First Dinner

Dixie has been trying to get into Phoebe's food, a strong signal she's ready to start weaning. Here's how the first dinner went:





Too full to move!

Determined Dixie

We are constantly finding Dixie outside of the box now! No matter what size board we put up, she manages to climb over. She always makes a beeline for her mom, so poor Phoebe is finding it hard to get a break. Tomorrow's project is to start Dixie on gruel and move the girls to the other dog room, which is bigger and puppy proof.

Three Weeks Old

Dixie is getting so big! She's about three pounds, opened her eyes and ears last week and is starting to play with the toys I put in her box. She loves to snuggle with her "big brother" and has some favorite tickle spots to be scratched. Her walking skills still need some work but has no difficulty getting to mom when it's time to eat!
Dixie's had lots of visitor the last couple of week-ends. Phoebe is generally pretty good about showing off her baby, but I'm the only one who can pick Dixie up. If I don't stay by the box, Phoebe gets uncomfortable and always lets us know when she thinks her company has stayed long enough!

A Big Brother for Dixie

I found this great puppy pillow at Petco today. I thought it would be just the thing for Dixie as she's getting older and is probably noticing the absence of siblings and is missing snuggling against them. I say it's her brother as it's blue, but I'm not sure about what breed it is!

Little Traveler

This evening, David had quite a shock--Dixie was missing from the whelping box! She was across the room scooting around the dog food bins. He thought Phoebe had taken her out of the box, but when he put Dixie back in, she tried to get back over the board at the entrance. Obviously, she doesn't want to be on mom's schedule for meals but wants to find mom when she's hungry--which is almost all the time. I swapped the board for a higher one to discourage these forays--at least for another week or so--and noticed she was shaking. I picked Dixie up and she was making little whimpering sounds. She's not as brave and courageous as we thought! I cuddled her and held her close until she was quiet and fell asleep. I put her back in her warm box and watched her sleep for a bit, then gave her a good-bye pat--she was once again brave Dixie and growled at me!

One Week Old

Dixie reacts to lights going on and sounds now. It looks like the corners of her eyes are just starting to open. Phoebe is a very relaxed, proud mom. She generally gives Dixie the whole box--probably finds it too warm for herself--but is very watchful of the goings on in there. Dixie will call her mom, actually sounding like she is saying "Ma" or "Mom"!



Phoebe taking a break

Three Days Old

Big changes! She's growing like crazy and is turning into a puppy! We've called her various nicknames--Sausage, Dumplin'--but decided to call her "Dixie" while she's here as she was conceived on Robert E. Lee's birthday!