Poor puppies!
In this 4-and-a-1/2-minute video clip (below at end of this entry), Elsie enters the whelping box to stimulate the pups to pee and poo (something she knows to do right on time, both instinctively and by the pups' specific vocalizations) and to groom and clean up after them.
She doesn't, however, have any intention of nursing them.
The pups don't know that, though.
Poor kids.
So she licks and grooms and cleans, and they try and try and try (to nurse). But it's tough for them when she's standing, and they're just not quite tall enough yet.
Oh, and it doesn't help that Elsie has already "nested" the bedding material into a pile so they're scrambling mostly on moistened linoleum she's just licked or they've just pee'd on (and she's just cleaned up). Believe me, it doesn't make for good traction. (I put fresh paper and bedding in right after Elsie stepped out.)
LOL...not to worry. She returns later (after the video clip is done) to nurse them heartily.
She must be teaching them patience and moderation, eh?
'Til next time,
Joan
2 comments:
Well she looks like a wonderful mother to me. So patient herself. I don't know if I could stand the noise!
Elsie is a wonderful mom, except for some carelessness about where she plunks down with the pups (although she's MUCH better about that now).
And she's incredibly sweet and patient. I'm so thankful for that (not all dams are this way, apparently).
Honestly, though I LOVE the puppies, and I enjoy their little noises, it can be a bit much at 3 in the morning when I haven't had a full night's sleep in almost three weeks.
BUT, it's all just part of it, and it will pass soon enough (just five short weeks to go).
And I love 'em to pieces!
And I'm learning to tune out the noise when Elsie does. :o)
Blessings,
J.
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