After all the puppy busyness – the romping, chasing, chewing, splashing and wrestling – they all fall asleep.  Sweet sleep for puppies and sweet time for us to get a few other chores done.

This is Number One during just part of her outside-the-fence running time yesterday. We’ve noticed that some of the puppies make a circuit as they scamper (and often sprint) to the kiddy pool, then to the coneflowers then to the pine tree and back to the pool and garden.  They are fast!

It takes a brave man to sit down among 12 energetic puppies who are just beginning to use their sharp teeth.  Biff helped with the wind-down tonight after dinner, serving as the lightening rod for their boundless energy.  Some people go for mud plasters at expensive spas.  Biff has a thing for immersion in puppies.

Biff put a crate out for the puppies to explore again today.  Interest was high as they piled into it, wrestled each other, climbed all over and chewed on it.  Our helper, Laura, had them each take turns going in and experience the door closing.  Small steps in getting comfortable with a crate as a safe place to be.

Look at those faces… Can you tell one from the other?  We have to look at the markings on their backs and tails to figure out who is who.  Their faces are just too much alike. That’s Number 7 below, being held by a visitor.  Can you see him in the group shot with his distinctive blaze?

Today’s playtime (outside their fenced area) included playing with Xupe and exploring the kiddy pool (only partially filled with water.)  Truth be told, the puppies would be sufficiently entertained if we just let them play with the flowers in the garden and explore the dirt.

And then after all the running, exploring, chewing and wrestling, they wind down.  That perhaps is the sweetest time of all.