Day 24 (Updated)

Mary-Ann Sontag June 28, 2025

We hear normal neighborhood noises out here on the deck in the morning. This is so good for the puppies. This is Sapphire.

Puppies are doing a few awkward steps of trotting and running — amazing. And this is what it looks like when they perk up their tiny ears.

Jasper.

Today’s new thing is the Zoey Ball. Jasper was all over it, cementing his status.

And then my camera ran out of battery — oops.

Happy Saturday to you 🩷💙💙💙

(Later)

Evening in the grass — Topaz and Jasper.

Star Garnet.

Topaz.

Capella with Jasper 💙

Sweet Dreams 💤💤

🩷💙💙💙

Day 23

Mary-Ann Sontag June 27, 2025

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.

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.

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)

Mary-Ann Sontag June 26, 2025

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.