Hope

Update: Time does heal and make most things better. Case in point, ... - Juneau's first attempt at sharing her older brother & sister's bed in the kitchen didn't go very well; yesterday's attempt went much better. - That went so well, she tried lying with Bella on "her" bed in the yard. Sure, why not? And so it goes!! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Good morning! Wonderful seeing you last evening and having an opportunity to also see your lovely home. So upon bringing the new pups home, Bella was totally frightened. She did not know what to make of the "wind-up toys" presented before her. Jethro was totally intrigued. He seemed to get into the playing right away. Bella did get into the swing of things after a while, and all four were tuckered out after playing in the yard. We foresee where "Mom" and "Dad" will benefit from Bella and Jethro having new playmates, and visa-versa. We familiarized Juneau and McKinley with the crate as you instructed. They did whine for a short while each time they went in, but we recall Bella and Jethro being much more fussy when we brought them home. We all went upstairs to bed at 9:00 pm, then pups went out at 11:00 pm, 1:00 am, then 4:00 am when I got up. No accidents in the crate, they peed and/or pooped each time they went out. I think the longest they whined was for 15 to 20 minutes after the 1:00 am trip outside. One piddle on the kitchen floor earlier in the evening which will certainly not be the last. My memory loss of puppyhood quickly was regained this morning when Michael took Bella and Jethro back upstairs, and I remained in the kitchen with Juneau and McKinley. "Mom's" slipper-socks and pink fluffy bathroom quickly became teething tools and play toys. OMG! Hard to discipline when one is laughing so hard. I now remember how sharp puppy nails and teeth are! I can hear Barbara Streisand singing "Memories" now!!! :-) Michael handled feeding duty as I leave for work at 6:00 am. To quote my husband, it was "quite the scene" as McKinley dove into his food with gusto, sending kernels all over the place which Jethro obliged to pick up. Both pups see no challenge trying to get into the larger food bowls for Bella and Jethro. Everyone ended up eating with the exception of Bella, who is a fuss-bucket on most days. It will probably take both of us simultaneously coordinating feeding time for a while until we get some kind of system in place. All in all, I think our main concern about all four "pups" getting along has been eliminated. We won't be leaving them alone together for quite some time. Bella & Jethro will be in their fenced yard when the weather allows; Juneau & McKinley in the crate in the kitchen. We also have a puppy area set up upstairs if all 4 need to be indoors. Michael is taking a half-day off today and is off tomorrow. I will be taking time off all next week so we'll have several days to get all of us accustom to the change. Juneau and McKinley's first check-up at Cobleskill Vet Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, 7/6, 2:30 pm. Jeanine and company are excited to meet the new additions to our family. :-) Will let you know how that goes in all regards. I made a copy of the medical history for them to keep. Attached are some pictures. Thank you again for the advice, goodie bags and friendship. We are now blessed with four beautiful pups. Kindest regards, Karen & Michael