Day 23

A relaxing morning on the deck. Boise summer mornings are so lovely.

Let’s talk about Jasper.

He is lovely and I get lots of comments about him.

When he was two days old, I was already saying that he has the Puppy “IT” Factor. His extra white will shrink and likely won’t be a big issue for the show ring, if he turns out to be a “show” puppy.

He is also busy. He was, of course, the first to find the ramp Cindy has lent us. I will use the ramp for the two steps to the grass but for now, it is out so they can get used to it. Jasper discovered it and hopped on up. That is how he is.

He was also the first to find the other new thing — a crate.

And he was the first to go in the crate — of course he was.

People get attracted to the look of a puppy but that is not what makes a good fit. Puppies must be placed based on the gifts they bring into the world. I know from experience that a puppy like Jasper has star power in the right home. He will have that home.

Star Garnet is just a notch or two down from Jasper in terms of “busy.”

She found and mastered the ramp quickly as well.

She headed off to explore the crate with Jasper.

And she is also quite lovely and striking.

It would be a safe bet to guess she is staying at my house.

The other two boys are so lovely and more moderate in terms of “busy” than Jasper or Star Garnet. This is Sapphire.

Topaz.

These puppies are all quite special for so many reasons. The pedigrees. The health clearances. Temperament. The working ability. So many reasons.

Sapphire and Star Garnet

They all have star power in their own ways, and my job is to make placements that maximize their gifts. That is what they each deserve. 🩷💙💙💙

(Later)

Topaz 💙

Also Topaz 💙

Jasper and Topaz play series.

Capella and I took the puppies in pairs to the grass today. They look so small in the grass.

Sapphire

I love this photo of Capella and Sapphire 💙

Star Garnet 🩷

Star Garnet in profile 🩷

Besides from being at risk of getting lost in the grass, the Great Outdoors was a big success 😊

And Jasper is undaunted by the door on the whelping box — he must know he will keep growing 😂

💎

Day 22: Back in the Laundry Business (Updated)

The new washer and dryer arrived this morning — thank goodness! Guess what I will be doing all day?!

While the new appliances were being installed, the puppies and Capella listened to NPR on the deck.

I have a good-sized covered deck — it was one of the things I REALLY wanted in my new house and it is perfect for puppies.

I will widen their outdoor space to include some of the yard when they are four weeks old but for now, the deck is a perfect size for them.

Topaz

Of course, they are never relegated outside by themselves — I am always close by.

Sapphire

Outside is where they go to have fun and play but they live in the house. That is true for the entire time they are here with me.

Star Garnet

Familiar things and their mom have made outside easy and comfortable ❤️

Topaz

It is amazing how much puppies change. Cindy noted that they were changed even in just two days, and she is right. I sometimes see it in the space of a day.

Jasper

The kids were in Oregon for a few days but are now back — they are excited to resume Camp Puppy later today. Kira and Jay, also regular puppy visitors, were gone for a few days as well and will see the Gems today. They are all going to be so amazed!

🩷💙💙💙

(Later)

The puppies had another busy day. Kira and Jay visited them, and yes, Kira was amazed at how much the puppies changed since Saturday when she last saw them.

Camp Puppy is a big hit for all concerned. This is Berkeley and Sapphire.

Lincoln and Star Garnet.

The puppies are still struggling to understand this whole water thing.

Topaz

Something new — a wobble board!

Lincoln was an excellent coach and cheerleader for the puppies as they mastered the wobble board.

Jasper.

Another precious day with the Gems 💎💎💎💎

Three Weeks (Updated)

My washer decided to give up the ghost, which is a wee bit problematic when you have puppies. I do laundry all day long 😬 The washer/dryer that came with the house are old and so not a big surprise. Just inconvenient.

I spent the morning deciding what to do about this — thanks to Cindy for her advice 🙏 — and the new washer and dryer arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, Galen and Bethany will provide laundry service — whew.

In puppy news, the Scamper Fairy visited overnight — everyone is trying to run and twirl this morning, with varying degrees of success.

Sapphire with a new toy

The Tooth Fairy also visited — tiny teeth are poking through.

Sapphire and Topaz

I can’t believe the Gems are three weeks old today! This is Star Garnet.

Sapphire.

All the puppies are quite social, which is great because three weeks old is the official start of puppy visiting season.

Let the visiting begin!

(Later)

I love this photo of Jennifer and her daughter with Sapphire 💙

They came today along with a friend, Maddy, and a good time was had by all.

They brought wonderful presents for the Gems, including this blanket.

Jasper

How perfect is that?! THANK YOU Graffunders!

I attempted to do three-week photos on the blanket. It was more of a rodeo than last week. The camera did not know how to handle all the white in the blanket and the puppies would not hold still. I used the Nikon and then tried my iPhone. I waited until the puppies were sleepy and then tried when they were just fed and so on.

I got a couple of okay photos of two puppies.

Star Garnet

Sapphire.

And this includes all three boys so we shall call this their official three-week photo.

Topaz and Star Garnet.

The puppies are getting pink stains on their muzzles. They are exclusively nursing so I worry that they are causing micro tears on Capella when they nurse. I dremeled everyone’s nails this afternoon and then filed them — I hope that helps. You can see what I mean in this photo of Jasper.

Also, isn’t he so cute?! Well, they all are 🩷💙💙💙