Week Two

Two weeks old already! This was a very busy day for the puppies. Toe nail clipping, weighing and DNA testing all in one day. They were all very cooperative for their pedicures and they now weigh between 1 lb. 13 oz. and 2 lb. 1 oz. so now there is a 4 oz difference between the biggest and the smallest. I am happy that they are all growing uniformly. Now that their eyes are open they are becoming aware of their surrounding.

Let me explain the DNA testing procedure for those of you who are interested in the scientific part of this. What we are checking for is to see which puppies received a copy of the normal uric acid gene from Topper. It could be none or many. If it is none I will be disappointed because I am hoping to keep one for future breeding. If it is many, I will be thrilled if I have more than one to choose from.

What I had to do was collect buccal cells on brushes and then send them to UC Davis in California. How this is done is by swirling a brush vigorously against the inside of the check and gum. Actually three brushes were collected from each puppy. The puppies had to be separated from Gambit for a half hour before the testing but I kept her away from them for one hour to be sure I was safe. Then I washed my hands between each puppy to make sure I didn't have any DNA from a previous puppy on me. Although I never touched the brush itself I am anal about such things so I was very careful. The picture below shows all the brushes and the paperwork ready to go before I started. I had to label three brushes for each puppy so they could be identified. After the brush had the buccal cells on them they were inserted back into the sleeve with the identifying information on it. It was a big job and I am glad it is over. All I have to do now is insert everything in an envelope with a check for close to 2 weeks take home pay and send it off and wait for the results.

Day Thirteen

First, let me say thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who signed the petition! If you haven't signed it yet there is still time. We hope to get 1000 signatures and are well on our way. Hopefully someday the beautiful Dalmatian puppies you are looking at will be double registered with the UKC and AKC.

As you can see the eyes are opening. Burdock has one eye fully opened and the other is about half way.

Below is Tulip.
Viola one of the liver girls.

Tulip and Brier

Daffodil

Dahlia with a brother on each side.

Day Twelve

Today I decided to add a short video so you could see the puppies in action during a feeding frenzy.

There is also something else I would like to mention. All of you know that the daddy of these puppies Topper is a very special Dalmatian because he is one of a small number of Dalmatians that carries the gene for Normal Uric Acid! The AKC at this point in time will not register these dogs because the DCA voted by a small majority not to discuss registering these dogs. They are content with the status quo. An ever growing number of Dalmatian lovers are not content to breed dogs that have a known genetic defect when there is a solution. There is a petition circulating to ask the AKC to include these NUA dogs in their registry. I would very much appreciate having your name added to the large number of concerned dog lovers who have signed this petition. Please follow this link and give the gift of your signature to help promote a healthier breed of much loved dogs. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AKCforDals/index.html

Once you are on the petition site make sure you read some of the comments from people who have had Dals suffer from urinary stones. Also, after you add your signature a box will appear asking for a donation. Please just close that box as a donation is not necessary. Your signature will still appear. It only takes a minute and you will be doing a wonderful thing for future Dalmatians!

Day Eleven

Today the feature puppy is Brier! Why, you ask? This evening while I was doing their Super Dog exercises I heard a thump from the puppy pen and sure enough Brier had climbed up over the side and onto the floor of the pen. He never even missed a beat. He just started making his way around looking for something familiar. I suppose not being able to see is a real pain but since he doesn't have a clue what sight is he just made the best of his situation. He certainly wasn't afraid and never made a sound. He is pictured here getting some time away from the pack.

Below are a couple pictures of them just being cute!

Day Ten

Since they are still in the eat and sleep stage it is hard to get cute pictures but at least you can watch them grow. I know some of you have attempted to call me but I am sorry to say I have been at the mercy of Verizon since Friday. They can't send a repairman until Wednesday.Above are the 4 liver girls...which one will be staying here?Above are three of the four liver girls.

They are getting more and more spots!

Day Nine

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! Pictured above are the two boys Brier on the left and Burdock on the right.

In the yellow collar is Dahlia.

I thought I would show you the pen the puppies live in. It looks small but it is actually 4 foot by 8 foot. It takes up a very large part of the room.

As you can see the front opens so Gambit can get out and the puppies, when larger, can't. I also close it so Gambit can have her privacy. My husband built this pen for me back in 1992 and it has weathered quite well. It comes apart for storage.

Did someone say food?

Day Eight

Today was very uneventful because all they do is eat and sleep. They are getting very comfortable with me handling them. They snuggle up and go to sleep. I am not getting much done because I can't walk past them without picking one up. Below is a picture of mealtime.

The picture below made me laugh and I put it on the blog even though the color is bad. The puppy on her back with her legs in the air just got bumped of the nipple and I am sure she was miffed. Gambit seems to have plenty of milk to go around.

Now they are all full and taking a nap.