Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving morning began with one overtired puppy and one stressed out puppy mom. Mudge just couldn't settle last night. He cried and whined and did a hundred tours around the whelping box. I tired all the tricks I could think of to comfort him but nothing seemed to work for any length of time. A recon mission on FB with Karen Hinchy determined that most likely the whelping box was a bit too warm for our little guy. Sure enough, her advice was spot-on and everyone settled in for a much needed nap while I went to prepare the turkey. Our whole family was here to celebrate the day. A very traditional Thanksgiving feast, great food, great company, football on the TV and laughter filling the house. The puppies and Tioga occupy our front room off the family room, so while it is quiet in there we can still peek in to "ooooh and awwww" at the little cuties. Tioga was very proud to show off her babies to all the cousins and aunts and uncles. She seems to be feeling more confident in her role as mommy. She isn't so nervous about leaving the pups to go outside to relieve herself and she even took some time today to share a bowl of goats milk with our other Chinook, her pal Dakota. Dakota has missed Tioga's company since her attention has been solely on the puppies. Her careful attention to them is so sweet to see and is turning them into plump, happy puppies. They are gaining over an ounce each day! With only 2 puppies, there is no competition at "Momma's Milk Bar" - happy hour, all day, everyday! So, with all of our bellies (both human and canine) stuffed and heaving contented sighs, we say good night. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!