Sable (left) hanging out with her pregnant daughter, Blue (right)
-- November 2, 2018 --
Big Day is here! Puppies!!
Blue went into labor around 9:00 a.m. Seemed surprisingly content.
-- 11:06 a.m. --
First puppy born .. red male (turned out to be only pup with white spot on chest)
-- 12:04 p.m. --
2nd red male
-- 12:28 p.m. then 12:43 p.m. --
Two black males are born. (2nd born has little bit of white front left paw)
-- 12:57 p.m. --
Red female born
Human leg in background is Laura's mom who witnessed puppies being born -- an exciting 1st experience for her.
Blue catching nap. Almost 1 hour break before next puppy.
-- 1:55 p.m. --
2nd red female arrives
-- 3:25 p.m. --
Third red female (no noticeable differences among females)
Tired momma
While I was helping move pups around, Blue put head over my shoulder for much needed hug.
-- 5:10 p.m. & final time 6:21 p.m. --
Last two pups born. Both red males.
For a few hours, we split pups up and fed as two different groups. This allowed the weaker, especially newest born to eat without being knocked off.
Friends (left) of Garrett kids (right) came for a visit
Summary of color/gender: 4 red males / 3 red females / 2 black males
Video of puppies nursing
-- November 3, 2018 --
Video sharing sweet noises of the puppies awake
-- November 4, 2018 --
-- November 5, 2018 --
Below are moments from the day. In the evening, we went in for the tail dock/dew claw removal. Never a favorite moment. All pups did quite well, including Blue who was probably the most stressed out although you can't tell from the car ride pics. It was the hour ride home post-procedure she didn't love. Once home, we got her and pups settled down to which she ended up in deep sleep in my son's lap ... actually snoring! I failed to capture that super sweet moment in a pic.
Not a lot happens during the day of days old puppies, but the moments are beyond precious.
Caught on video is moment of sleepiness. All pups piled together and dreaming sweet dreams. Enjoy the adorable noises!
Loaded up and ready to go to the vet
First time this trip has been made without one of the kids as all were busy so had to keep pups up front and Blue in back. Once she decided they were happily sleeping, she actually seemed to enjoy the ride.
Before judging for taking pictures while driving, all pictures were taken at stops! I was blown away with how much she was enjoying being out.
Pics right before taking pups inside
Hanging in the parking lot kept smile on her face
Back home and settling in
Mom checking out tails while pups move frantically to nurse. Pups are very hungry no longer care about the procedure.
-- November 6, 2018 --
-- November 7, 2018 --
Nursing time is as much of a workout for these young pups as it is mealtime. They get stronger every feeding as you will see not just from nature's good milk, but from the battle of being a member of a large litter.
-- November 8, 2018 --
-- November 9, 2018 --
It's hard to believe a week has past. The pups are 1 week old today.
One of the owners, Tim Morales, came out to meet the pups. Tim was given 1st pick of the red males. Surprisingly, Tim immediately fell in love with one of the sweet boys. Tim already had his name picked out, too, so we tagged the pup with purple. First pick officially made ... meet Tim's Luca :
We decided to give Blue a change of scenery. Our Friday night consisted of hanging out in the game room on the couch with mom and pups.
You probably noticed ... We went ahead and tagged the rest of the pups with colored yarn. This adds to the fun of watching pictures/videos posted as you will now be able to identify pups individually.
Pups also had their nails trimmed for the first time today. Might seem early, but their little nails get quite sharp. Clipping nails helps mom out during nursing.
-- November 10, 2018 --
The first set of pictures today will show the pups individually identifying them by their colored "tag" (yarn around neck).
Also, the kids have given nicknames to the pups.
Black Male tagged Green - Nickname: Baxter
Black Male tagged Yellow - Nickname: Bubba
Red Male tagged Purple - Official Name: Luca [SOLD]
Red Female tagged Blue - Nickname: Rose
Red Female tagged Purple - Nickname: Kayla
Red Female tagged Pink - Nickname: Zoey
"Timmy" - Red Male tagged Blue
Red Male tagged Green - Nicknamed: Samuel
Red Male tagged Red - Nickname: Sean
The kids spent the late morning hanging out with the pups.
At this stage of life, pups eat, sleep, grow....repeat. At one point in video, you will witness sibling inadvertently knocking off others to get prime spot.
Owners of Duke (the litter's father) -- Lesley and Brian, came out to meet the pups this afternoon.
They will be making the first pick of the black males.
We had another visitor meet pups today -- daughter's best friend. Girls hung out with pups for a long time!
-- November 12, 2018 --
Our son in his happy place ... lying down in mist of pups alongside mom
Puppies are just over 1 week old and are getting stronger every day. Pups are showing strength in their upper bodies. Also, later in video note a little glimmer in eye of red/rust pup with bluish collared yarn. Eyes starting to open today at 10 days old.
-- November 13, 2018 --
Blue is relaxed enough to let her mom, Sable, be around the pups. Sable is the grandmother of this litter and our son's buddy.
Black Male tagged Yellow "Bubba"
Red Male tagged Purple - Luca
-- November 14, 2018 --
Had a lazy day with my mother and the puppies while the kids were in school. Spent several hours hanging out in our bathroom loving on the pups and Blue. Blue loved the company!
Puppies with full bellies not bothered by much. One pup sleeps while leaning on pup that is nursing. He even stays asleep when another pup comes crawling over.
Puppies after nursing are super content. At the end of the video, notice the puppy on its back as it stretches out all four legs .... adorable!
-- November 15, 2018 --
Pups eyes started to open yesterday. Today, we see eyes!
Notice how much chunk is on the pups. Getting ready for explosive growth.
Not sure I remember ever witnessing this! Needless to say, mom is more than producing enough milk!
It's always nap time after mealtime
Our fixed male, Buster, is Blue's best buddy. Problem is, Blue has been preoccupied lately. She plays with him outside, but inside she tells him to keep a certain distance from the pups. Tonight, when we were all gathered around the puppies, Buster snuck in over my shoulder to have a peak. Blue was fine and has been fine as long as I am between him and pups. Buster cannot wait for these little guys to be big enough to play with him.
We had a rare open evening, so my daughter thought we should bathe the pups. Posted are individual pics of the pups under the faucet. Next, is YouTube link to view the video documenting how relaxed the pups were during the bathing. Only one pup kind of fussed -- Red Male tagged Blue -- but he stopped quickly.
Puppy pile in basket awaiting bath
"Bubba" - Black Male tagged Yellow
"Sean" - Red Male tagged Red
"Zoey" - Red Female tagged Pink
Luca - Red Male tagged Purple
"Samuel" - Red Male tagged Green
"Baxter" - Black Male tagged Green
Completely limp! Don't think he minded bath!
"Timmy" - Red Male tagged Blue
"Rose" - Red Female tagged Blue
"Kayla" - Red Female tagged Purple
Pups are 1 day shy of 2 weeks old. Decided to give them a bath as we had a rare relaxed evening on our hands. As you will witness, puppies find this to be a very calming experience likely reminding them of the amniotic fluid.
Pups waiting for bath in basket/ Bathed pups with mom
-- November 16, 2018 --
Puppies are 2 weeks old and moving unbelievably well at this stage. Ears are opening up, but not hearing us yet.
This video shows what movement is like at this puppy stage. Mostly it's through the front legs. There is a lot of whining throughout this video...but we find those little whines PRECIOUS! Pups have figured out their vocal cords for sure. Towards the end, you will witness them settling down with a few little grunts.
This little guy demonstrates one of the puppies' favorite spots to crash. In previous pictures, you have seen pups fall asleep between mom's front legs. Pictures here show "Timmy" on top of mom. Many times we catch pups in this prime sleeping spot!
"Rose" RFB
"Bubba" BMY
At the 2 week mark, puppies eyes are open and the pups are able to pull themselves around with front legs much better than a scoot. Every movement seems to be in slow motion.
November 17, 2018 --
Developmental update: Sharing a hard moment to catch on video. Pups are now recognizing us and crawling to us so that we may pick them up snuggling them to sleep. The crawl is slow and wobbly getting up on all fours. Incredibly sweet and completely kills the day because after having them work so hard to pile in our laps, we're of course stuck holding the pups until the next mealtime. Pups also showing signs of playing with gentle gnawing at legs, paws, and our fingers.
-- November 19, 2018 --
Next 3 pics show "Samuel" RMG completely sprawled out among his litter mates. He's currently the biggest and certainly the most relaxed. He sprawls out every time he sleeps.
"Sean" RMR demonstrating our daughter's preferred way of holding the pups, in case you haven't already noticed these types of photos keep showing up. Actually haven't posted as many pictures like this as she takes!
This video lets you witness pups as they continue to gain strength in their little bodies. Pups are super wobbly as they attempt to walk on all fours. For no apparent reason, pups will spin off into a wild roll as their body momentarily gives out while trying to maintain an upright position. There are some signs of trying to play, but mostly its determination on their part to either sit upright or walk with some sort of control.
Blue has been doing a wonderful job caring for her puppies. This video shows pups post mealtime.
-- November 20, 2018 --
Couple of developmental changes occurred today. The pups' teeth have cut through gums, able to feel tops of full set as they gnaw on our fingers. Second, by late evening puppies seemed to be noticing sound so peeked at little ear and the opening has just begun to let in sound. Last thing is minor but adorable ...witnessed several different pups today bring back leg up and do a scratching motion plus notably more and more playful every day.
This video gives you an idea of what a day is like for young Doberman puppies starting off with some whines and whimpers (stick with the video ...it's not all whining). As the pups are figuring out how to sit up move and play, you will witness a little growl and sweet grunting noises. The pups are also figuring out how to play. As you will see, anything (rather body part) may serve as a chew toy! This glimpse into the day finishes off with a couple pups nursing and then it's nighty night.
-- November 21, 2018 --
Personalities of the pups are already surfacing. All are incredibly sweet and lovable. In this update, I am sharing specifics on "Zoey" RFPk. In the initial phase of recognizing us and finding their way to our laps, "Zoey" was the first to do so. At this point, she absolutely craves attention. In all honestly, "Zoey" is consistently the whiniest of the pups. What we have figured out is she wants to be held. We have tested several times. She will walk around while whining and as soon as we pick her up, she settles down completely content. Thus, "Zoey" will need to be placed with someone that is able to bond with her and spend lots of time with her. Note: As I am posting this, "Zoey" is being held by me as shown in the next two pictures. No joke...this little one loves attention!
"Zoey" RFPk
Our college son came home for Thanksgiving break. My mom and a cousin also came in today. First thing they all did was pile in with the puppies along with our daughter.
Blue super happy to have her human home!
If you have to cook, having family around while doing so makes it enjoyable. I placed the puppies on the floor in the kitchen and... you can see what resulted.
Our guests asked how much the puppies weighed, so our daughter got out the baby scale. All worked together to get weights recorded. If you've been curious, here you go:
Happy Thanksgiving! Just a few pics from this day as I was a little preoccupied cooking and such. Lots of little hands were around holding and playing with pups. I just wasn't able to capture the moments. Hope everyone had a great day of thanks!
This cousin has been dying to meet the pups!
Few pics of Luca RMP:
Daughter's special way of holding pups
Luca's become needier almost rivaling Zoey's demand to be held.
-- November 23, 2018 --
"Sean" on left Very calm, lovable, simply put - an all out doll!
"Samuel" RMG now secondarily nicknamed "Brick" by older son This boy is a gentle giant. The biggest of the litter; loves being in the middle or top of the puppy pile.
Guess Who?! Yep, "Samuel" piles on top smallest ("Rose" RFB)
"Zoey" RFPk on left - She LOVES attention kind of demanding it!
Playtime for "Bubba" BMY & Luca RMP
-- Luca "RMP -- [SOLD] Fun personality with an obvious desire to be given attention.
-- "Bubba" BMY -- Sweet boy with just the right amount of spunk; Daughter's favorite boy although "Sean" RMR is close 2nd
-- "Kayla" RFP -- Calm and lovable; bigger of 3 girls; Son's favorite Leaning heavily towards picking her for Garretts next girl
-- November 24, 2018 --
Pups love cuddling with mom
Playful standoff
One of the sweetest loving to cuddle and gives lots of kisses
Personality note: More laid back potentially more submissive
Personality note: Quite friendly, playful and calm when held
Lesley and Bryan came out today to make their pick having some fun with the event taking pics for their Christmas cards ...
Official name: Caymus, after their favorite wine
"Bubba" BMY now SOLD -- Name change: Caymus
-- November 26, 2018 --
Development update: We are working with pups to train them to potty away from the bedding. Doing really well on the poo side while about half of them are getting the pee away.
-- November 28, 2018 --
Below are some sweet moments captured with mom. Nowadays, mom is in and out of the pup area. Pups adore the time spent with her. Later this day, we introduced the pups to food (softened from soaking in water). Simply put, the nutrition demands of the pups at this point are beyond mom's ability to keep up. Pups will still nurse through around 6 weeks old. They have now entered the transition phase from milk to both milk and food and by around 7 weeks, strictly food at which point it will be given dry.
Next several pics of "Sean" RMR, "Baxter" BMG, & Caymus BMY
"Zoey" RFPk sneaking in from back left
"Rose" RFB
Rose continues to be one of the most lovable among the pups
"Sean" RMR & Caymus BMY
"Zoey" RFPk & "Kayla" RFP
The 3 girls lined up together for nap time
"Kayla" RFP
The introduction of food -- Always a milestone for pups. For the most part, the puppies took to it rather quickly. We redirected when they wandered off, but that wasn't really necessary after their first really good taste of the food. At that point, we were trying to keep the pups from swimming in the bowl of mush.
Next set of pictures shows what happened after bellies were full...
Our middle "child" ..he is almost 18 years old ... has been putting his body in the midst of the puppy pile since he was a tiny little lad -- FLASH BACK (along with his sister) :
Yikes! Where did time go!?
Back to current day --
For our son to be able to fit himself in with the pups, we had to open up the pen. His best 4-legged buddy, Sable, happens to be this litter's grandmother. She decided to join in on the cuddling ...
-- November 29, 2018 --
Pick Update: We are keeping a pup this time. Since Sable is getting up there in years, the pup will be our son's. He has basically decided on this girl, RFP, still nicknamed "Kayla".
Remember how "Samuel" RFG likes to crash on top of his siblings!! Captured a classic moment for him!
Visitors showed up later this day. The Biskups came out to meet some of the boys they will be choosing from after one of our other owners makes their pick. Here are pictures from the visit:
-- December 3, 2018 --
Pups have outgrown the area we've kept them inside, so today we introduced the outside atmosphere to them. It was a nice day, but felt a little chilly to puppies since they're accustomed to the controlled inside temp. Notice how pups are away from each other in first pic. Very quickly, they huddled up. The day was split between a sectioned off portion of the pen they will be given full access to and a nice spot in the garage (which is not your typical garage setting; clean and finished out, very cozy for pups).
A past owner (McCrarys; own 2 from Ella's last litter) expressed interest in the females available from this litter.
Here are pics shared:
-- "Zoey" RFPk --
-- "Rose" RFB --
-- December 5, 2018 --
The pups have now adjusted to the outside area enjoying the fresh air and space.
"Timmy" RMB
"Samuel" aka "Brick" RMG
"Baxter" BMG (left) & "Rose" RFB (right)
"Baxter" BMG
Caymus BMY [SOLD]
"Timmy" RMB (left) & Caymus BMY (right)
"Zoey" RFPk (left) & most of "Samuel" RMG (right)
"Samuel" RMG
The three pups in pictures below ("Zoey" RFPk / "Samuel" RMG / "Kayla" RFP) were the most adventurous for first several days of being outside.
"Sean" RMR joined in on the fun
>> Personality update <<
"Zoey" RFPk is showing to be the most confident one in the litter (with "Samuel" 2nd to her). Remember how we described her as being "needy"? That whining and always seeking attention she did initially that we interpreted as being needy has transformed now that she has an area that is more interesting allowing her to explore. No more whiny Zoey. She is quick to follow us and be in the midst of whatever we are doing. She seems to be a step ahead of the rest and unafraid to check things out.
Given this input: We are seeking an owner for her that will provide a life not left alone much. She will likely get bored easily and a bored Dobie usually turns out to be frustrated = destructive.
-- December 6, 2018 --
Our daughter is favoring this little girl, "Rose" RFB. It is killing her that her brother gets the pick this time!
Gentle rain today. Puppies played then settled down by heater in cozy corner.
-- December 10, 2018 --
Sharing a link from today (creating another gap in the timeline of updates to which I promise I will keep adding in the old). Nonetheless, I know you owners are dying to seeing more current footage of the pups so, here you go...
-- December 12, 2018 --
Developmental update: Pups are doing very well when called out to grass to potty. The puppies are also very responsive when called to come to us.
After a bath & good nap, pups were ready to play. Enjoy video!
Individual pics of all the pups:
"Baxter" BMG
Caymus BMY [SOLD]
"Timmy" RMB
Our son officially named his girl (RFP). The new Garrett addition will be called Grace.
Luca RMP [SOLD]
"Rose" RFB
"Zoey" RFPk
"Sean" RMR
"Samuel" RMG
Mom spends about 50% of the day with the pups now. When she joins them, the pups cherish the moment...
-- December 13, 2018 --
Owner visit! Lesley stopped by today to have some snuggle time with Caymus and drop off a bed to collect scents to bring home once his day to go home arrives.
Lesley also wanted to see "Baxter" one more time just to make sure her pick was the right one for her. "Baxter" was shy during the visit making Lesley's original pick seem right for her.
Pictured above is Duke, the litter's daddy. Lesley (Duke's owner) brought home a little towel from our puppy supply stash rubbing down Caymus prior to leaving. Great idea as it will allow Duke to be familiar with Caymus' scent before he is brought home.
Video showing puppies playing with Cocker Spaniel; End of video shows daughter's new favorite trick with Rose RFB
-- December 14, 2018 --
The big day has finally arrived! Our Austin couple made the trip to meet the pups, perform the aptitude test, and make their pick. All the males tested well allowing them to go with their preferred color choice.
"Baxter" BMG is now theirs.
The next pick went to Michelle and Dave who will now call "Samuel" RMG theirs -- official name will be: Dexter.
The Biskup family was up next for the pick and while it was a struggle to choose between "Sean" RMR and "Timmy" RMB, ultimately "Timmy" won and will join their family. That leaves "Sean" who will go to Jesse and family up in Nevada. At this point, "Sean" is the only pup that will have to fly home.
Here's a video (13 minutes) taken today that featured the last two male picks. The other pups are also in this video, however the camera focal point followed either "Timmy" or "Sean".
-- December 15, 2018 --
One our past owners came out today to meet the pups. "Rose" RFB will be added to their family which includes Cash and Dash from Ella's last litter.
-- December 16, 2018 --
Individual pics with some fun Christmas-themed ones :
-- "Baxter" BMG [SOLD] --
-- Caymus BMY [SOLD] --
-- Cooper RMB [SOLD] --
-- Dexter RMG [SOLD] --
-- Grace RFP [SOLD] --
-- Luca RMP [SOLD] --
-- "Rose" RFB [SOLD] --
-- Zoey RFPk --
-- "Sean" RMR [SOLD] --
Now, for the final set of pictures taken this day. While we thought it would be cute to do a sled picture with all the puppies grouped together...as you will see, this didn't quite work out. The kids had fun trying and it's still cute so had to share!
-- December 17, 2018 --
This morning's mealtime involved two choices for the pups in regards to how their food was served: dry and wet. Initially, we serve pups' food softened by soaking. Later, we transition to just wet food, not quite softened. Today, the pups proved they were "all grown up" >>tear rolls down cheek<< as they demonstrated their preference for the dry food by finishing that bowl first. The pics and video below show a feeding later in the day where we just offered dry food.
-- December 21, 2018 --
Yesterday morning, I decided it's getting a little too hard carrying the pups from the garage from where they sleep at night to the pen outside for their daytime fun in the sun. They are heavy now!
So, I opened the garage door to the patio and to my surprise, every single pup followed me through and along our wrap around patio into the pen. So cool!! Our daughter witnessed the new easier transition that same evening when we both walked with the pups from the pen to the garage.
While I didn't capture the new experience in the morning (because I had no idea how well the pups were going to follow), I did video it the evening patio stroll.
One funny note - "Rose" doesn't always love being in the mix of the litter mates so tonight's trip to the garage came up 1 pup short. Upon realizing this, it was no surprise to find "Rose" still in the pen happy as she could be in the bed all alone. The next video shows this moment as well. Enjoy!
-- December 22, 2018 --
Caymus goes home today. He's our daughter's number 1 favorite (reminds her of her buddy, Buster). She spent the morning hanging out with Caymus until he had to depart.
Adult male - Buster - our daughter's boy He's ready for this little squirt to leave, LOL! Buster usually has his head in her lap.
The moment Lesley and Brian have been waiting for ...
Later today, family from New Orleans rolled into town. Below is how a good portion of the evening was spent:
Son's girlfriend also visited
Blue kept an eye on everyone
Update on Zoey: The Garretts decided to keep her in addition to Grace. We simply bonded too much with her!
