Puppies are HERE!!!

Today, January 31, 2007, Molly whelped eleven puppies! Eight boys and three girls. They came out fat and vigorous and each one nursed almost immediately. Molly is the BEST mother I think I've ever seen. She's conscientious but chilled out, at least until Acey tries to go see what little noises coming from the bathroom are about and then she issues a rather ominious sounding growl. There is no doubt in the world that these are Itty's puppies ... they appear to have been "stamped" by him. One little girl in particular is just his spitting image. The first puppy was born at 1:22 AM and they continued at the rate of about one an hour until after noon today so once we catch up on some sleep we'll be posting more photographs. Thanks so much for your patience!

Daddy's Big Day!

Today Itty and I competed in the AKC agility trial being held at Bon-Clyde in Sanford, NC. The trial was full and we were able to watch many wonderful dogs run. Novice ran last in both Standard and JWW, so we were basically there all day long. It was worth it, however! Itty got a third in Standard and a second in JWW and qualified in both of his runs! They would have been perfect but for his over-running the table in Standard (barely) and one jump in JWW. To say that I am thrilled is putting mildly. This was only our second agility trial together but both of us are hooked. Itty KNOWS he is the star of the day! (I think he likes the people clapping for him, lol.) Meanwhile, Molly grows VERY large with pup. She looks as if she has swallowed an oblong watermelon. She basically lies around and looks contemplative although she will rouse herself to catch the tennis ball from time to time. In all likelihood, we'll have puppies this time two weeks from now! PS ... the tilt of Itty's head in the photo is in response to his favorite word: "ball".