Our St. Patrick's Day Parade - A New Litter of Puppies! II
I have gone over the edge. Somebody reach out and pull me back. For Shayleigh's midmorning snack I put 8oz of cottage cheese in a bowl, sprinkled about 6 oz of kibble over it, shredded two slices of ham and laid the pieces on top, then spritzed some whipped cream to top it off. 
Shayleigh loved it. Help me! She'll never eat normal stuff again! |
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Too precious...thank you for sharing these puppies with us so we can watch them grow!! And Shayleigh is one spoiled mama  |
| John and family,
Thank you for the wonderful updates. You have done an excellent job of keeping us all up to date with the progress of each puppy. I feel like I can actually see them. Your Shayleigh is such a beautiful girl and seems to be a wonderful mom to her babies. I hope someday to get a puppy, but in the mean time (until I retire) I will contiue to rescue adult Sheepies. The truth be told, I have never seen a Sheepie puppy in person, I often wonder what my Tyler was like when he was a puppy, what he looked like, what his personality traits were? I will never know, but I look forward to that day when I can get my own sheepie puppy. Keep the updates and photos coming, we all seem to be spell bound by the progress of the Saint Patrick Day Parade of puppies.... |
| Oh, John, what a beautiful brood you have! And the updates are fantastic! I'm with Tyler's Mom - when I retire, I want a puppy. All my dogs have been rescues, and I would never rule out getting another rescue, but I've fallen so in love with the breed that I just have to have a puppy, just once!
Give Shayleigh a back rub (in place of a belly rub) from Drez and me! Chris |
| John
Thanks for taking the time to relate your puppy updates. As you can see we are all delighted by your tails(  ). Your girls menu made me laugh, who wouldn't like whipped cream on their food. The pictures are adorable!
Happy Easter to your clan. |
| March 29 - day 12
First, I'd like to thank you all for the kind comments and support you have offered in this thread. I thought it would be fun if someone having puppies would detail some of their experiences and thoughts for those in the community, thereby sharing the experience somewhat. As I write this post I have Patch in my lap. She's stirring a bit so writing may be a challenge until she settles. Patch is now over two pounds, as are most of her siblings and cute as can be. I'll get some more pictures up tonight or tomorrow so you can see the little family. Hmm, probably should have a size reference item in the photos . . . We came home Saturday from the Mall to find Bailey on all fours. That was the first time we saw one of the pups actually up on their feet. Since then they have all gotten on their feet and wobbled about. Very little precision just yet but they are learning and learning fast. I expect by this weekend all the pups will be able to walk around the plastic pool where they now spend their time away from Shayleigh. As of now, Bailey can actually maneuver about on his legs pretty well - not for long periods of time, mind you, but long enough to circle the pool. He's an inspiration to his siblings and they are working to follow his lead. Eyes have not opened but we expect them to at any time. Day 12, today, seems beginning to the window of time in which the eyes are expected. We can't wait! I know that when the eyes open they won't give clear vision to the pup nor are they likely to have their final coloration, yet we greatly anticipate the moment of seeing those eyes and knowing the growth process is taking its course properly. The pups, full of personality now, will take on even greater charm when their eyes open. I don't know where I'd be without my kids. Wallace and victoria have been a great help in many small ways but they really shine in one area of care for the pups that we were deteremined to do - hold them. The pups need to be held and stroked to help form their personalities. With nine pups it would be near impossible for me and Kathy to do that for any appreciable length of time on a daily basis. Enter the kids - they are most happy to hold a pup while watching television or reading. Between the four of us each pup is getting the proper socialization it needs.
Shayleigh is eating us out of house and home but she's doing a grand job of looking after the puppies and is actually putting on a bit of weight herself. Yesterday she got her first full grooming session since the puppies' arrival - YAY! I hate a messy looking sheepdog and it had been bugging me that she was looking subpar. All better now. hehe We've had quite a few visitors to see the pups. I've been surprised just how well Shayleigh has taken to having people strange to her handle her puppies. She watches the people like a hawk, though. And if someone tries to venture out of the kitchen with a puppie then Shayleigh is right on their heals. She'll even leave nursing a shift to follow a puppy out of the room. Got to go. Time for a shift change and Patch is too restless to continue with her in my lap. |
| Sounds like they are doing great! I can't wait to hear more! |
| Hooray for puppy updates! Glad to hear all are still growing well- 2lbs already! Please post updated pics if you get a chance!
Karen |
| March 31 - day 14
TWO WEEKS! The time has flown by. Funny, at times it seemed to drag miserably. You know, those times cleaning the puppy box or waking in the middle of the night to take mother Shayleigh outside when it's raining, etc.
But, as much work as it has been at times, it has also been very rewarding. It should be apparent that this is very much a family event and the kids are certainly doing their part. Also, this is an experience the likes of which they have never had and may never have again. Did I mention we have fun with the pups? They need socialization so we oblige. Sometimes, we might take it a bit too far. the other day we decided to try playing with all the pups at once. The term 'herding rats' came to mind . . . Puppy Scramble 
Sometimes the pups just take a few minutes and watch television with one of the kids. However, their taste in programming can differ somewhat, leading to the following: TV is boring 
Too much food, combined with plenty of activity, leads to . . . Slumber Party 
Yesterday, we had a bunch of visitors. Three ladies and two children came by in a group to see the puppies. Leading the charge was Annette, who introduced Shayleigh to Chance and has the enviable first pick of the litter. It's looking like Bailey is going to be her new baby boy . . . Bailey & Nettie 
Poor Bailey had just eaten and was more interested in snoozing then posing for pictures. Thankfully, he endured all the attention well and rests comfortably with the knowledge of the excellent home that awaits him. All of the pups are stumbling about on their legs. It's rather comical to watch. The thought of drunk sailors on leave comes to mind . . . This morning I was greeted outside the bathroom door by a wonderful sight: Kathy was standing there with McFluff. A wide-eyed McFluff! His eyes had opened overnight. The other pups are all in the process of opening their eyes but McFluff was the first to do so fully. It takes a bit of time but all eyes should be open completely by tomorrow. What fun! Seeing their eyes gives a whole new dimension to their personalities. Are the pups growing? You bet. Here's a picture with a soda can as reference: Have a Coke 
The big project comes this Sunday . . . feeding 'solid' food. It's time to go get another wading pool in order to contain the mayhem . . . |
| Thanks for the update John. I can only imagine the fun your family is having |
| Oooooohhhh! I can't wait to see the pictures! It sounds like things are going great! |
Quote: It's time to go get another wading pool in order to contain the mayhem . . .
Maybe I could wear one on each foot and shuffle around our now very cozy kitchen.... 
Your loving wife, Kathy |
Hi Kathy...I'm just around the corner/not far away from you...if you feel like running away for a bit BUT you HAVE to bring a puppy with you...hehehe. Maybe it's too soon for that  Hmmm...you can come by yourself this time
Diane...oh the sweet smell of puppy breath |
| I'll keep that invite in mind - I'm not crazy yet, but wait until this Shayleigh stops cleaning up after them! |
| Kathy30340
I just saw it... Diane30340
It is a small sheepie world  |
| Wow... Great pics, John!
Thanks! |
| John & Kathy,
I love the pictures as well as the description of Shayleigh's babies, especially my O'Bailey Boy Quiggly Wagtail aka Bailey. For anyone who has never seen an OES puppy, there is nothing in the world cuter! John has been ever so kind to allow me my "parental visits" every time I get a chance!!!And I do mean every chance! My six year old would really be mad with me if he even thought I'd seen Bailey more than he & my husband. So, my two year old & I will visit when we can while he's at school! HA Bailey is so cute as is the others now that the eyes are open! Yay! Keep up the good work. THANKS A MILLION! We are so happy(I'm sure you had no idea HA) about the birth of our Bailey!!! Shayleigh is the best little mommy! I'll make sure to tell Chance that she's already got her "prebaby" figure back! Wish I could say the same
Nettie |
| April 3 - day 17
Yesterday was a fun day . . . not! Yesterday morning Shayleigh decided she was done with nursing. For whatever reason she had had enough (nine pups, 24/7 feeding schedule - go figure). This decision on her part came a good bit earlier than expected. A bit of a scramble therefore ensued. The whelping box I crafted is now gone. In its place is a new and larger wading pool (6o inches across; lovely thing to have in your kitchen, lol). The pups have moved into the larger pool as their new 'home'. This home comes complete with shredded newspapers, naturally. My children spent a fair amount of their afternoon tearing newspapers into strips. While watching the Final Four last night I had the pleasure of tearing newspapers. Given the sheer quantity of papers that will be needed and looking at our pitiful supply on hand, a raid on a nearby recycling center may be in order.
The puppies are trying a mash of kibble, water and cottage cheese. Some are taking it well, others are not. Thankfully we can supplement the mash with formula. Three weeks ago I had no idea there was puppy formula to be had. It seems my formula mixing days aren't over after all. 
Now for the fun part: the puppies have to be hand fed. I had hoped we could throw them in the smaller pool, put down a plate of food and voila! Nope, not so easy. The pups can't stand up long enough or well enough to eat . . . so they lie down in the mash. Yuckers! The first attempt at feeding them resulted in nine very messy puppies, each requiring a personalized bath. No more of that! Hand feeding is time consuming but no more swimming in kibble mash for us. We'll get by until the pups can stand and eat on their own. Last night, curiously, was the easiest night yet. The only reason we had to get out of bed was to let Shayleigh outside. The pups were pretty happy all night long. Shayleigh climbed into the large pool with the pups and they happily curled up next tto her and slept through the night. I suspect she did a wee bit of 'comfort' nursing to help them get through the night but that's about all she could do as her milk supply is already noticeably down from previous days. Today we deworm the pups for the first time. That should be interesting. Also today I'll register the litter with the AKC - should have done so earlier but life has been rather, umm, hectic. Cheers, |
| 17 days is about normal for Shayleigh to have had enough of them. Most begin to wean between that 2 and 3 weeks mark, and are completely weaned by 4 weeks. Most mums don't want much to do with their pups at all after 3 weeks.
I've found teaching them to suck the mash off a teaspoon helps as well for the first few days. Also, one pup at a time, letting them suck the mash off your finger and gradually lowering your finger along with the pups mouth following, into a saucer of food. It certainly is far cleaner than letting them try to do it themselves, but by about 4 weeks you will want them to be able to eat on their own and it will be messy for a bit. LOL Daily baths for pups of this age seems to be the norm. The formula at this age won't hurt, but by 3 weeks they shouldn't need any supplementation of this kind. How much do they weigh now John? Are they all gaining well? If you find they are getting diarreah from the food switch you may want to consider removing the cottage cheese and adding rice pablum, as it will bind it up a bit. I can't wait to see new pics of the babies! |
| WOW, Annette, Richard & the boys came to visit for the weekend and I learned this great way to communicate with Shayleigh. The babies are beautiful. Thank John & Kathy for all the information and the great photos. I am so proud of each and every puppy, and especially proud of you Shayleigh. Give my love to all my boys and girls; and Grandma Sassy and half brother Chase say "hi" too.
Love, Chance PS - Thanks for the great updates - we are so happy our St. Paddy's day Puppies are all well and growing fast. Hope to get up and see them before they outgrow your kitchen. Jean & Al |
| These pups are so darn cute! I just keep coming back to look at the pictures again and again.
Much luck with the new feeding routine. You definitely have your hands full! |
| April 5 - day 19
The Great Food Adventure is going reasonably well. The pups are eating and continue to gain weight. It is not, however, an undertaking for those that must maintain a pristine household. Yet, as I think about it, what sheepie lover keeps an immaculate house? Sheepdogs don't exactly promote cleanliness. The weaning continues. Every now and then Shayleigh thinks she can help out but the reality is that she doesn't have the milk to supply her growing brood. Still, it's a nice attempt on her part. One last time 
The first two days of this weaning process we tried spoonfeeding the kibble mash to the pups - effective but sooo time consuming. Letting the pups lick the mash off our fingers worked a bit better though not as neat (thank you Willowsprite for the suggestion). Thankfully, the pups can now actually stand and eat from a paper plate. Eating on their own, no matter how messy, helps cut the time down quite a bit. That's a good thing.
Food's on! Chow time 
Mmm, tastey. Personalities show up a bit more with the unrestricted communal eating. Titan and Bailey show a bit of dominance by their inclination to wade into the plate and stand there in the mash eating while their mates nibble about the edges or just wait. McFluff and Tangles seem the most aware of the pups as they are quickest to see a new plate being delivered and often have the plate to themselves for a few minutes before the rest of the pack notices. Our little Shaggie-Too may be our little debutante - she likes to eat at her own delicate pace and without competition, complaining as the others get in her way and unwilling to touch food that has been trampled upon. So what's it like after a meal? See for yourself . . . Bailey mess 
Imagine nine pups looking like that. Baths are in order, that's for sure. Here's Lucky enjoying a bit of personal time. Lucky bath 
Baths do take time, though. And not everyone can be bathed at the same time. Somebody has to wait. Well, if you have to wait, you might as well do something productive. I can't believe I ate the whole thing 
When all is said and done, food eaten, baths taken, maybe a bathroom break thrown in there somewhere, it's time to do some real socializing, up close and personal. Here's a picture of Bailey and Wallace doing something together that they both love to do. Brotherly love 
That may be my favorite picture so far. |
| Adorable and messy all at the same time! Glad to hear the brrod is doing well! Keep the updates coming.
Karen |
| I just LOVE these updates and pictures. And that last one, of Bailey and Wallace is just the best ever! Definitely frameable!!
We are so glad that you do, but how in the world do you ever find the time to update the forum??? Chris |
| They are so adorable, and I love all the pics, they are all great shots |
| Those are great pictures, nothing sweeter then a boy and a dog....seems so innocent...even if it just for brief moment. I'm glad you captured it.
The stories are very fun to read. |
| Great pics! It's really nice from you to share your babies development. |
| Poor Shayleigh! Remember that old picture of her with her smiling about her sucess? In this picture it looks like she is praying for help.
They are all so cute! They must be a real handful. |
| Wow. Amazing. That last shot is so precious. So much innocense! |
| What precious puppies. That last shot is just priceless. |
| They are so sweet! Thanks for the up dates! |
| Hi! What a cute bunch of pics you've taken of my Bailey! I am so excited(as usual). I just love the pic of him & Wallace! Just adorable Hopefully, I'll get to visit in a few days before the gang grows up any more! Glad to hear that the Puppy Chow is being accepted by all!
Toodles! Nettie |
| Wow, I just had a chance to look at all the pictures and hear about the puppies' progress. They are all looking so healthy and cute, I never realized how messy they get when they first start eating, what a job!! I wish I lived nearby so I could could cuddle them, they are so sweet!!
I look forward to seeing them some more, Sharon |
| This is the best thing on the internet!
Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated John. Jil |
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