It really is hard for me to believe that the Gems are four weeks old.
Jasper
Isn’t time such a strange thing? It seems to go quickly when we are savoring something, and so slowly when we are waiting.
Puppies seem like they are in fast forward mode. Everything happens so quickly. You hardly get to enjoy the latest version of puppyhood before the next one arrives — hours later, it seems.
Sapphire
Teeth are growing and jaw strength is increasing. We have arrived at that stage when puppies hurt each other but are clueless about how that is happening. They will simultaneously chomp the ear of a sibling and look very concerned about the cries of pain from that sibling — but not understand how to make it stop (i.e., stop biting!).
Sapphire and Jasper
It is a painful stage for all of us.
The Gems are still exclusively nursing. Teeth are not a barrier to nursing — you cannot suck and bite. Try it!
Sleepy Topaz
And when they do bite, which they will, Capella will remove herself and puppies will quickly learn that biting closes down the Milk Bar.
Star Garnet
Milk from their mom is optimal nutrition for babies, and the Gems are still babies. There is no need to substitute inferior nutrition by introducing “solid food” at this time. They are growing and healthy, and so they will be exclusively nursed until they are close to six weeks.
Jasper
The Gems will not be fully weaned until they leave for new homes.
Creating new life is a significant responsibility — I believe one should do it as well as humanly possible.
Star Garnet
That is why I am so focused on such things as optimizing the lactation process, doing fecal samples instead of unnecessary deworming medication that can upset the developing GI system (which is part of the immune system), and using titers to avoid overvaccination.
My commitment to doing things well is why I have slept next to the whelping box for the past few weeks, only leave my house — very briefly! — if I have a puppy sitter, and pay close attention to the puppies’ environmental stressors and their reactions.
Topaz
It is all about getting things “just right” so that the puppies have the best possible start to their lives. I want that for the Gems, and also for the humans who will share their lives with these puppies 🩷💙💙💙
(later)
I think I am going to give up on the official photos! UGH. This photo of Jasper is perfect for how things went — for such a handsome dude, he was not in the mood any of the five attempts I did with him 😂
Sapphire — he just wanted to take a nap or chew on the gems.
Topaz and Star Garnet were the cooperators today. This is Topaz.
Star Garnet.
Notice her star garnets!
I will likely try one more time next week. Probably. Maybe.
This is from the morning — not sure how I missed posting it. I love this photo of Topaz.
He is so charming 💙