Yum!

[From Pearl's 'humans']

It's time for the yummy gruel! A couple days ago, we gave the pups their first taste of the weaning gruel, and they dived right in. In general, they are fairly dainty eaters (no hoovering sounds), but they have not yet learned that it isn't proper etiquette to walk or stand in your own dinner bowl. (Atticus, as you can see from the photo, tried eating with two paws in his food.)

In order to make sure that the puppies are well- hydrated, we offer them some water along with their food. They have not, however, figured out exactly what the water is for. Since they are still nursing as well, the water must seem like a poor substitute for milk.

Except for a couple puppies who mimic their mom's water drinking, they tend to use the water more for splashing than drinking. Ice cubes are much more popular as they can be easily seen and are fun to move around the bowl with one's tongue.

Avila demonstrates the joys of ice cubes

Although the puppies are nursing less often now, they still are thrilled when whenever they can get a drink from mom. They show their joy with happy slurping noises when they nurse and by forming a stampede whenever mom walks by (think Beatles' fans in 'A Hard Day's Night').  Check out the video below..