[Irishonly]

13. Sadie is beautiful

She would be a great candidate for a dog calander. Maybe we should do one.

[99Forever]

14. Neat idea...

... and thank you, Sadie is my sunshine. Here's a shot of 4 of Lolah's pups at about 10 weeks:

<a href="" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Tuffy, Long Tail, Leo, and Pookie"></a>


I might be a little biased, but I think they are poster worthy too!

[Chemisse]

18. I just love this picture.

I like the way they all have different poses. It's so cute.

[uppityperson]

15. What a fuzzy puppy/long dog. She is gorgeous.

Do you know her heritage? Very interesting.

[99Forever]

16. Sadie is a purebred..

... 100% White German Shepard. Very intelligent, and very active. Her parents are both owned by a decades long friend of my wife's.

[Chemisse]

17. Such a beauty! n/t

[get the red out]

57. She is STUNNING!

What a beautiful dog!

I am glad you have done such a great job with her. She certainly deserves love and care, they all do.

[99Forever]

58. Thanks..

.. she's the light of my life. Tomorrow we go to have her spayed and like any time they use anesthesia, there's some (not a lot,but some) risk. Please think happy thoughts that it goes routine.

[Walk away]

10. You'll be fine. Just get him to your Vet ASAP and make sure that diet is adequate and ...

he doesn't have any mild infections that need the anti-bs that he can't get from his mom. There are premixed formulas but home made mush is fine if they can digest it.

Enjoy staying up all night with a needy puppy. Just like a baby, it's exhausting but fun!

[uppityperson]

11. thank you for your thoughts and advice.

I've had several dogs, many cats, a human baby, and wanted to be a vet when I grew up but ended up in nursing. It is going to be something, glad my work schedule is slow for the next couple weeks.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

19. What does your vet say about taking a puppy this young ?

Healthwise, it might be OK, but removing them from their littermates before 6 weeks (and after 12 weeks) can lead to behavioral problems, specifically the lack of bite inhibition.

[uppityperson]

21. Rather than having her "put down", I brought her home. She ate puppy formula mixed with canned

puppy food, had a drink, is napping. I didn't want her until she was at least 6 weeks, better at 8, but took her rather than have her killed. I am following my vet's advice for food, vaccines, keeping warm, wearing her between my shirts, etc.

We rescued a young kitten from a supermarket give away since a couple guys were talking about taking her home and feeding her alcohol. Yrs later she still likes to be shoulder kitty but is ok.

I've worked not just with people and health but as a vet assistant for a while. It is a lot, and a bit overwhelming, but puppy's needs will be met. Have a sib who works with a wildlife animal rescue place feeding infant squirrels. Sounds like quite the experience.

[Walk away]

27. Baby!

What a little doll!

[99Forever]

35. What a cutie, have you named him (her) yet?

[Irishonly]

42. She is adorable

I have skimmed the thread and it sounds like you are doing everything right. Have you named her yet or did I miss it?

[Curmudgeoness]

22. Best of luck to you and the little one.

I have to agree with the people who say that this is too young, and socialization with littermates at this age would be crucial.

I don't know about where you live, but in PA, it is illegal to offer dogs for adoption before they are 8 weeks old. What this person who is offering this pup is doing may not be legal. And there is a reason for this law, and it is the well-being of the dog as well as the adopter.

I hope all works out----it still can. I have raised kittens who lost their mother when they were 1 week old, and they turned out fine.

[uppityperson]

23. She'll probably turn out thinking she's a cat. Socializing her as soon as can start vaccines will be

very important.

I am getting many good ideas here, it will be a challenge.

[Curmudgeoness]

24. And please spent tons of time with her until the cats take over

(that is IF the cats take over---you know cats!). Dogs are so social, and a puppy will need lots of time sleeping on laps and playing with others---people will have to do.

[uppityperson]

25. She was on my lap and wanted down, barked, so I laid on the floor on a blanket

she walked around the edge of the blanket, not going off it. We played with a little stuffed toy that was her size, pretending it was one of her sibs. She grabbed my pants, I found it her muzzle is touched just right she yawns. Then she crawled her front part onto my arm, laid her head down and fell asleep.

It will take time and energy and time, holding, playing with her, etc but dang that was cute. snooze

[Walk away]

26. We need video! nt

[TorchTheWitch]

30. no contact with other animals until AFTER

the third round of shots. This is VERY important. These pups are already enormously compromised because of their lack of getting immunities from their mother's milk. This is one of the reasons that the pup MUST be kept in a controlled and sanitary environment until after the second round of shots, and until after the final third round of shots the pup still must have no contact with other animals and minimal contact with people.

In PA it is illegal to sell or adopt out a puppy before the age of eight weeks, and their health is the biggest reason. I'd check the laws where you live and see if it is even legal for you to getting this pup so young, and if not then report the breeder. You should be reporting them anyway if you're seriously conserned that this person is actually going to kill them if they can't get rid of them right away. That's sick and fucked up in every way.

Getting the shots at the correct times is also vital because if you wait too long the previous shots are worthless.

Between 4 weeks and the third and final round of shots it is imperative that there be no socialization. The pup needs to be in a controlled environment until they are old enough and their health protected for socialization.

[uppityperson]

39. Again, it does nothing positive to jump to all those conclusions, to assume all that. Not a breeder,

for instance. Thank you for your concern but I am taking my vet's advice which differs greatly from yours. Him I know and trust for knowing what is best in my situation.

[yellerpup]

31. You'll do fine with your puppy.

I've raised kittens from 2 days old by hand (mother was shot the first time she went out to potty) and they were the nicest, best socialized kitties ever. You will be that puppy's mommy forever and have probably the best relationship you've ever experienced with an animal. My heart swells when I think of the good deed you are doing.

[Coyote_Bandit]

41. We took in a pup once that was less than a week old

Half cocker and half lab. Her Mom dug out of the yard and was hit and killed by a car. All of her pups were orphaned. We bottle fed her, got her shots, socialized her with our other dogs and had her neutered at the appropriate age. She was a wonderful family dog and lived a long, active, healthy life. She was put down at the age of 18 after a suspected stroke. I miss that dog.

If the mom wants nothing to do with the pup then you need to take the pup to the vet for a thorough examination. Sometimes that kind of behavior is an early indication of health problems. I personally would condition taking the pup on the results of that exam and the veterinarian's recommendation.

You also need to seek veterinary advice ragardng the appropriate care of this young life should you take this pup in.

[Texasgal]

52. I rescued my child at

six weeks.

She came from a backyard breeder who was later fined and had many dogs and cats taken away from the site.

She was very sick, had giardia and worms. We took her to the vet, loved on her and she is now a seven month old love snuggler! I agree that pets in general need to stay with the moms until they are atleast eight weeks. Our situation was different and I am glad that we were able to take her and nurse her to health and a vital part of our family.

I am excited for you UP! Just know that you will be up and down all night!!! No rest for you with a new baby in the house!!!

Here's the baby at seven weeks:

[IMG][/IMG]

[uppityperson]

53. awwwwwwww

[Texasgal]

54. how's it going?

Are the cats getting used to the baby?

[uppityperson]

55. The cats have been watching and sniffing her. Today for the 1st time SHE approached a cat

of course the cat's ears went back but they sniffed noses, then pup tried to lick the cat and cat went away rather quickly.

She has learned where her bed is. If she's out playing on the floor, when she gets tired she goes into the kennel and snuggles down in the stuffed toys (and water bottles). This morning she was barking while in her kennel with the door shut (for the night to restrain her and keep the cats out) so I took her out and on the way to the door she was squealing "don't wal, RUN! I've gotta go!!" When I put her on the ground she didn't take her typical 4 steps but just squatted.

She's eating the puppy formula/puppy food mixture well. Has no clue what to do with a bowl of water, but I am sure that will come in time as her formula/food becomes less liquidy and more solid.

And she loves her little teddy bear, fights with it growling and shaking her head, then drags it around and flops down with her head on it. Of course I play with her with it also, playing the role of sibs pulling on ears, knocking her down, etc.

I am tired though. Too many night wakings for this old person. Oh well, it'll pass soon enough, and then they become teenagers and parents become stupid....wait, that is kids.

[Texasgal]

56. Oh yes! Loss of sleep

is the worst!

Beaulah mae kept us up for for days on end and our other dog ( Quincy also a Boston ) was just ticked off. My 14 year old cat diva wasn't so happy either! LOL!

It get's better... She has been slowly learning how to potty outside. She eats her own food now, instead of Quincy's or the Kitty's. She sleeps through the night now, in our bed cuddled up to my pillow. The eating of cat turds and running off are still big issues though we are working on it!!

Good luck, the lil' baby looks like a charm!

[uppityperson]

59. Update. She went from 3.5 to 4.5 lbs in the last weeks, is eating canned puppyfood without mixing

with formula. I gave her formula in a dish and she lapped it up also, am hoping she will learn to drink water this way. She has her vet exam/vaccine appointment for her 6 week birthday. She no longer falls over when she shakes her head and has almost outgrown her first teddy bear, has moved on to LambChop with squeakers in its feet.

Sleeping from 11 pm-6 am and doesn't pee/poop in her kennel when the door is shut (at night). I carry her out, put her down and she pees, though now takes 5 min to poop since there is A PIECE OF GRASS!!!!

I've had to grab her by her scruff a couple times when she decided to attack my hand beyond comfort and not get distracted by the stuffed toy. She yells, then settles down and we cuddle, then back to the toys.

Puppies sleep a lot. After the first couple days, she is sleeping a lot, rather like puppies do. When she wakes up she likes to play for 15 to 30 min the sits down, that's it. Time to nap again.

So far so good. Oh, the cats? They still can't figure out what she is.

[uppityperson]

63. Another pound gained in a week, 6 week vx gotten and this is so much fun & tiring

Realizing there is a reason people my age aren't fertile. Am tired but all is well and very fun.

[Irishonly]

64. Thanks for the updates

You and the new baby are doing well. My DH wants to get a puppy. He is getting the look from me. I would love to have a puppy but also know so many need to be rescued.

[uppityperson]

65. I've not had a puppy for 30+ yrs. this is something. I remind myself of when I had my baby

updates and pictures to family all the time....

Poor family. Poor Pets group Duers.

[Irishonly]

66. Lucky Duers

We love seeing the pictures and reading the updates.

[Stinky The Clown]

67. I don't think there is any one in thsi group who doesn't want to see pictures.

Please post a picture of your puppy in our pinned picture thread, here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/11611046

[Irishonly]

69. Arrow is getting big

She is a beautiful girl. Yams look like they are a good substitute for teething rings. Having a fur baby makes you feel young, doesn't it? When I walk my two I forget about all of my aches and pains for a bit. The last half mile we get to stop and sniff the roses, grass, trees, ect..

[uppityperson]

72. I researched raw yams and it said to grate & put in her food. She does the grating so far with those

sharp puppy teeth. Having a walk with her is very fun, some activity and ....SQUIRREL!!!! more walk and....RAINDROP!!!! She's started carrying cones and small bits of wood as we walk. Very fun.

[Irishonly]

73. My husband wants a puppy

I am starting to lean towards it and seeing Arrow and all of the puppies in this group makes the yearning grow. She sounds absolutely perfect.

[mopinko]

81. dehydrated yams make great chewie toys.

i have sliced them fairly thick on my mandolin and dehydrated them. but i think i will cut them with the fry cutter next time.

[uppityperson]

82. Thank you, that is a great idea. I was given a dehydrator and will try that. Do you need to blanche

them first, like when you dehydrate other veggies for eating, or are they fine just sliced/dried? Thank you for the idea, inexpensive chew toys.

[mopinko]

83. i just dry them.

no fuss, no muss.

[Stinky The Clown]

70. She looks like she's hugging the yammie!

Quite a trip from a 4 week old puppy, huh?

Sparkly lets our three maniacs lick the cat food cans. The little Shih-Tzu, who is not a whole lot bigger than your puppy, loves to play with them. Problem is, she chews right through the metal. It worries me that the sharp metal could cut her gums. I think tomato paste is in a steel can, not aluminum like the cat food cans, so you may be okay.

[uppityperson]

71. It is something. I made the edges of the can smooth, was going to be for a toddler, set of stacking

cans. We are being very watchful so she doesn't chew through it. It is quite a change from a 4 week pup. I have to keep reminding myself that just because she's lived with us for a month+ doesn't mean she is older than she is. She's the age where she might be coming home with me, if all had gone well.

So, play a bit then down for a nap, even if she fusses. We tried letting her nap on a bed out in the livingroom but it is too exciting so she got really cranky. Back in her room, all is quiet and time to snoose.

She doesn't like airplanes or cars, too noisy and tries to climb up me for a snuggle when a plane flies over. Fuzzy baby still.

[Stinky The Clown]

74. Well she's cute as can be

And she obviously has a great pet parent!

[ceile]

76. She's gotten so big!

Is she a border collie?

[uppityperson]

77. Hah. Many people have asked that but no, she is a 5 month old golden retriever/lab-chow mix

She is the right size for a border collie right now and we get that a lot. Then funny stares when I tell them she's a golden mix, 5 months old. She just lost a couple pre-molars and has bloody stuffed toys today.

We're figuring she'll be 60-70 lbs when full grown, is 35 now. She is very fun and different work now but it is great she finally got above coyote-snatch size.

[Stinky The Clown]

78. From puppy to dog . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . and soon enough, DAWG.

[Irishonly]

79. Wow

She is a beauty.

[livetohike]

80. She's gorgeous

and I see a bit of mischief in her eyes .

[Rhiannon12866]

84. Awwww! What a pretty dog!

I love the markings and she has the sweetest face, looks like a very intelligent pup...

[MadrasT]

85. Gorgeous

Can't believe how fast she's grown.

[kas125]

86. She's beautiful!

[Irishonly]

87. Aireau has grown to be a drop dead, make your heart go pitter patter, young lady

You have done an outstanding job of raising her. I am always so happy to see pictures of her.

[uppityperson]

88. Thank you. I was 2nd person up today and missed the bounce in circles I'm so excited to see you bit.

Instead I got the "I'm going to sit at your feet with my head in your lap to gaze adoringly at you while my tail beats the floor" bit. Both are fun situations but usually I am 1st up so very much appreciate the head in lap.

[MuseRider]

89. She is beautiful!

Simply beautiful! I have pruned couches too Also the base boards are a bit gnarly in a few spots. Oh well. You fix them when you can but until then you have a great dog who is learning.

You did very well growing that little thing up. She looks happy and content.

Adding: I love the strip up the side of her face, very cute.

[get the red out]

90. That is one beautiful dog

She has grown up so beautifully with your loving care! She is on her way to being an incredible.

I thought she looked like a BC too, but I had just read the post where she was 12 lbs at 2 months and that would be a bit big, LOL.