Puppy development

Hi again.
I have been absent for a long time, I know. Well, for various reasons, I have been in Finland since the 1st of May. Yes, it has been SO difficult to leave beautiful Sweden in the springtime, but I have been helping out here with my friend's house, goddaughter, and their new puppies. What's that you say... puppies? Ohhhh yes, that's right, I'm with Markku & Salla and sitting next to where I am typing are 4 adorable dachshund puppies (and mom of course!).

2 of the girls, taken 3 days ago

Although the puppies are of course cute, it has really been an eye opening experience to watch their development 1st hand. When I arrived the puppies were exactly 10 days old and now they are approaching their 4 weeks mark. I've seen their eyes open, heard their first peeps, watched them take their first steps (though walking is still a bit awkward for some), figure out that their brother and sisters, as well as mom, can be played with, chewed on, slept on, and barked at, and eat their first meal.

In addition, I have gotten to experience tiny puppy kisses, having my fingers "chewed" on (their teeth haven't erupted yet), being barked at by the feistiest little girl, and today there was a play battle between my hand and the lightest girl. Lastly, I have gotten to see tiny puppy tails wagging so happily when mom comes in or we come in to talk to them. Of course these little things have me wrapped around their paws and I melt when I look at them, but this has been a totally valuable time for me as well.

I, one day, hope to also breed. The whelping box, the care, the day to day activities and well being of these little guys are important. In addition, Salla is giving me lessons all the time in what happens when during development and how to start picking out important attributes in young puppies. Although I've read all about these things, it is a different matter seeing them "live."For these puppies, it is too soon to say anything about their movement since walking is still being mastered, but one can look at them structurally; in the rib, hip, front legs, back angulation, length, and make an educated guess about height. We of course all have our favorites. :)

Who doesn't love sleeping puppies?

I will not be here to see the pups off to their new homes, but some have already found some great and enthusiastic new owners and I'm sure they will have long and happy lives. No, I will be returning to Sweden in about a week to pack up the apartment, move to a new, awesome house with garden(!!), and start a new job in June at the Biomedical center in Lund. Last, but not least, I will get to see my boys again! I have missed them all (the 4 legged ones as well as my 2 legged one), even though my time here has been highlighted with my happy, beautiful goddaughter, puppies, and great friends, it will be great to have things back to "normal." :)

The new "home" for our little pack (the Audi is already comfy)

The boys enjoying a walk in the countryside near the new house