They still mostly sleep and eat and sleep some more. But the eyes are open, and they are starting to really interact with each other. Some really can walk. Others have mastered stumbling. We are now having them nurse in small groups because Käthe can't take 10 beastlets all at once. But they are all growing getting more and more active. Some really seem to be drawn to each other. Red and Blue (one of the biggest and one of the smallest) are together all the time.

Soon they will be off mother's milk and our work will really begin!

Here is who's who in order of birth:
Red: Black Female
Orange: Black & Tan Female
Yellow: Black & Tan Male
White: Black & Tan Female
Blue: Black Female
Brown (formerly Red, White & Blue braid): Black Female
Purple (formerly Pink & Purple braid): Black & Tan Female
Green: Black & Tan Female
Gray (formerly Orange, Green & Gray braid): Black Male
Pink: Black Male

They may be too young for Bourbon Street, but they still overindulged on milk! Passed out by 8:00. 

Their first real photo shoot! They may not be ready for the magazine cover yet, but they are all happy to wish you a wonderful Valentines Day! Let Love Grow

They all made it! That x-ray was both exciting and frightening, and we still had an expected due date of Feb. 9. But at 8:30 Wednesday morning, she was ready. The first four came within 90 minutes, and she was done by 4:30. It was both a sprint and a marathon. Käthe never had a real pause, and then she was suddenly in charge of 10 screaming little buggers. But she is handling it herself, insisting we not interfere. Which is good. We don't need to handle her newborns too much, and she needs to do this herself. 

Luckily, wonderfully, we awoke to ten puppies still alive and feeding. Today has been a mix of cries, suckling, quick food and bathroom breaks for Käthe and bedding exchange/box cleaning for us, and repeat. We couldn't be happier for her. 10 is so many and this was so confusing and frightening for her too. But she's doing it. And we will take all the hope you have that all puppies and mother stay healthy.

And what's the count? Admittedly, I might have misidentified a wet, recently licked clean black and tan dog for a black one, and there is no need to stress her too much by handling her puppies, but we're pretty certain of the following: Four Black Females; Three Black & Tan Females; Two Black Males; One Black & Tan Male.

Thanks to all of you who have written or texted. And for those more recent inquiries, I hope you understand why we've not been in touch for a couple days. 

Please feel free to email us again with your preferences and requirements.

Thanks. Congratulations Käthe!

We had Käthe x-rayed this afternoon. Ten! Ten skulls he counted in there (though is looks like 20 spines!). She's been widening quickly this week, and added 20 pounds since the sonogram. We see why.
Understandably, Käthe is uncomfortable and likely as ready as anyone for these creatures to get out of her. Due date is Thursday, and I think it'll be a marathon for all of us. Wish her an easy and healthy experience.