The pups turned 5 weeks old on August 19.

They have been moved downstairs to "Romper Room" where they have more room to roam and play.  They are all brought upstairs daily and love to be part of the action.

Pups are also playing with toys and, of course, chewing EVERYTHING ...including each other!

Brigitta & Bella found the camera bag strap hanging out of the entertainment center.  Well...it was entertaining...for them!  Silly girls.

Their individual personalities are starting to develop and they get more comical each day. 

This is Budweiser "Bud". He's already an "expert" at untying shoes.

They play hard, then the next thing you know they are crashed everywhere in a puppy coma.


One of their favorite places to "crash" is between the couch and a bookcase so we put a blanket down for them.

Lap napping is also a favorite!

Actually, any old place will do.  Here's Breelyn taking a power nap...she's a doll!

The pups had their first trip outside last weekend when Carmin Argiero of Rainey River Kennel came by for a visit.  Pups were quite bold and confident, venturing around investigating this new surrounding and the feel of grass under their feet.  They didn't seem too concerned about staying close to Momma Tess. 

This is a delightful stage. They absolutely adore humans and have been getting lots of socialization. 

SEE SEPARATE PAGE:

Chow time is still a hoot, but definitely not as messy. They are now eating softened puppy food three times a day.  Weights are as follows (lbs/ozs):

Pup #1 Male - 8/0
Pup #2 Female - 6/6 1/2
Pup #3 Female - 7/9 1/2
Pup #4 Male - 7/6 1/2
Pup #5 Female - 7/10 1/2
Pup #6 Male - 6/7
Pup #7 Male - 8/15
Pup #8 Male - 6/3
Pup #9 Male - 8/4

The whole gang (note Tess in the upper right corner... waiting for clean up duty).

Blitz is on the right (named for the lightning bolt marking on his leg - fast as lightning too).  He may be the smallest, but he's gaining well and has no problem pushing his way into the chow line!

Then there's Bella.  She's always the last to leave and likes to crawl right into the dish! Chow hound like her Grandma Alli.