The physical and mental development of the puppies hit warp speed this week. I think they look taller, leaner, and more mature every time I look at them! Photos that I took on Tuesday suddenly look outdated by Friday. In addition to physical growth, the puppies are starting to display distinct personalities and traits. They are truly becoming individuals instead of just a pack of puppies.

The biggest milestones this week were the first trips outside and the introduction of game. We are deep into the wet Pacific Northwest winter, so breaks in the cold rain are few and far between. Still, we take advantage of every opportunity to get the pups outside - even briefly - to expand their world beyond the house. All of the pups took to the new experience quickly, but they all had different ideas of what to do. Some wanted to wrestle with their siblings, some wandered off to visit the chickens, and some got a serious case of the zoomies. They are all clearly enrichment-seekers, but their methods varied from one pup to another.

Much to the pups’ delight, we introduced them to dead birds such as a duck, a quail, and a couple wings we’d saved from last season. What a treat to get to watch their deep instincts awaken as they encountered these new smells. Again, reactions varied. Some pups approached with cautious curiosity and some with unbridled enthusiasm. Everybody wanted to pick something up to carry in their mouth, including a couple impressive attempts at dragging the heavy mallard off to some unknown destination. There’s no question that these pups embody the genes of countless generations of well-bred hunting dogs.

We continue to welcome visitors of all ages to ensure that the pups are getting plenty of human socialization. It’s fun to show off the pups and see them grow their confidence when meeting new people. We’ve been teaching them to sit quietly to ask for attention, which makes for a more sane greeting instead of eight puppies flinging themselves wildly at the gate!

I can’t forget an update on Piper, too! She got her stitches out this week and is fully on the mend from last week’s surgery following the mastitis infection. It is wonderful to have her back to normal and in good spirits as her body finishes the healing process.

It’s hard to believe we only have two weeks left with these puppies. I have mixed emotions because I’m excited to see these pups head off to great new homes, but I’ll also miss each and every one of them!