Now, no longer a litter, just the Girls!

Looking back, it's such a change. I remember the exhaustion of keeping up with everyday chores of cleaning the puppies, their play space, pee pads, and making sure the overall house was clean as there was a time when the puppies were little that I invited guests over to visit and play. Around 6 weeks I allowed visitors to come - primarily our neighbors.  They were always so delighted to stop by and play with the puppies and asked if they could baby-sit for awhile.  As time quickly passed, the puppies grew to a point that all had to have a home of their own. Following all their shots and preparation for the public grounds, I took turns taking them out for walks.. to the park, beach, you name it! They were babies, and angels at that.  Dogs are quite possibly the closest animals to humans, and we have to show them our love.  They share their only experiences in life with us and give to us unconditionally. 


If I had the breeding experience to do it all over again - circumstances presented themselves in a similar fashion - I would quite possibly have called a breeder within the area and asked if she/he could be a surrogate mother for the puppies.  I am not sure that this is something that people do, but it would have been much easier!  Something to be done possibly outside or in a separate location, but with access to the mother. I had not experienced quite an experience such as this, but overall, from what I have heard from other breeders in the area, I had it easy - for larger breeds have more energy and need more space to 'stretch their legs.' Did you ever wonder why larger dogs find their new homes sooner?  I am sure this is the reason.. quite simply they grow out of their homes a lot sooner.  

Mozart: Updates are Fun!

Mozart is doing well with his mom.. and he is going to go out for Halloween as a cowboy!  I am so happy to hear from my extended family members.. :)

Happy Halloween!!

~K

Life Goes On..

Well, their lives have all settled into new homes.

Hershey, the only girl has settled in my home with Chloe. They are perfect mates. They play together during the daytime walks to the park, and love each others company at home. It brings out a very different side of Chloe as well. She is more playful, loving and is sharing a fun loving side that I never have seen before.

And she looks younger as well. :) Perhaps we people can learn a little something from the pups!

Mr. Pacino..

The last to find a home, Mr. Pacino. He really is a love. We had a wonderful time getting to know him one on one, and he is wonderful.. Much cuddling, lots of playing, and just all around well behaved. I am very proud of my little group, and hope that they give their new families all the love and support they have for me.

Best wishes to the new families..

All has settled

This moring we had a great time visiting with some Rincon Hill locals (puppies too).. It was fun.. lots of running and tumbling and just a little downtime. It was great to see them all playing so well. All is well now.. and everyone is taking a nap..

A recent email came from Mozart's mom.. All is well and he is keeping his usual, upbeat personality and his name.. :) We are happy he found a perfect home.

Just this weekend a voicemail came and we found that our Chubbs went to the vet for his first checkup, he is well. He now has a premiere health insurance and doing well with his new Family.

My posting certainly did connect the best people for my little ones..

Our house has changed..

Our house was so very quiet the day Chubbs and Mozart left.  

It was a strange occurance when the two puppies left. Everything was very very still all of a sudden.  Chloe turned her back and faced the wall. No one barked, or misbehaved -the puppies just lay in their bed and didn't make a peep..  A very somber moment indeed.

I was worried at first, because I wondered how the little ones that went to new homes would react.. But as I have heard back from both new households, I know all is well. 

It has been two days since, and everything has now settled. They behave perfectly.  Peeing on their pad on the balcony, getting some fresh air, coming back into the house and staying in their spot by the door.  Once a day I take everyone for a walk - this has been quite the task, but all has gone well.  They enjoy sniffing the trees and Pacino has learned to pick his leg up to the trees!  Unbelievable.. Carter still squats.. (the innocent)  Hershey I have decided becomes a Tom-Boy outside.  She barks at everything she doesn't like.  That includes but is not limited to birds (pigeons) people running or hopping, bikes, dogs, and a number of other unmentionables.  Pacino has had a difficulty going up and down stairs, but he is quickly getting over it.. we work on it every day. 

It is great.. I am learning a new dimention of them every day.. loving it..

Puppies Information

http://www.kvvet.com/KVVet/assets/html/09INNL01_puppies.asp?refcode=09INNL01

I love this post by Martha Stewart about Miniature Schnauzers... Check it out:

http://tiny.cc/7tqFZ

My advertizement on Oodle looks like this..

Pacino is 4 months old, full of energy, smart, well behaved, potty trained, and good with children. His parents are both Mini Schnauzers -AKC & APRI Registered) He is up to date on his vaccinations, including his rabies He has had his dew claws removed, tail cropped and registered pedigree - APRI Registered.

Pacino has been raised indoors since birth in a loving environment with constant attention. We are looking for his forever home.

2 Homes, in One day..

First off - Sunday they finished their shots, as well as rabies.. so off to the beach we went.. :) What a blast.  Pacino loves the ocean, and wanted to run right on in.. (amazing he doesn't think like that at bath time.. All the others were just walking and observing except Hershey.. well she had a lot to say to everyone.. and not a moment to loose.. 

Then just yesterday (Monday) we found two homes for two of the little ones... Here is a synopsis of how the first day after shots unwound..  

Yesterday Pacino and Chubbs went around the block with their mom.. Pacino still needs sometime to adjust to walking.. why? Well, he is a just a little shy to walk anywhere, and from time to time, he will just stop.  Randomly.  It is as if he is telling me to pay attention.. (at first though, I didn't notice because I had put him on the Y link with his mom, and she pulled him down the street) Now, I put him on his own leash, and we stop for him when he stops.. to let him know everything is okay.   It is amazing how different they are.

Down the street we go, until we find ourselves at South Paw to have a bath at the bath house.. What a great day.. 

First off, they had baths.  Chubbs was first in the tub.  He was amazing. He was scrubed, and had suds.. rinsed, dryed and combed out to finish.  On the floor he goes. Pacino waited in the tub as a friend from our building stopped by the store to buy some treats.. Ms. Jackie.  

They were exceptionally good.  

Pacino was next in the line-up of puppies to be washed.. He went fast too.. in and out.. but combing him took a little time.. He had some issues around his back legs from being dragged by Chloe..

Well after we were done cleaning, they had the RARE opportunity to sit behind the desk with Shireen at South Paw, and met a set of Golden Retreiver sisters and a beautiful older sheltie. They didn't know how to react at first because they had never been out before.  Not to mention we have Mr. Shy, Pacino.  But, they did great!  

After a little while, we were off to the park to meet some other interesting charachters.. Captin - a vishla puppy (9 Mo.) who loves to play tricks.. and some others (two goldens who couldn't pass up the opportunity to steal their sqeeky ball..) They were exceptional at recall.  I left them on thier leashes and used treats to work on keeping them within a reasonable distance.  Chubbs doesn't like to play, but Pacino loves a little bit of a tumble.. as we found out from spending some time with Captin..We stayed outside for a good 2 hours, and back in again to get Mozart to come out and meet a few people.  

Here we were.  Chloe, Chubbs and Mozart spending time with two families and us learning about them.  We had a great time.  Everything worked out well.  They were so well behaved and even Kubo found his way to the park to scope out what was going on.. So the families were able to see both the Mom and the Dad..

Today we are missing them but we send our prayers out and ask God to bless them and their new familes.. I hope they are blessed throughout their lifelong journey.

Notice. Added information to BlogCatalog

Hi everyone, 

I just wanted to let you know I am now a member of the BlogCatalog.  It is an online community of public bloggers who share their information in specific Categories.  I am under the pet's section! 

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blogsearch/Schnauzers/

Happy reading!

FOOD: PUPPIES & CHLOE

Puppies.

I use for the puppies Royal Canine.  They love it.. And eat it much much too fast.  Luckily the food is in little chunks and they can digest it really easily.

Chloe, aka Mommy.

When I started with my dog, Chloe, I couldn't find the food the previous owners gave me and I found myself in a fix.. Why?  Well, I found out really quick that my dog was sensitive to foods.  I started researching what types of foods irritate their stomachs and what doesn't..  After much research and doggy taste tests at the local pet stores, I found a winner!  Honest Kitchen produces a dehydrated dog food that works with her stomach, keeps her lean, her coat beautiful and shining - soft and healthy.  Best yet, she no longer has a watery stool from food allergies.  

It takes up very little space on my shelf and is worth more than 2.5 times the size of the package.  Half dehydrated food, half water, and mix.  Sometimes I supplement it with some raw meat that I also purchase at my local pet store, South Paw.  They sell both products.  

Chloe loves Force. And the little ones are jumping over each other for just a lick of her bowl when she is done.. It is made with chicken, veggies and fruits (like bananas!) It's amazingly healthy for her and helps her maintain a healthy weight.  It is an organic food with alfalfa, kelp, zucchini, bananas, rosemary, sweet potatoes, and a number of other goodies all mixed together.

When I'm not keeping an eye on the little ones, and trying to give Chloe her food, the little guys are trying to get to her food. They love it too.. but I have been keeping them on the puppy food for now because they are still little.. Soon enough though, I think it would be ideal to give them food from the Honest Kitchen as well.  Here is a website just in case you want to find out more or get some: Honest Kitchen.

If you can't connect with the link above please copy and paste: 

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/dehydrated-dog-food.shtml

Boy, it's been a while..

Well, the puppies are doing great.  They have started to blossom and now you can truly see their personalities.  Some had me fooled, I must admit! 

Here is a photo of the Father Kubo and his owner playing with the little ones.. Kubo has a sweater on that says "Dog"..

Here is a love moment.. :) I love it when they do the same to me.. :) Dog pile!

I had to make some minor adjustments in the arrangements as some personalities work better with others.. For instance, Mr. Carter loves Hershey.. 

Mr. Pacino loves to sit alone. He is exceptionally well at staying at the end of the bed.  He stays in his spot and pees' on the pee pad.. Mr. Shy always finds ways to amaze me.  

Mr. Chubbs is a socialite, but needs his space too - otherwise he tries to prove who is bigger.. and we know who will win that one.. 

Mozart can be alone, or he can have company.  He's still his peppy self.  Reminds me of a cheerleader..as much as he wags his tail.. and jumps up..

Here is a picture of the Father and some of the boys playing: Pacino and Chubbs playing with Kubo..

They are growing up.. :)

Just Chloe on some fun outings..

We had some fun times away from the kids..  getting some fresh air..

• CHLOE in the Golden Gate Park - we're looking for her ball..

• Chloe at the Beach - After a storm and there were so many rocks that day...

The little ones have grown so much.. I was looking over some of the pictures, and realizing how quickly things change.  They are certainly ready for their next steps.. into homes that they can call their own.   

Females, Do they really learn faster?

Unusual I say.  How on Earth could the smallest, most dainty puppy decide that she no longer wants to sit amongst her brothers?  Well she does.  I have almost in entirely gotten the work documented on film.  Miss Hershey, aka escape artist, is the only one who climbs the run like a ladder.  Why is it that she finds the run so confining that she wants out.. Every morning when I wake, she is out.  Each time I walk Chloe, the same, she is waiting by the door. Should I turn my back, she finds herself on the common floors with her mom without aid. 

Truly unbelievable..  In this case, yes, the Female is the most bright..

Yes, I completely agree..

Yes, I completely agree.. Puppies aren't for rent, they are companions for life.  I think it is best when you take time to reveiw the history of the breeds to see which one fits with you/lifestyle before committing to a puppy who will in the long run overwhelm you, and become misplaced in the process.. that would be a crushing moment..

I placed an ad on KiJiJi with my puppies.. Some part of me is excited, but another part has a difficulty opening them to people I do not know.  They have become members of my family, so whom ever becomes their family, in a way, will be a member of mine.. I just don't know how else to put it. 

I want them to have forever homes, and be happy.  They are all blessings to enjoy and be around.. even when they are mischevious..  I love them all just the way they are..

Grown up? or more mature with Style

A few weeks ago, I tried a cute sweater on Hershey, and low and behold, by the evening, the boys had removed the buttons that were on it.. So I took it off..

Just yesterday, I decided to go through Chloe's toy bin.. and I found a number of cute Tee's: A- list (2), Socialite with bubbly (2) and a lucky horse shoe on a brown tee.. So I decided to dress everyone up. At first I was just being silly. They are simply too young to wear clothes, which is why they took the buttons off Hershey's Sweater in the first place.. but, it's always good to try something new!

Outside it was as chilly as ever with the wind pouring down into the streets from the west. And so, I put a short pink and brown athletic dog jacket (with hoodie) for our afternoon walk. She at first didn't like the idea of wearing the jacket, because she doesn't like the hoodie bumping on her ears, but when we arrived to the outside, she appeared to have no concern, as it balanced the cold weather.

Ironically, the little ones I left running around in the condo were at their best behavior. This was the first time I allowed them to run around without me attending to them, and surprisingly, they didn't re-organize, go to the bathroom or do anything but play with their toys. (These little ones don't seem like puppies anymore.. they becoming too mature..) As a matter of fact, they didn't bite the tee's either.. was it because everyone had one on and they had to worry about their own.. ? Or was it that they have just grown up? Humm..

I wonder..

The house cleaners..

It's been a while.. and I am happy to say, I think they are old enough to let me get the house cleaned. I had been holding off because there was so much cleaning before, and now that has subsided considerably since they understand the wee-wee pad. So, yesterday at 4pm, the cleaners arrived with 3 persons to clean the house.

Rather than leaving, I let the little ones and mom stay in my room for the duration for the cleaning. They were curious. I never have allowed them in my room.. They went to all the corners of the room sniffing and touching things with their noses.. I especially enjoyed watching them run under the bed.. some of them lay under the bed and others lay next to their mom on her faux fur plush throw.

In the corner by the door I placed a wee-pad so they knew that if they had the need, they could do the deed... :) and they DID.. and consistently.. (I am a proud surrogate mom..)

After they finished cleaning, we went to the front room, everything looked ideal and spotless, even their waxed paper.. I placed the run in the middle of the living room floor (as usual) and put them in the pen one by one. Wonderful. This was a picture perfect moment.

Day 1: Introduction of the "Toy Container" to their run..

Good or No-Go?

Hum.. Well the verdict is still out.. I have lots of toys for them.. and I want them to play as much as they feel like playing.. but, I don't like the look of chaos; so they have a new container - brass ice container - where I will use to hold their toys..

I think they will get the hang of it.. and perhaps I can even teach them to put their toys back in the box when they are done..

I am just going to have to wait if they understand the functionality of the container..

Puppy Etiquette & Tests Revisited

I know.. You probably are asking, 'is there such a thing?' And for me there is.. Let's explain..

First off, I am still working on them eating like normal dogs and not in the hurried way as puppies do.. NO, I don't like to see them devour their food.. so I have been giving them each their own bowls.. The funny thing is they still seem to enjoy to share.. and oftentimes I see two and three sometimes at one bowl.. but they are getting better.

Second test.. different FOODS..
I love it that they are still puppies and I can give them things that they will learn to enjoy when they get older.. for example, I started giving them carrots.. I think treats are great.. I only wish that my older dog would eat some of the natural treats that I have in my refrigerator.. Schnauzers have a sensitive stomach (I learned this the hard way when Chloe - the mom - was a puppy.) They can't eat lots of rich foods... Such as pigs ears or even some of the fatty treats that they sell in the stores.. If they do, you will find out immediately that their system can't do well with it as they will get diarrhea.. and if you give it to them for long periods of time they are susceptible to disease(please check out this link for suggestions when bringing up a min. schnauzer http://www.wy-os.net/advice.htm). As is such, we are back to the carrots.. I would like for them to enjoy some of the fruits and veggies that I eat.. like the apple, carrot and perhaps a little bit of banana.

Third test.. THIS TEETHING THING..
I had a friend over this past week.. and what a delight.. She brought her little ones Johnny 5 and Sydney 8 respectively.. They were great with the puppies. I feel like saying, KID TESTED MOTHER APPROVED.. :) and, yes, the puppies were great with the kids..

The pups, some in particular, have a habit when they are overly excited, like to nip-kiss!) I really want them to stop this..

I think it could be caused by their teething..

When they do this, I either tell them "no," or hold tongues down to help them understand.. I am currently looking into other possible ways to remedy this.. as Mozart (the really happy, loving one..sometimes overzealous to please.. and yes, he gets this way) and the others do from time to time..but randomly.. and if you tell them "no" once.. they curb it..

POTTY TRAINING..
Well, to be honest, I am quite impressed.. Each morning I wake, I can see the results on paper.. They poo and pee on their "spot." They know not to soil their pen. They sleep together on the blanket and pee/poo on the pad. When I wake, it is so easy to clean.. I'm proud..

When they run around the house though, sometimes they surprise me with a treat (no. 2) in the bathroom. They know that that is where I go to the bathroom and I presume they think that they can do it too... well.. I have a thought, perhaps should put a spot in there as well. They are learning, and although they get the no. 2 in sometimes the wrong places, they are catching on.. ++ I had a talk with all of them about that bathroom incident with the issue in question.. (aka poo in the bathroom..) I will have to take a second look later.. and see how they do!

LAST ONE:
Well, Brittani, my younger sister, introduced Mozart to playing with socks.. NO GOOD. I wish she had not done that.. Now it is catching up you know.. They are getting bigger, and each time they have a chance to go in her room, they always bring out a sock.. Of course I intercept it.. but they have this idea that it is okay to play with socks.. WOW.. it isn't.. as tug-a-wars can lead to rips in socks.. Believe it or not, the same one instigates.. So, I have to keep an eye on him..as he and Pacino are best buddies...

2nd Shots!

This Sunday we did as most people do.. waited in line with our little ones in crates and shopping cart to get the second set of shots.. The line (this time) luckily wasn't as long.. perhaps it was because it was almost lunch? Humm...

Well, ironically, the little ones witnessed a distressed young puppy getting a shot.. (screaming..for quite sometime and just in front of them..) I thought oh boy.. they are going to learn by example.. and so I started talking to them as they were waiting telling them.. oh it's going to be okay.. (Mind, yes, they are not human..but I wanted to cover all bases!) So I talked to them and now it is their turn.. I meet the veterinarian, and hand to her my 3 forms..with all their names and the list of shots to be administered.. They are 3 months old now.. And today, they are getting de-wormed and their second set of parvo shots.

As we arrive to the front of the line, the veterinarian suggests that we go in order of the names.. (luckily.. I wrote them in correct order.. Top crate first with Carter, Mozart and Hershey..

She calls the first and asks me to open it's mouth for the de-wormer.. I was shocked to hear her ask for the mouth.. I don't know what I expected, but Mozart was first. Mouth (de-wormer), then shot (parvo).. No screaming.. Next Carter, same.. No Scream.. No anything.. They were so good.. We went through the entire line of babies, and they were all good.. No whining or squirming or anything.. they were all good.. I am proud of my little troopers.. :)

Second set of shots accomplished~

Feeding Time.. Experiment -YES -This is a Test..

VS

Well, today I issued a test.. I placed equal amounts of Royal Canin in each puppy bowl and placed them in various locations around the house.. I wanted to do a test to see if they would eat as fast or need to share as they do when I have placed the 2 larger bowls in their pen. And, low and behold the result was interesting..

First off, not all of them could eat alone. First to move was Mozart (red ribbon)- our little lover.. He wanted to eat with Chubbs (green Ribbon).. Who is clearly the lead on eating food! So I placed him back to his bowl. Then ironically Pacino (orange ribbon), went to Carter's bowl.. I didn't expect that.. so I picked him up and put him back to his station at his bowl.

That wasn't all of the musical bowls though.. Miss Hershey came to Chubbs bowl, when her bowl too was more than half full.. After Chubbs was done, he rushed to Hershey's bowl as she was eating the last drop.. I presume they will need more one on one bowl time before they are ready to eat alone..

The funny thing was who finished first, second, third, etc..

Well here is the line up:
1. Chubbs
2. Hershey
3. Mozart
4. Carter
5. Pacino

Unbelievable really! I was shocked! I can understand Chubbs being first, but HERSHEY? And the smallest/lightest Mozart and Carter not placing in last.. unbelievable really!

New Medallions... and a new Attitude

Well, they were surprised when I put around the medallions around their necks! And they carry them well.

Our neighbors Lesley and Peter were so kind to give each of them one! I can't thank them enough.. I decided one by one which medallion worked with each puppy..

1. Pacino has the most unique, Skull and Crossbones
2. Hershey has the Pink one, with a crown on it
3. Mozart has the Red, with a crown
4. Carter has a Blue one matching his ribbon, with a heart on it..
Last but certainly not least,
5. Chubbs he has the purple medallion with the heart on it.. (purple heart)

I haven't taken them off since I paired them up with each of them.. and they fit their personalities so well!

Pacino & The hair Cut

The update since I spoke to you last.. Well, I trimmed another one.. Pacino.. And he (well..) took it well, until the little ones all jumped on him.. and really bullied him.. I didn't let them do it for long.. because I could see he was not as playful as the others.. so I picked him up and told him what a wonderful little boy he was and that his hair looks precious.. After coddling him for awhile, I put him with his mom in her chair.. He responded much more confidently (ironically). Chloe just smelled him.. just to make sure he was still hers.. but after that, everything was fine.

That's our little Pacino!

Just an evening walk around the living room..

It's night time, and the only thing to do before they go to sleep is to tire them out! So the gate opens, and they run around the house.. they play fight, they hide under the couch, they sniff the corners of the room, chew on things they shouldn't.. while you aren't looking.. and then gently sit by your toes when you are at the couch and wait.. or jump on the side of the couch to ask you to pick them up.. It is wonderful.

They are just the thing to come home to.. always full of energy, and lots of love. I love all them..

PS, they have figured out "the spot" designated for their bathroom habits..

Full of Energy!

Oh they just need so much time to play! Very well then..

I love it.. So much fun.. Running back and forth from one side of the condo..

Chubbs!

I love them all.. but there is certainly a place in my heart for Chubbs..

Mid-day, I took him to the balcony in a washtub to get a trim. I thought it would be best if at least 2 of them had haircuts.. Perhaps even Hershey would feel better.. so I trimmed the most macho of them all.. CHUBBS..


He was good. I trimmed the hair on his back really short. He was exceptionally good - he didn't move - he sat patiently and waited for me to finish. When it came time to do the ears, he started becoming playful as well as a little curious. He started moving as I would touch his ear -- moving toward my hand.. and this made it difficult for me to trim.. Once repeating it a few times, I figured out how to out smart him. Done!With his haircut, he didn't look so big anymore; but he certainly is solid!

After dusting him off, I put him on the hard wood floors and let him walk around. His mom started to sniff him, just as she did with Hershey.. But he didn't respond the same way as Hershey.. Chubbs started play fighting with Chloe (mom). It was funny. After sometime, I moved him in the run with the others.. He did the same with them.. I could tell that he didn't have any problem growing into his skin (so to speak). He made the difference for Hershey - it appears he helps her to step out of her shell.

Right on Chubbs!

FUN.. FUN.. FUN.. Little Miss. Hershey

Today, I trimmed one of the little ones; the girl - Hershey. She was so well behaved! She waited patiently and sat quietly. I was shocked at how perfectly she stood and quietly she waited. First I placed the vibrating trimmer on her back to let her know that it wasn't anything to be afraid. When I felt that she was okay with the vibration, I started trimming her. It worked out well. She is as adorable as ever.


The one strange thing though is when I put her in the house to walk around, the boys didn't bark at her as they would usually. They just stared at her, like something was wrong. I was shocked.. They all typically bark if any one is outside the run, because they too want to get out! Chloe was with my sister when I first placed Hershey on the floor. Soon, she came out and when she spotted Hershey, she also took a GOOD moment to look at her. I was shocked! She sniffed her up and down.. She was following her around the house almost as if this wasn't her puppy.

Well it took a while, but Chloe stopped following her after a bit. I wasn't sure why all the little ones AND Chloe were flipping out. It was just a hair cut.. or was it? Did she change in character as well? Humm..

I let her gallivant around the house for sometime.. The boys still being really quiet and just watching, she seemed a little more shy than usual. I wanted to test her.. so, I put her in the run with the boys.. They started sniffing her just as Chloe did - strangely enough.

Okay.. Enough already! I took her out. I wanted her to get used to her hair and not feel like an outcast.. So she took a day trip with me, my sister and Chloe.

Here are some pics:
Today was her first day out! I am proud of her..

Exciting Day!

Wow! It was such an exciting day today.

From sun up to sun down, we have been playing.. learning some and playing even some more. It has been a good day. They all have responded quite well and never give up. I love it.

Excited to see them grow.

As I look just now, they are lying down and taking a rest. Perfect end to a perfect day.

Angels with a teething..

They are into licking and nibbling.. and though it appears to be something socially correct (as they are teething) and fun while they are young, I know from past experiences, these habits need to be curved.. so I am working with them to keep them from nibbling my fingers, ears toes or nose.. It is silly, it seems.. but I remember a time when my younger sister would 'play' with her baby colt .. a little bit of harmless tag.. Well, it did look like it was a lot of fun.. in fact, at a young age for this small colt it seems harmless enough. But I soon remembered that the the colt soon became a filly and then a full grown horse, and it still wanted to play with my sister.. and even me! Well, I wasn't exactly excited about a full grown horse running up to me and BUMPING me.. in a nonchalant way. Needless to say, it was forceful enough to knock a person down.

Now back to the nibbling.. yes.. They are puppies.. so I give them little toys to chew on.. that is the best.. and every once in a while, when I'm not looking, they are chewing on something that they shouldn't be.. my jacket, the wood on the whelping box, and sometimes Chloe's plush seat.. but when I give them a treat, they stop immediately and go for the grub.. I'm working on making chicken broth frozen cubes right now.. New tastes for the little ones..

The leash...

Chloe at 4 months refused to walk on a leash for over a week. It was the most difficult task I have ever had to endure. No other little one had ever responded as she did. She would sit and remain in her original seating position until I would have to pick her up and move her feet one at a time, as if to show her how to walk. Unbelievable. Once she understood she walked, but it really did take a week! I just don't want to see these little ones do that to their prospective owners..

So, today I have decided to work a little bit with the leash. I think it is important for the little ones to get used to a leash for a little bit, because as I recall, this is one of the hardest things to get a puppy ready.

Chubbs was first. He was abashed at first. He stood in the hall and just remained there.. I asked Chloe to go get him, and she did. Almost as she understood the lesson to be learned. She pulled his leash and made him move along. I didn't pick up the leash. I only attached the leash to the ribbon collars and took Chloe on leash so they could experience the feeling, and walked Chloe back and forth, soon, he too started to emulate.

Next Hershey. She is such a charm. She didn't even know that it was attached to her collar. She started walking immediately. I was shocked, that was until we reached the hall way. She stopped immediately and just stood, just as Chubbs did at first.

I presume the others will do the same.. But I will have to observe each one individually.

For the remainder of the day, I will let them walk around on leash just so they can get used to the feeling. We will see if they are comfortable by the end of the day.

First Shots..

Well, after calling several local veterinarians, and finding that the cost was so much associated with the visit itself, I asked around for the lowest cost vaccinations.

I found that both Pet's unlimited and SPCA were relatively inexpensive. SPCA was $57/doctors visit (each puppy) and $17 for vaccinations. Pet's unlimited was around $62/doctors visit and then a $17 cost for Vaccinations; per a friends suggestion, I asked if they could have a technician do the shot rather than have a full doctors visit, since the mother dog has been seen there previously; the associate on the phone, asked the doctors and they suggested that there would be a cost associated with each dog/puppy that would need a shot administered. After considering the total cost of the visit, I looked into an alternative, PetCo. They have licenced Veterinarians doing the shots and should you have any particular questions to ask, they also take a look at the puppies; the only caveat is first come first serve. Okay, that seems fair, I thought. The store opens at 10am, and it was recommended to come around 9:30 AM for the best position. I arrived shortly after 10, but upon entering the store, I realized that the line was the full extent of the store. Rather than bring all the puppies out of the car, I waited in the line (with mostly other persons holding their one puppy in hand, or in a crate, all under 4 months old). I waited my turn. It took 1 hour to get to the front of the line and fill out the paperwork. My puppies were nestled warm in my car until it was my turn, where I took them out in the carrier, and brought them in a shopping cart to the front of the line. They only received the 5-way vaccine, (includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus vaccination). They are scheduled to have a series of 2 more in order to be fully vaccinated. The rabies shot comes at the 3rd month or 12 weeks.

They were so quiet, one at a time getting their shots. Unlike many of the other puppies, they just had their shots and were nestled back into the crate quietly. Others in line were shocked and inquired what type of dog was that.. I told them the miniature schnauzer. The veterinarian added that the dogs have very good temperament and would make wonderful pets. He went on to say that he grew up with a schnauzer and that they are very good dogs.

I was happy and took my certificates to the register to pay. The young man at the register started to ask when I would be looking for homes for my puppies, and I told him probably in a few weeks. I first would like to get their second shots before finding homes. They are already starting to learn some of the most beneficial lessons at home with their siblings.

Angels!

Today, they are Angels. Everything is being done just the way you would expect. They take a nap, they eat when I place the food out. I am so shocked. I presume they are starting to grow up...

It's been a zoo around here..

They need to play, poop, and play in it.. in order to be happy.. (or so it seems)..

Infinitely more difficult!

Well, the wax paper was starting seem like a godsend, but I am learning the more they do in it, the more they get dirty, and they need to be bathed..

Rather than just the whelping box, I have the 'run' with the wax cloth in the main area, the whelping box, and the open area with hardwood floors, and the pups all needing a wash at the end of the day.

Luckily I spoke to my mom more recently and she said that perhaps I should put the mom in the run with the little ones.. in the bathroom.. It might put things in order.. Well, it looked like she was cleaning up after them.. (yippy!) BUT, there was the occasion or two that I put her in the pen with them and she threw up. I presume she didn't have the capacity to clean any longer.

Yikes! Does anyone have ideas?

Unbelievable! What a day...

I thought yesterday would be a relatively easy day since things are starting to become more routine.. But the little guys and gal have certainly got some tricks between their paws!! I have their 'run' that I always place in the middle of the front room. Luckily we are talking about a hard wood floor.. I place the waxed paper under the run and then setup the pen. They love the extra space and play, play play.. But yesterday (it must have been the full moon) they all randomly kept going to the bathroom.. and in places that I didn't expect.. and endlessly so it seemed..

Yesterday was quite taxing as I did quite a *bit* more cleaning.. of towels, mats, throw toys, etc.. It was tiring.. and just when I thought the day was over, and put them back in the whelping box.. (I took mama for a walk) I come back and they *destroyed* the whelping box with the same action... so I did the only reasonable thing to do.. I cleaned the box, changed the linens, and gave them each a bath! After that,they went right to sleep..

Amazing..

Bathing time..

So, I bathed them just yesterday and had a helping hand from a friend who was just astounded at the effort that you need to take to do all five. I put two at a time, in the sink.. and washed them with a lather of soap.. in warm water.. Rinsed them, and passed one at a time, clean to him, where he towel dried them. FUN STUFF.. But a lot of energy. When finished with all of them, I made sure they were all dry by using a dryer.. Wow, reminds me of old times when I was 10.. :)

March Madness..

They Sing.. & they Growl..

After a month, things change..

This week: THEY GREW.. and PLAYED.. and SLEPT..

It is amazing. After a month, the real changes begin. They start showing more personality, they are teething, eating real puppy food, not to mention making more of a mess.. but it is fun none the less. I hope you enjoy this video from earlier today.

Earlier this week, I gave Chloe a hair cut. She loves it but is more critical of what she wears now. As of today, all she is allowing is a pink handkerchief that dubs her "princess." It is the perfect combination.

More play time.. and this time.. teething

Chubbs, Sitting on a toy to get leverage for the food.

Okay, I am loosing count now.. but here are the most recent Photos..

Can we say, Play fighting..
This is the girl, Hershey... (above)

Pacino.. (above)
Chubbs (above)
Mozart

Week 4

The fourth week appears to be a lot of eating and sleeping. Not much else is carried on, but the week after, they are doing just about everything! They eat from her bowl, they play they are now doing full bathroom habbits in just the right places. ;) I love watching them grow.

This is a picture of mama Chloe. I just made her a jacket for Carnival.


I want to share a moment of feeding in the morning.. They crawl, they play, and they can now reach mom's teets without standing all the way..WOW, they have come a long way.



It's almost as if she is a walking food source.. Carter, the Black one with the polka dotted collar is the one that wags his tail when mom sniffs him. Very cute.

For mom, I made her a reversible jacket.. One she can wear rain or shine. I think she is okay with it.. At first she was upset at me because I was fitting her in it.. but she loves it more than the other jackets now that it is finished..

Week 3

They are still sleeping most of the time.. :) But as of yesterday 7, February 2009, all of them have their eyes open.. Now mom is really in trouble! When they see her, they don't miss the target. The walk directly to her and go for milk. In addition, they are more vocal. When they all want some milk, they cry. If they get lost, they cry.. (this I appreciate.)

I think Chloe is tired. She lays away for sometime and when visitors come, she goes in the box and stands guard over her puppies. If anyone goes to pick one up, she is on top of it.. All the others, she pays no mind, but that one needs to be back in the nest.

Week 2 passed by quickly. They were with me at my mom's house and they mostly slept through it all. Chloe enjoyed it, because she had some time to run around the house and enjoy the space. It was wonderful to have her about.

This week I came up with names for all of the puppies:

Hershey (F)
Pacino (M) Alpha
Chubbs (M) light color
Carter (M) Black with white blaze on the chest
Beethoven (M) All Black or Mozart

More work for me.. but I purchased them all leashes with specific colors and matched them with collars. Then put a ribbon on the girl since she looks a lot like Pacino and Chubbs.

Day 5: Mom is letting them Grow

Last night, she didn't want to sleep with the puppies. She was exhausted and needed her space. I presume her teets were sore because as the day progressed, she took more time to herself and went to the whelping box to clean them intermittently and feed them. She is still scratching the blankets.. This is a sign of nesting.

Day 4: Rest, and mom starts to get some space..

The babies are all stitched up.. The girl had 2 sets of dew claws, while the boys have only one set in the front.

Day 3: Tails & Dew Claws

I called throughout the week to see if I could find a veterinarian in San Francisco or nearby to dock the tails and remove the dew claws, and I found none. As a last resort, I went to a (relatively) local breeder from San Jose and asked them where did they go to have this procedure done. They recommended Adobe Animal hospital. So, I'm taking them as far as Los Altos to have their first veterinarian visit.

They are all in the car waiting for the veterinarian's assistant to let us know it is our turn. So they get a moment of feeding in between. They have started to raise their tails when the drink from mom, some of them only being able to hold them half way and the end dips down.

Day 2: Chloe Cleans, Cleans & Cleans

They are so tiny. Still with the umbilical cords attached, and drying up. They cuddle together as their mom needed a much needed break from cleaning and feeding.

Day 1: Birth & Feeding

Five healthy puppies. 1 Girl, 4 Boys.

Witnessing the birth was an amazing experience. No.1 had a slow start. He wasn't quick to get air and was just lying there. He came around after a bit of rubbing. Some had personalities right after entrance; hence a nickname 'Al Pacino' for #2. He was quite exhaustively struggling in the sac and yelped a demanding cry upon first breath of air. Chloe hadn't even cleaned the 1st one and she was taking care of the second because of his demands. He appeared to need cleaning. Number 3 was the girl.

Two of the puppies are solid black with no undertones - these were the first and the last puppies. The others have a secondary color with the black almost brown or grey.

My Minature Schnauzer: Chloe

My Miniature Schnauzer: Chloe
Female, 2 yoa
Color: Salt & Pepper


To be honest, we felt our way through this experience. A month and half after mating, we had her examined. For two reasons, 1. to make sure she was healthy and 2. to determine the number of puppies to expect when she gives birth.

At 45 days the veterinarian did an ultrasound and took some pretty cool pictures. After which, she 'guess-ta-mated" the number of puppies. It was only after this visit that I found if I would have come a few days later we could have an x-ray that would show the skeletal systems of all the puppies and the exact number to be sure.

Typically Miniature Schnauzers have puppies anywhere from 54 - 74 days. They need ample water and puppy food or the equivalent for nutrition.

From that moment on, we decided the next step was to purchase supplies for the birth - or what people call whelping kits. Looking in retrospect, there was no need. Chloe was well equipped with nature's intended "instruction booklet.." But something that has proven to be priceless is the whelping box we constructed for the birth and home for the puppies in the months ahead.

We constructed the whelping box to fit under the window under the windowsill from a single piece of particleboard. It was rather easy after I did some research. For additional information, please email me, I can share a list of instructions and suggestions. In addition, we purchased a heat lamp to keep the puppies warm when Chloe gets exhausted from the nursing.

On the 60th day at 10:30am, January 26, 2009 Chloe had a litter of 5 puppies 4 boys and 1 girl.

It took her 2 hours or less to give birth and clean up the puppies. The whelping box we constructed was perfect for her to nest and stretch out when the puppies were born. She did an incredible job!