Monday Memories-We Used to be T-H-I-S Big!!

From the first day the puppies were born, we weighed them in this scale until they got too big for it, somewhere between 3-4 weeks old.  We weighed them every other day to make sure they were growing at a consistent rate and getting enough nourishment.  Silver had 10 active teats, though some were smaller than others and the puppies were constantly shifting around and fighting for the best spot.

  10 inches (25.4cm)

They all weighed close to one pound (.45kg) when they were born.  Chance was born the biggest at 1 3/4 lbs (.79kg) while Fiona and Blaze were the smallest at 12.75 oz (.36kg).  There was quite a battle between the three white boy puppies, until they were about a month old when Zappa joined in the race. 

We never got any pictures while we weighed them.  They were so squirmy, it was difficult enough trying to get a solid reading, .  Probably the same reason we never thought to measure them. 

 You don't really expect me to get back in there, do you?

I hardly ever use the scale and almost forgot I had it when I pulled it out to measure beans. It was one of those moments that just hits you, how tiny all those puppies used to be.  Doesn't even seem possible sometimes.  Even looking at pictures doesn't quite give an accurate measure, but there was something about the scale that brought everything back "to scale."  What happen to my babies??
     

Got Disgusting Hariballs??

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Through Your Eyes

One award the 24 Paws of Love is never going to win is one for their social graces and I think I have finally come to accept this.  Try as we might, our only goal has been for the dogs to be civil with each other and I believe after three years we have finally reached this.  This in turn has made me appreciate your dog blogs even more.  What the 24 Paws of Love can't do yet, we enjoy living through your dog's eyes. 

 Now you know you can't handle any more than just me!

Like you aren't going to see all six of our dogs out and about like The Thundering Herd walking all at the same time and pace.  A feat that still amazes us to this day.  Considering we walk one dog at a time, maybe two if the mood is right, can you imagine how this looks to us?  Like a miracle!  How cool would that be some day??

You and me, just the way I like it.

Or how I always fall out of my chair when Tales and Tails talk about loading up their four dogs in their vehicle for a day's outing and travel to the many great parks. How do they do that?  I don't think we have ever had more than three dogs in the same car and that was only for a vet visit.  Three dogs and Brut was definitely not one of them!

Focus, shomcus, Where's my treat?

Brut would be an excellent candidate for agility, his focus is like a laser when it comes to treats, except the very thing that gives him that attentiveness would create havoc in the ring.  No one wants a food crazed reactive nut job running amongst the crowds!  So we watch through the eyes of Layla as she takes those turns and jumps, cruising with such ease and pleasure while Layla and her owner show everyone that a Malamute can rule the agility world too.

Not exactly, but closest pic I have of Chance's stance

Now, while none of my dogs are anywhere near being any kind of pedigree, both Chance and Brut have got a show dog's stance that is to kill for. Even if they were able to participate, I don't think the gangster riots they would ensue would even get them in the door.  So, we take ringside seats to watch the professionals, Sherman and Leroy at My Brown Newfies, where Jen takes us through the adventures of the show ring and life of a real show dog.

Anywhere??  I'm only a part-time anywhere girl.

Then there is Pamela from Something Wagging This Way Comes, who has known the pain and frustration of dealing with reactive dogs.  Who specifically took the time and love to find a gentler, easier dog and found Honey.  Hearing the tales of the joy that Honey has brought to Pamela and understanding all too well how deeply this joy is appreciated, we too live in that happiness for her and her well deserved adventures with Honey.  What you mean you can take her anywhere???

These are only a handful of examples of the many blogs that we live vicariously through.  It is one of the reasons we enjoy the dog blogging community and all it has to offer.  Where we can celebrate and cherish our differences and our individuality of living with dogs.  Our dogs have come along way in the last couple of years and learning to accept their uniqueness has been challenging at times, but it is a specialness I wouldn't change because that's what makes them the 24 Paws of Love.  And while our world may seem a bit odd or out of order, that's OK, because yours look a little weird to us too.    And that's what we love most about this dog blogging community and we wouldn't have it any other way!  :)

     I'm just here to be the different one.

  

Mammoth Sunflowers

Hurry mommy!  They look hungry!!
 

Back Dog Summer Activities

In lieu of the last unofficial day of summer here in the US, we are taking a look back at what the Back Dogs did on their summer vacation.  Besides the summer snoozes due to the summer heat, they also performed many valuable jobs to make our summer more enjoyable.  So in a tribute to all the working dogs on this Labor Day, I give you the Back Dogs.... 

Zappa devoted much of his time keeping down the flying insect population.

Silver livened up the summer fun with some new moves.

Brut kept the nights safe, by taking the evening  watch patrol.

And Fiona supervised all these activities, while lounging by the pool and working on her tan.

We hope everyone has a great day.

And to our friends in the US, Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

What the Front Dogs did on their Summer Vacation

Bobbing for treats

As the Dog Days of Summer wind down and the unofficial end draws near, one of the highlights for the Front Dogs was their first pool, something we have always wanted to get them. Chance has always had a thing for water, but Blaze has that Husky respect for it and won't even go in a lake.  So I was rather surprised when Blaze got in with all four paws.

On your mark... get set...

 
For the most part the pool was a gigantic water bowl, but after a hot walk, they surprised me by getting their paws in the water for a cool drink. I helped things along with playing "bob for treats," a game they both loved.  When some of the treats sunk, Chance tried his best to paw the treat out.  He decided early on, he wasn't going to get his pretty little nose wet.  That's when Blaze surprised me even more by sticking her whole face in the pool to get that goodie.

Now she expects me to go scuba diving for the darn thing!  That woman is crazy!!

Show off!!  

Wimp Dog!!

So what did you do that was fun, new and exciting this summer??

A Quiet Father and Son Moment

Brut Life Lessons

 Mom!  Come here!  You've got to see this!!

If Brut has his eye on something that grabs his attention in the backyard, he will get so excited that he won't come when called.  So, I will go out and check out what has his interest, which always satisfies him enough to come in.  Amazing what the power of a little acknowledgement will do.