21 days old

I noticed more changes in the pups this week. They have their eyes open, can walk, and are learning to bark. There is a greater competition to get to Alda, to nurse. They are starting to grow teeth, but are still only nourished by mom's milk. Alda is more active and also is beginning to spend more time outside the pool. She stands up to greet me and will stand between my knees so I can scratch the top of her rump. She is shedding (hormonal thing) so fur is flying.

The pups weigh between 3.7 and 4.4 pounds. They get their nails and the identifying patch of fur clipped weekly. The shaved patch of fur is so they can tell who is who.

Next week, they are going to be removed from the pool and placed on shredded newspapers on the floor.

Alda nursing the pups while standing
Alda nursing the pups while down