Today?

She's getting that far-away look in her eyes this morning, after a restless night of panting and midnight strolls on the leash.  It could very well be today.  

Tomorrow

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, it could be tomorrow," sung to the tune of Annie.  Of course we'd blocked off Thursday and Friday and Saturday--then I miscounted.  So tomorrow we have middle school registration, dog agility, and Harry's birthday.  Which means if the puppies ARE born tomorrow, they'll be born the EXACT SAME day as last year's litter.  

Puppies Are Moving

The puppies are kicking, and Ellie's stomach is getting so big she looks like a poor mama Eeyore.  As soon as these puppies drop out, she'll be a whole new girl!  Well...when they're done nursing, anyway.  We can't wait for them to arrive.  McKenzie's just wandering around wishing they'd come TODAY.  We've picked out puppy names and are on our way to Walgreens in a couple of minutes to get the emergency supplies.  Just in case Ellie doesn't cut the cord or something.  She didn't have a single problem last time.  Just kind of ran out of room in the whelping box.  We'll spread out blankets over the floor so that if that happens again, there will be a soft landing.

Ok--off to get some unwaxed dental floss, iodine, and a suction bulb.   

Ellie's Belly Ready to POP

And over 2 weeks to go!  Oh my goodness.  Hang in there sweet girl!

Woody leads us out of the woods

Ok, this blog will soon turn into a post ALL ABOUT PUPPIES.  But for now, while Ellie's belly is growing an inch a day, I'll tell you about our hike.  

Went into the National Forest, via the back acreage.  Took all 5 dogs, and we just followed some trails.  Non are marked there, so it's wise to keep your bearings.  My reference point is Elephant Butte, and now that I've been over in that area tramping around, I've found I can usually see it unless I'm deep in a gully.

We walked a jeep trail that was new to us, and I think it led over to Golden Willow.  There was a dirt road w/houses....  Turned back and took another trail.  But it cut off in the wilderness.  Followed Woody, who has proven to have an unerring sense of direction.  After climbing a pretty steep, rocky slope, over a lot of fallen trees, we got to our old path thru Aubrey Huff's land.  Whew!  Glad to head home after all that.

Harry's Not So Hairy

Harry's hair is going the way of a Barbie doll's.  A few snips here, a few snips there.  Ooops, have to even that up....  G just commented on the puddle he leaves after drinking.  May have to shave the beard next.  We're talking Harry here, not Geoff.  G whittled his down to a goatee and it took us all two weeks to notice!  He felt very ignored.  Now, I ask you, how can you just keep it all to yourself like that?  I would have let the cat out of the bag after a day.  Two weeks?  Imposs-eee-bla!

Aspen & a Doodle Romp

We think Ellie is probably pregnant, after breeding with Beau (Linderlabradoodle's Parti-Poodle Stud) & with Drake (white lab, very squared-off build, and easy-going temperament).  This will be a dual-sired litter.

All of us went to Aspen about three weeks ago and brought 3 dogs.  Harry woofed out the hotel window at the cars and people.  He's not used to town life, but he adjusted quickly.  Everybody enjoyed the food and walks.  It was a ghost town that time of year, but all the more relaxing because of it.  

It was great to see some of the puppies at 10 months old.  They're all so good natured and happy!