Apparently it's International Puppy Day. Luckily we have puppies to celebrate with on this holiday!

And we awoke to a little bit of snow. Here are the puppies in a hovawart's natural environment

And their mother in her natural Sofawart environment

The gang didn't get too crazy on Friday. We did cook cabbage though, so that is now "officially" the source of the stink in our house! We did try to get some shenanigans going though, but it is admittedly a little subdued. If you watch long enough, you'll see me almost lose an eye to the cutest assailant, though.

We always feel special when they fall asleep on on like this.

​Saturday was also the first visit by people from outside our home. Apparently, I was not nearly as special as our visitor. Hovawart pants to a Hovawart scarf! At least she's not Cruella de Vil and seems happy with her own jacket 😅

And here are some more videos of this week's hijinks:

It's been a big week here at Blackacre. We reached four weeks on Wednesday. But the real news is that we started changing their food and they went outside. After sticking with mother's milk and puppy formula for weeks, the gang got puppy gruel on Friday. We soaked puppy kibble overnight in water and pureed the soggy dog food into a smooth mush. As unappealing it may have seemed to us, they all loved it and didn't get too messy.

Saturday was relatively warm at 34° and everyone had their first trip outside. They all, eventually, took to it, though they need brave Yellow to lead the way onto the patio.  Once inside, sleep was immediate!

 We also had our second litter inspection on Saturday. Everyone is looking good and growing well. The HCNA schedules three litter inspections over the first seven weeks of life. It gives us a chance to interact with the breeding committee, show off the dogs, get some tips from some very experienced breeders and judges, and learn we're on the right path -- so far, at least ​😃

Day two outside was good, too. Sunny, not too cold, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I know Jaime and I did! 

After some breakfast, the gang got pedicures! Their little talons needed some trimming, for sure. They took it well -- most slept through the spa treatment -- and they look great. Ha. Then everyone got some puppy milk and made a mess. 

Live look at Blackacre. These little guys are on the move and have learned that they are even strong enough to climb out!

Working out in preparation for the escape

Of course, it's pretty great when they're out and about, too. 

Although some are certainly bigger than others, all are growing and getting more and more interested in everything around them. 
Though she still does it, Käthe is losing interest in nursing, and we give her puppies in small groups outside the box. Sharp nails, sharp teeth, etc. But the move to groups has also seemed to really help her and all the puppies. The puppies don't feed as long now either. They do still fall asleep while suckling, though, their little mouths still on the "bottle" and quick to get back to drinking enthusiastically if you try to pull them off. Barfly or overtired child? Both analogies seem to work. These puppies stumble everywhere, too!
The transition to puppy formula and even real food is about to start. Unfortunately, that also means Käthe won't be cleaning up after them anymore and that'll be our job. Hovawarts love the cold, so a few open windows won't be too upsetting, right?
Watching them learn to play and even fight a bit has been great, too. Some are quicker to growl and push back. Some like to play sweet, and then bite a tail when they get the chance. But they all get into the play. Personalities are forming! A few like to cuddle with us humans, some just like to be near us. Others see us as merely giant chew toys. All of it is pretty adorable.