Pearl III and her Puppies

Happy Holidays from Pearl (and Viggo)!

2009-12-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

Pearl and Viggo are enjoying the holiday season! This year, they had their picture taken with Santa at Canine Companions for Independence's Santa Paws fundraiser. They were good sports and smiled for the camera.

Pearl's 7th Birthday!

2009-12-17T23:44:00.000-08:00

Pearl turned 7 years old on Wednesday! At seven, she's looking like a kid again, having spent the past six months keeping up with her grown son Vico (AKA Viggo). She's lost those extra lbs. and often beats Viggo to the ball at the park (though after the first three balls, she's ready to give him a chance). Although she's fully retired as a breeder, she is only semi-retired as a school 'tutor'. However, she sometimes lets Viggo take her place at her weekly sessions at the elementary school where her person teaches . . . she's a retiree after all, and her son needs to follow up with his education!

[Above, Pearl and Viggo take a break from the ball chasing.]

Congratulations 'A' Pups!

2009-12-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Pearl wants to share her pride in her youngest pups ('A' litter) who are now at CCI college. A few weeks ago, she got to go to the ceremony and see three of her kids for the first time in over a year. They were all grown up and looking great.

How fast they grow! She feels that it was just yesterday that she was blogging about their puppy antics. (See her posts from July, 2008).

Afterwards, she got to share a moment with Avila . . .

. . . and have a chat with Adian . . .

. . . and get sniffed by Atticus.

She hopes that they will all work hard and have fun at school.

Spending time with my pups

2009-06-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings, dear friends. I have been 'busy' enjoying my retirement and spending time with my pups. In the Spring, my daughter Viana came to visit. My people have posted a vide o of us playing with my toy chipmunk.

Since April, I have had my son Vico to hang out with. He keeps me active. Like his sister, Vico is always up for a game of chipmunk-tug, but ball-chasing and swimming are definitely his favorites. [At right, Vico gets ready to get the ball.]

My son loves the water and is very competitive (he must get it from his dad).

When we go to the local pond, he is always the first in the water and always gets the ball before me.

I am patient though, and I beat him to the second ball.

Since we are Retrievers, we bring our balls back for another round.

Though, we sometimes like to leave our balls at the edge of the water, so that our persons have to 'retrieve' a bit themselves. Really! People can be sooo lazy.

At the end of the day, Vico and I like to relax with a snooze.

He really is a good boy, but could someone tell Vico that he shouldn't use his mom as a pillow?!

Pearl

Empty nest no more!

2009-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mama Pearl is happy to welcome her son Vico back to California. After receiving his education in the Midwest, Vico has returned to his place of birth, where he will enjoy the California sun while bringing excitement to his mom's life and pursuing a career or hobby that makes use of his excellent retrieving skills.

Last weekend, Vico flew to California from Chicago where his human aunt lives. Pearl's human mom had come out to Chicago to pick him up from his Puppy Raisers in Ohio. Pearl's family met up with Vico's Puppy-Raiser Tera, her mom, and his currently in-training 'sister' halfway between Chicago and Ohio. After fond farewells with his Puppy Raiser family (who plan to visit him in California soon), he napped all the way back to Chicago.

Since Vico's auntie's Chicago apartment could not accommodate him, he stayed with his humans for a night at a downtown Chicago hotel where he got the celebrity treatment. [Above, he checks out his digs for the night.] Despite the dog-bed, he was discovered to have snuck onto the people beds in the middle of the night.

In the morning (after coffee for the humans), Vico got to enjoy a spring day at the Chicago lake shore where he received many compliments from joggers, and valiantly resisted the call of the water (he would have loved to go for a dip). He also hung out with a downtown playgroup for whom he showed off his ball-chasing skills (he's quite the retriever!) After a light lunch and before heading off to the airport, Vico dropped by 'Wiggly Field' dog park where he happily mixed with dogs of all shapes and sizes, and charmed other dog-owners into throwing the ball for him. He particularly impressed the crowd with his in-air catch and perfect 'give'.

After seducing airport personnel with his laid-back demeanor and goofy smile (as a kid at the airport put it: 'that dog is laughing!'), Vico settled into his crate for the long trip home. Although flying 'cargo' is always stressful (. . . and humans complain about 'economy class'!), he made the flight to San Francisco in good humor.

Upon arrival, Vico was welcomed home by mama Pearl who immediately found him very entertaining. They have since discovered a shared love of sticks (see above photo) and paper products.

Victor and Viana's Big Day!

2009-03-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

Hello all, Pearl here. I just wanted to report on meeting with my kids Victor and Viana before they started school a couple weeks ago. It had been a long time since I'd last seen them, and during that time, they had grown into wonderful young dogs. [ Above, the three of us spend some quality time together.]

I hadn't seen my son Victor since he was just two months old and now he's bigger than me! He is quite the handsome fellow and looks, I think, rather like his dad with his big head and mane (although I can see a bit of myself in him too).

Victor was a bit of a goofball as a pup (he liked to splash around in his water bowl), but is very dignifed now.

Since Viana was raised nearby, I had seen her more recently. She is very lovely, but I could tell already when she was a puppy that she would be a sweetie. I think she looks alot like me when I was her age!

I know that Victor and Viana and their siblings will all work hard, learn alot and have an exciting time at CCI college!

Southwest 'V' pups are off to Advanced Training!

2009-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

On Feb. 7th, Venezia and her brother Vargas headed off to Advanced Training in Oceanside, CA. Venezia was raised in Arizona, while Vargas (AKA 'Gus') lived in Utah with the same family who raised his half-brother Cusack (now a skilled companion in southern CA).
Above, Vargas gives his sister a congratulatory kiss (or, is he wondering why she has cookie breath?).

Before heading off to college, they got to visit Legoland with their 'grandma' Suzanne (papa Finnegan's human mom). [er, grandma Suzanne is not pictured]

Congratulations to both of them and their Puppy Raisers!

Below are photos of Venzy and Gus as 8 week old puppies!

Happy 2nd Birthday 'D' Pups!

2009-02-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

Pearl's 'D' pups are 2 years old today!

Daltry *** Damita
Danea *** Delia
Devika *** Devline
Dharma *** Donali
Dorit *** Dryden
Durrell

Danea (left) is currently back at home with her puppy raiser celebrating turning 2.

Dorit is also now back at home with her puppy raisers helping to raise her half-sister Adian. At right, Pearl's girls lounge together in the grass.

Hopefully, more updates on the 'D's coming soon.

Some 'V' Pups at One Year: My, How They've Grown!

2008-10-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, 'M' Pups!

2008-10-05T02:33:00.000-07:00

Maddy Mahler Mamet Maxie Mikomi Mira Mocha Morse Mulan and Murrow

Congratulations on turning 3 years old today!

Your mom is very proud of you all!

Happy First Birthday, 'V' Pups!

2008-09-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Pearl's 'V' pups are one year old!
Congratulations

Valor Vargas Vartan Venezia Vermeer Verona Viana Vico and Victor!

Danea and her sisters

2008-09-23T01:34:00.000-07:00

Pearl is still recovering from her breeder retirement 'operation' and is not yet up to writing her blog; however, she wanted us (her humans) to express her pride in her newly matriculated 'D' pups and share more great photos.

As of the end of August, Danea and her sister Damita began attending school at the CCI Academy in Southern California.

[Above, the girls are dressed up for the matriculation ceremony.]

Before beginning her Advanced Training, Danea (with help from her human 'mom' Marianne) sent Pearl a lovely e-mail with news about her summer and all her accomplishments.
[At left, Danea composes her e-mail. Pearl thinks that Danea look rather like her.]

Pearl loved hearing all about Danea's summer adventures. Although Danea had to do stuff to get ready for college such as go to the doctor for shots, she also got to have plenty of summer fun with swimming lessons and a trip to a baseball game!

At the end of the summer, Danea flew out to California from Arizona in order to start college.

She was accompanied on the flight by her younger half-sister Venezia (another of Pearl's pups). Both girls got seats on the plane and we are sure they were very well-behaved. [At right, Venzy has a snooze during the flight.]

Finally, before saying their goodbyes, Danea and Venzy hung out on the beach in California. As beautiful blondes, they certainly fit right in.

Pictures of Adian at home

2008-08-31T04:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Pearl here. I always love to hear how my kids are getting on, so I was thrilled to get pictures of Adian from her new family.

She got to spend her first week away hanging out with her big sister Dorit which they obviously both enjoyed. (I must admit I'm a bit jealous as I miss getting to play with my pups myself). Adian's family sent us a lovely photo of my girls playing (above).

Although Dorit has now left for CCI 'college', Adian looks to be making herself quite at home even without her sister.

I was particularly glad to see that she's got a nice lawn to play on and that she is putting to good use all my advice on how to enjoy it. I also hear that she's a very smart girl and that she's learning all sorts of new things. I'll bet she has hardly any time to miss her old mom !

Pearl's 'D' pups are off to college!

2008-08-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

[A note from Pearl's humans]

Just as Pearl's youngest pups (the 'A's) are happily settling in with their new families, her 'D' pups are setting off for college!

At present, the 'D's are all either busy preparing for school or already taking their first classes at Canine Companion's Advanced Training. It seems like just yesterday that the 'D's were eleven tiny little balls of fur!
On Saturday, Pearl was thrilled to get to watch three of her 'D' kids walk across the stage at the Canine Companions matriculation and graduation ceremony. A CCI graduation is always a moving experience, but Pearl was particularly misty eyed. She was thrilled to see what fine dogs her pups grew up to be and appreciative of the wonderful job their Puppy Raisers did with raising them. [Above is a picture that Dorit's Puppy Raisers took of Dorit, Delia and Durrell dressed up for the big day!]

Since each CCI region (North West, South West, North Central, South East and North East) has its own Advanced Training center, the pups start school at different times. In addition to Delia, Dorit and Durrell who matriculated this past Saturday, Devika, Devline, Dharma, and Donali enrolled in May, and Damita, Danea, Daltry, and Dryden will start this month. [At right is a picture that Devline's Puppy Raiser sent us of Devline and Dharma on their first day of college in May.]

The 'D's will now spend several months living in the CCI dorms while learning new skills (and lots of new words). There will be, of course, 'career counseling' as not all of them will graduate as service dogs, but Pearl is proud of her pups whatever they do!

Pearl's empty nest

2008-08-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, all my pups are now with their new families. My boy Atticus went to his new home last week, and Adian left us yesterday. My humans and I already miss them so much!

(At right, Adian and I enjoy a sprawl in the grass and a bit of a chew during our final quality time together).

When Adian's new family came to pick her up, they were able to visit with us for a while. They were very nice and I know that Adian will be happy living with them. I was particularly pleased because they also raised my daughter Dorit, and thus Adian will get to spend time with her half-sister before Dorit goes off to Canine Companions 'doggie college' next week.

In her last week with us, I tried to prepare Adian for the new adventures that await her. Of course, we also goofed off and had some wild times (there was, um, what my humans are calling the 'feather incident'), but she's a very smart girl and already knows how to 'sit' like a professional. I'd say she's chip off the old block!

The past week was not all fun though. I had an itchy spot which became a nasty hurty spot, so my humans made me wear a funny thing around my neck. They also gave me something to make me feel a bit better, but really, the collar is terribly humilitating.

Adian wondered at first what the silly thing was on my head. She even started to tease me a bit.

Little did she know that no silly collar can stop . . .THE TICKLE MONSTER (ha, ha, ha!).

Sigh, how I will miss playing with my pups! They really do keep one feeling young.

Adventures with the dynamic duo

2008-07-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

[From Pearl's humans]

Pearl has been enjoying her extra time with Adian and Atticus (AKA 'the dynamic duo'). This week, Pearl has gotten to show them exciting new things like the art of romping in the grass, and important 'grown-up dog stuff' such as how to wear a 'gentle-leader' on walks.

The pups didn't need too much instruction from their mom on how to have a fun walk in the grass. They got right to sniffing and rolling. They didn't seem to mind at all their new 'gentle leader' snout accessory (a must for all CCI puppies).

Below, Atticus (left) and Adian (right) lounge expertly on the lawn.

In general, the pups sleep hard and play hard. Although they've now had a brief taste of splendor in the grass, they are still perfectly happy to play in their kitchen area x-pen, especially when their mom gets to join them. At night, however, each pup sleeps in his or her own crate. They vocally announce their need for a middle of the night 'outing', but otherwise are good sleepers.

It should be noted, though, that not only do they have their own sleeping crates because that is what 'grown-up dogs' do, but also because they quickly learned how to escape from the x-pen! The mystery of how the pups would suddenly appear outside of their pen was solved when they were caught climbing over. Below, Adian is caught in the act showing off her 'spider-dog' skills while Atticus tries to look innocent.

Pearl is obviously tremendously proud of her adventurous pups! Stay tuned for news of Pearl's 'D' pups as they get ready for 'college'.

They're on their way!

2008-07-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings all! I must admit I'm feeling lots of motherly pride after having watched my youngest group of pups excitedly leave home to join their new families.

A few days ago, my humans and I brought my pups to the Canine Companions puppy park where they got to play and then do some grown-up dog stuff like getting their first shots and their ear tattoos.

I was told that the next day Alaric, Amita and Avila all left to meet their puppy raisers. They were a bit nervous and it was hard to say goodbye, but I know that by now they have already made wonderful new friends and are starting to settle into their new homes. Adian and Atticus came back home with us because their puppy raisers weren't able to pick them up yet. (It will be nice to have a little more time with them.)

Although I am to retire from having puppies, I'll always be a mom, and as with all of my pups, am eager to hear all about all the 'A' pups adventures (which I will share with you, dear friends).

My kisses to all my pups!

Hanging out in the puppy pen

2008-07-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

[A note from Pearl's humans.]

This past week was the last chance for Pearl and the pups to spend time together as a family before the pups had to head off to CCI and their new lives with their 'puppy raisers'.

Usually, when Pearl's pups have stopped nursing and switched to all solid food, Pearl hasn't be able to spend any significant amount of time in the puppy pen in case they try to nurse. However, since Pearl clearly loves to hang out with the pups and do fun 'pup' stuff like play on the slide, the solution was for us to dress her for playtime!

Although she looks quite fetching in a t-shirt, the pups found it a bit puzzling ('where did all mom's fur go?').

The pups also enjoyed just relaxing with each other. They used naptime to do puppy performance-art by making various sleeping configurations on the floor.

My, how they've grown!

2008-07-23T02:11:00.000-07:00

At 7 1/2 weeks, the pups have gotten quite big!

Alaric was 1.2 lbs at birth, and now, at 7.5 weeks, is a full 18 lbs.

[Above, Alaric shows he's always a very 'cool cat', er . . . dog.]

Atticus grew from a little over 1 lb. (16.7 oz.) to 15 lbs.

[Above, Atticus displays his serious face.]

Amita went from about 0.8 lb. (13 oz.) to 12.5 lbs.
[At right, Amita is ready for her close-up.]

Adian increased in weight from little over 1 lb. (16.3 oz.) to 13 lbs.

[Above, Adian is queen of the slide.]

Avila went from little under 1 lb. (15.7 oz.) to 12.5 lbs.
[At right, Avila shows her contemplative side.]

Cool tips from Pearl for the 'dog days of summer'

2008-07-21T05:02:00.001-07:00

Hello friends. We've sure had some hot days here in California this summer! I've never had my pups during the summer before, so this time my humans had to come up with new ways to keep them cool.

Since my pups also found their own ways to beat the heat, I thought I would share some doggie tips for keeping cool during the summer.

First of all, when they are feeling a bit warm, the pups sometimes take a dip in their water bowl. Alaric has even tried to soak and nap at the same time.

My humans keep telling the pups that water bowls are only for drinking, and then they give the pups ice bottles instead. The pups don't complain though, because the ice bottles are great. Not only do they keep us dogs cool, but they make great head and leg rests.

When they were younger, the pups would all share a bottle. Nowadays, however, at most one or two of them will comfortably fit on a bottle (unless they get really creative).

The only problem with ice bottles is that they aren't much fun to lick (though when the pups were younger, they did try). So, when it is a particularly hot day, my humans give the pups ice cubes and even blocks of ice with fun stuff in it.

Of course, Alaric likes not only to lick the ice, but to nap in it as well, and since he's a good boy, he usually lets his little sister have corner.

This weekend, my humans also brought out a little pool. I told my pups that humans have these giant bowls of water called 'pools' that you can swim in.

They didn't know what 'swimming' was, but they thought it sounded fun. I told them that they were much too young to swim, but that they could get in the little pool and splash around a bit.

They had a great time. Some of them even discovered a secret that every dog eventually learns - that water from the hose tastes the best!

Keep cool my friends! Pearl

The pups meet their namesakes

2008-07-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

Greetings everyone. Pearl here. Last week, my pups and I were busy playing and relaxing, and enjoying visits from some of my friends from school.

In case you didn't know, I often work in my caretaker Diane's third grade classroom where it is my job to greet all the students and bring them lots of joy (and, of course, be petted and admired). Although my duties as a mom have meant that I often need to take time off from school, I have always been able to share stories and pictures of my puppies with the students.

In the past, my school friends have been able to follow my puppies' progress (some classes even charted their growth). For this last litter, I was thrilled that I could name several of my pups after friends from school who had lovely names beginning with an 'A'.

[At right, Alaric the puppy relaxes with his new friend (and namesake) Alaric.]

Although the students are now on summer break, some of my young friends were able to come by to see my pups last week. I was particularly pleased that my pups Alaric, Amita and Avila could each meet their namesakes. [I am hoping that Adian's namesake will also be able to come for a visit!]

[Above, Amita (the puppy) shares a smile with her namesake Amita.]

[At right, Avila gets the pleasure of meeting her namesake Carlos Avila (and the rest of the Avila family).]

The GREAT Outdoors

2008-07-09T00:54:00.001-07:00

Greetings friends! Pearl here again.

Recently, my pups and I have gotten to spend our morning playtimes in the backyard. Although the pups aren't playing on the grass yet, they really enjoy the sunshine, the fresh air and the smell of flowers and trees.

They love it when I spend this time playing with them. They crawl all over me and play with my fur. Yesterday, one of the little rascals even tugged on my tail! Although they can be a bit rambunctious, this is my favorite part of being of being a mom. It makes me feel like a puppy myself again.

I also get to spend some quality 'snout-to-snout time' with each pup. As you can see from the photos (taken by my humans), both Atticus and Adian got to share stories of their adventures with me. They both told me all about the fun they are having on the slide (and each proudly insists that he or she is the best climber and slider).

When they are not playing or chatting with me, my puppies like to just hang out in the fresh air.

Above, Alaric shows his 'happy-to-be-outside' face. At right, Amita takes a stroll around the puppy-pen and admires the potted plants.

And, as always, they are quite happy to spend the time wrestling with each other.

At left, Atticus wins a round of his wrestling match while, at right, Avila tries out a new wrestling move (the flop).

However, all that playing tends to make the pups warm and tired, so they usually end the morning by cooling themselves off with an iced water dish or a frozen bottle and then settling down for a nap. I must admit, I have a bit of a snooze myself!

Until next time . . .Pearl

'A' Pup Acrobatics (or 'Cirque des puppies')

2008-07-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

[A note from Pearl's humans]

The pups have new toys for their new big play pen. In addition to the 'Clifford' slide (which all of Pearl's pups have enjoyed playing on), the 'A' pups now have a tunnel which was given to them by a friend (thanks Tina!). Thus, when they are not laying around cooling themselves from the heat, they seem to be practicing their 'circus' acts.

Above, Alaric the Magnificent and his assistant perform the 'dog with the really long neck' illusion.

.

And, at left, Atticus demonstrates his famous one-legged tunnel twirl.

For his encore (below), Atticus chooses the slide. He can both slide down AND, as he shows his mom, climb UP (not an easy feat).

Below, Alaric and Amita perform 'puppies in a tunnel' (a version of 'clowns in a car') and then assist with Avila's backwards slide routine.

For more 'A' puppy antics, see Pearl's Youtube Channel.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Pearl and the 'A' pups want to wish all their friends and siblings a Happy Fourth of July!

At right, Amita does her George Washington impression.

Yum!

2008-07-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

[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..

Checking out the new 'digs'

2008-06-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

Dear friends! Pearl here. My pups are now out of the 'puppy pool' and have made the move to their larger abode. They were very excited, as their new area has more space for them to run and play.

Although my pups were quite pleased with their new play-pen, I first had to make a very thorough investigation of it myself.

I even included in my tour a visit to the 'puppy den'. I had a 'den' like it myself when I was a puppy, but I had to check this one out to make sure that it was just right for my pups.
Apparently, I've grown a little since I was a puppy, because it was a bit difficult to squeeze myself in to take a look around. Maybe I shouldn't have gone in head-first as I almost got stuck trying to turn around.

My humans were not much help since they were taking pictures and, I think, laughing at my predicament.

I did manage to fit into the crate in the end, although it was a bit 'cozy'. I even had enough room to invite my pups in to join me.

When my inspection was complete, getting out again was also a little bit tricky, but I'm happy to say I'm still limber (it's all the yoga).

I thought the accommodations just fine for my pups and they all filed in for their first night in their den.

Escape(s) from the Puppy Pool

2008-06-27T12:46:00.001-07:00

[A note from Pearl's 'humans']

After a couple days of peering with curiosity over the edge of the puppy pool, the pups finally decided to investigate what was on the other side.

Alaric was the first to make the 'leap' (though, it wasn't so much a 'leap' as a couple minutes of hauling with his front paws and scrambling with his hind paws).

As you can see from the photo below, Alaric sort of went head first. Unfortunately, we don't have a photo of his 'landing', with him looking initially dazed ('so, I'm out, now what?') and then a little proud of himself.

We also have no pictures from the next day when three more of the puppies proceeded to scramble out as well, because we were too busy scooping them up and putting them back. They were hardly 'popping' out of the pool, but they did make several escape attempts over the course of a couple days. Fortunately, the effort of each escape was too much for them to attempt more than once in any play period.

As a result of the puppies' adventures, they will be moving to the 'x-pen' enclosure later today!

Puppies' first teeth and first 'woobies'!

2008-06-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

[From Pearl's 'humans']

The puppies are currently growing their first teeth which they have started testing out on their siblings. Especially after meals, the pups prance around the puppy pool and then, with excited growls, pounce on each other.

In order to give the pups something else to chew on at playtime, we recently brought out the 'woobies' (favorite toys- usually stuffed). The puppy toychest produced some tiny stuffed bears, a rubber dinosaur, a couple balls and a pair of so-called 'loofah' pets which have become the woobies of choice. [At left, Avila plays with the bear.]

The puppies like to bring their new woobies to dinner and bath-time.

And, at bedtime, everyone wants to hang out with the woobies. [At left, Avila naps with the 'loofah puppy' woobie.]

Admittedly, some puppies are 'woobie-hogs'.

However, at night, the puppies share the woobies in the family 'puppy pile'.

Playtime and Naptime!

2008-06-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Pearl is taking a well deserved nap, so she's asked us (her humans) to update her blog.

The puppies are all great. They still sleep most of the time; however, every hour or two (day and night), they fill up on milk before lumbering off again to flop down in various configurations.

Since all five can see and walk to some extent, they also spend some of the brief time that they are awake each day strolling around the puppy pool with tails wagging, while chirping, squeaking, or 'growling'. Some of the pups are consistently 'chattier' than others, but twice today they performed a five-part chorus in unison ('woooOOOooo!'), which suggests both undiscovered vocal talent and that they are starting to hear each other.

Occasionally, they also initiate wrestling matches with each other.

*******

The pups also want to contribute to the blog with some tips for naptime (since it is their main activity). A few enjoy sleeping on their backs, while others recommend the belly position. (Alaric is partial to both, depending on his mood. At right, he demonstrates the belly 'frog-splat').

Of course, they prefer sleeping on mom when they can, but they've discovered that siblings also make good pillows.

However, sometimes, on a warm night, they find that it is nicer to just cuddle up with a chilled water bottle.

[Pearl's 'humans']

Names!!!

2008-06-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Pearl's 'A' puppies have names!

'Red boy' is now Alaric

'Blue boy' is now Atticus

'Purple girl' is now Amita

'Green girl' is now Adian

'Pink girl' is now Avila

ALARIC (red collar) ATTICUS (blue collar)

AMITA (purple collar) ADIAN (neon green collar)

AVILA II (neon pink collar)

Walking and talking

2008-06-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

The pups have been getting on just wonderfully since my last post. At almost 2 weeks, they're already quite big! My humans weigh them every day and my largest, 'big red', is 3 1/4 lbs. How fast they grow! This means that, starting tomorrow, I'll be getting a little extra in my breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner bowls just so that I can make enough milk for the hungry pups.

All of their eyes are open a little bit, but 'green girl' was the first to get a real look at the world today. My humans gave her a quick, chauffeured tour of the back yard where she got her first glimpse of birds and flowers.

The pups still spend most of the day nursing or sleeping, but some have started to play - a little wrestling and 'bitey-face', and all are practicing their strolling. 'Purple girl' ('little plum') nearly has her walk mastered! Below, you can see a video of her 'singing' while she walks.

Love, Pearl

Me and my girl

2008-06-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends!

As you can see from the photo, I like to give my pups individual attention when I can. Here I am spending quality time with one of my girls.

She's quite a beauty, don't you think? Her fur, like her siblings, is a lovely caramel color. It's a different color from my own, but in fact, my many pups have always had a gorgeous range of fur color, from black to reddish golden to pale blond. I've been told that many of my kids still resemble me though, because they have my eyes. It's a bit too soon to tell with these new pups because their eyes haven't opened yet!

At this point, the pups can't actually see, hear or walk, although they do scoot around and make a squeaking noise when they want to find me. They never go far, since they stay in the 'puppy pool', but in the middle of the night they frequently get disoriented and wake my humans up with their cries. The pups quiet down as soon as they are returned to me, but my humans and I are a bit sleep-deprived as a result.

In a couple more weeks, they'll start to walk. I promise to have my humans record their first real steps on video! For now, they'll just have to be content hanging out with their mom!

That's all for now! Pearl.

Pearl's multi-tasking

2008-06-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

The pups have been keeping me busy, so I've been working on the art of multi-tasking.

Admittedly, it's a bit difficult to type while the pups use one of my legs as a pillow, but it keeps them quiet and happy.

Eventually, they'll get too big to snooze on me. They'll learn that cuddling up with their siblings can also be quite a comfy way to take a nap.

For now, however, I'll be juggling feeding duties with lulling them to sleep . . .

Fortunately, I've got a few motherly tricks. For instance, I can give belly-rubs and nurse my pups at the same time! (see photo below)

(Here, I demonstrate giving a belly-rub to 'blue boy'.)

Pearl's first post

2008-05-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

Gentle readers! Pearl here. I finally found a free moment to write while the pups are napping quietly. Don't they look sweet and peaceful!

It's difficult to find the chance to step away, as the pups nurse nearly ALL the time (day and night), and in those few moments when they aren't nursing, they like to nap on my paws. I'll be nursing them for at least the next four weeks; then my trusty humans will start to take over feeding duties by giving them a tasty gruel.

Earlier today I got to take a quick bath which was very nice. (When you are a mom, you have so little time for yourself).

Uh, oh - break time over; the little ones have noticed my absence and have started squeaking. My, what healthy lungs my babies have! :-)

Announcing . . . the 'A's !

2008-05-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the photo, Pearl is much too exhausted to write her own first blog today. She has thus asked us (her humans) to help her announce the birth last night of her five newest puppies!

Like their mom and dad (Alijah), the pups are full Golden Retrievers. All five (two boys and three girls) arrived as expected, but they took their time - the first (red boy) was born after midnight on May 30th and the last (pink girl) finally made her appearance at around 7:30am.

After taking a well deserved nap, Pearl will be busy thinking up names (beginning with an 'A'), making sure that her pups are nice and clean, and instructing them in the art of dining and napping. After four previous litters of between 9 and 11 puppies, she thinks that raising this litter will be a breeze. (She'll even have a little free time to write her blog).

Pearl's 'A' Pups Family Album:

'Red boy' was born first and is the largest of the five.

He was followed less than an hour later by his brother 'blue boy'.

The girls thought that the boys were in too much of a hurry, so little Miss Purple (the smallest in the litter) waited for another three whole hours (4:20am) before arriving.

Her sister 'green girl' (neon green) made her appearance about an hour later (5:30am).

Finally, the last of the bunch (pink girl) showed up fashionably late, about two hours after her sister. She was also a little shy of the paparazzi.

And then . . . the Valiant Vs!

2008-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Pearl's fourth litter (sired by a talented Golden Retriever named Finnegan - at right) was born in late September of 2007. The fifth of these pups (AKA 'stuckie') became . . .well . . . stuck during his birth, leading to Pearl's first C-section. 'Stuckie' was eventually named Valor and all nine were born healthy, happy pups (with a fondness for the movie 'Happy Feet'). The Vs are currently at various locations throughout the country entertaining and being trained by their volunteer Puppy Raisers.

A year of rest, then the Delightful Ds!

2008-05-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day 2007, Pearl had a litter of eleven, sired by Terrell, a blond Lab-Golden cross (above at right). All of her pups were golden/blond in color and eight of them were girls. At present, four of the Ds have headed off to Advanced Training, while the rest are still in training with their Puppy Raisers.

. . . more puppies - the Magnificent 'M' litter!

2008-05-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pearl became mom to another ten puppies (the 'M' litter) in October of 2005. This time, the dad was a handsome black Labrador Retriever named Baumann (pictured above). There were six girls and four boys, of which seven were blond and three were black. Of the 'M' puppies, five went on to graduate from the CCI program as service or skilled companion dogs. The other five rejoined their Puppy Raisers or found new families where they are currently busy as therapy dogs, helping 'train' new pups, and spreading joy.

Pearl's first pups! . . . 'C' litter, born in Feb. 2005

2008-05-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

In February 2005, Pearl became the proud mother of ten puppies (the 'C' Litter). Her brood consisted of five girls and five boys. Since their dad (sire) Bobby (see above) was a black Labrador Retriever, seven of her puppies were black and three were blond. Each of her pups was lovingly raised by a volunteer CCI 'Puppy-Raiser' (PR) and then sent to Advanced Training at around eighteen months. Four of the 'C' puppies went on to work for CCI as service, skilled companion or hearing dogs. The rest of her pups took different career paths as beloved pets and therapy dogs.