I think the first 10 - 11 days of a puppy’s life is really just an extension of being in utero. Compared to other animals — horses, cows, and goats, for example — a new puppy or kitten is helpless and essentially still on life support, so to speak. Their engagement with the outside environment is basically nil — they eat and sleep and grow.
Topaz
But now — Day 11 — we are really starting to see things change. As I mentioned yesterday, both Jasper and Sapphire have eyes that are opening. Puppies are attempting to stand and walk (okay — lurch). And this morning we have yet another emerging developmental milestone!
Jasper
These open mouth photos — all taken this morning — are a sign that play is coming soon.
Star Garnet
Mouthing will be their first play activity, and so we can see that they are developing awareness of their mouths.
Topaz
Puppies — and development — are fascinating.
Sapphire (with Star Garnet)
The next week should be action-packed with developmental milestones.
Jasper continues to be a bold adventure puppy, striking in his size, substance, head, and flashy markings.
Jasper
He was the heaviest puppy at birth (17 ounces) and remains the Heavyweight Champion at 45.6 ounces as of this morning.
Handsome Sapphire, however, is gaining — literally. He is now 41 ounces; at birth, he was 16.2.
Sapphire
Weight gain for all four puppies is quite consistent. Jasper is 2.7 times his birth weight, Star Garnet is 2.6 times her birth rate, and Sapphire and Topaz are each 2.5 times their birth weight.
Happy Sunday ❤️