ATB Brittany Puppy Video: Ordinary Miracle



It's happening already.  Major changes and significant development seen in the Nemo Litter of Brittany puppies from morning to night. Not only that, but I'm also seeing their beautiful mother Piper in a whole new light. The fact of the matter is that in many ways it as if I am looking at her for the very first time.  Maybe it is because her puppies are the only thing in her world right now to compete with for her attention and vice versa. She's always been so happy, lively, fun loving, and adventurous.  Piper's always been an exceptionally free spirit and as I often say when describing our girl, she marches to the beat of a different drummer. All that Piper has ever been, each quality that we admire about her are the very things that have always endeared her to us.  Seeing her now in this amazing new role as a loving mother dog with strong and wonderful maternal instincts leaves me mesmerized and captivated!  Piper's eyes exude love for not only for her puppies, but also for John and me. 

At 8 days old our new Brittany puppies are already up on their legs. Not for long of course!  But they are lifting their roly poly tummies up off the floor and taking the most awkward but definite steps. That's right, STEPS! They are uncoordinated, shaky, and not very stable at all but the dragging motions which seemed amphibious in nature to me are being replaced by a near walking motion. Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable for this age. One puppy has even reached up onto the pig rail and rested it's head there before falling asleep. A friend reminded me that before the pups were born I told her that True and Piper's pups would 'hit the floor running'!  Guess that statement was prophetic in nature.  But I wouldn't want them any other way. We are after all, talking about Brittanys who will not only spend their lives being loved on by their awaiting families but who will also enjoy a beautiful, long fall days for many years to come hunting grouse, woodcock, pheasant and all manner of upland game and even waterfowl.

There is always music playing for Piper and her puppies. Although we have a television and a radio in the puppy cave it is the instrumental music which remains constant. The little puppy ears are closed for the time being but will open within the next week or so, as will their eyelids.  For now, they are all sealed tightly. Their ears resemble little rubber flaps the first few days but it is not long before they grow some fuzzy hair on them. Little Brittany puppy ears are so very cute! As they open we are very mindful of what noises they first hear so the soft and calming music that is playing for them is perfect.  In time we also use sound effect Cd's to desensitize them to many different sounds which may otherwise startle a young puppy or dog.  The CD of choice this evening is one by Celtic Woman, one of their earlier ones. Other selections are by Jim Brickman, Tim Janis, and several classical CDs.  John noticed the first signs tonight that their eyelids are changing, and that the big bulge where their eyes are hiding is diminishing. They look like little aliens for the first few days. Because of the sensitivity of their eyes to light when first opening the lighting is very soft in the room where the puppies are. 

I'm looking at the time and thinking on yes, here we go. The late nights turning into early morning, trying to stay on top of the blog and do photo edits while I'm half awake.  There will be times when CLUNK. My head will fall forward onto the keyboard.  But I wouldn't trade this for anything.
We'll continue to see many changes this week.  Their birth weight will have doubled by 10 days of age if not sooner. I have just put together a new slide show set to music called Ordinary Miracle.  It may not show up here tonight but I'll upload it some time tomorrow.

One week old.  In 7 weeks the first day of the rest of their life will begin. In the meantime, truly my life is on hold. And I would not have it any other way. Although we may have been blessed through the years to experience this ordinary miracle before, each time it is as if it is the very first time.

As always thank you for your interest in All things Brittany.  Take care and God bless you and yours... John, Ann, Piper, puppies and the rest of our beautiful canine crew