Play Time

 

     Everyday, we bring in three or four puppies at a time into the living room for "playtime".  (Eight at once is CRAZY!) We lay down a blanket, put some toys out for them to play with and try to keep them from escaping. We let the puppies use their mommy's (Sgian) toys and I don't think she quite likes that. Whenever we squeak one of the squeaky toys, Sgian runs in and grabs it from our hands or the puppy's paws/teeth. Time to get some new toys for for all to share! The yellow soft duck seems to be a favorite!

Note from the Girl: A few days ago, we brought in four puppies and after about a half an hour of playtime, it was time for a nap.We watched a movie while the puppies dozed. After a while, I looked up and realized we only had three puppies. We looked everywhere, but with no luck. I looked under the couch, but the other puppies were awake now and started running a muck. The Boy looked under the other side of the couch- and there he was- Blue- peering out at us right at the edge of the couch. Blue- the explorer. He is the one that always sprints away leaving the blanket and toys behind to see what the world has to offer. This time he found his own hiding space and a few dust bunnies. I wonder where in the world Blue will end up...hopefully with someone that likes to travel.

Duck-Taste like chicken!

Meet Angus- Proud Dad of Eight

Angus is the father of Sgian's fine pups.  He lives a few miles away with the Roth family. This is Angus  and Sgian’s second litter. They had six sweet puppies in 2008. His son, Dugan and friend Bailey keep Angus busy!  Angus has a great personality. He is mellow and a bit like Eyeore, of Winnie the Pooh fame. He is a lover dog, not a guard dog. If a burglar comes, Angus will first show him the location of the dog treat jar. That's not to say that he will let just anyone into the yard though. He is very careful to let everyone  know about those thieving squirrels, marauding rabbits, fly-by-night or day birds, and prowling cats. The Roths will never have to face one of those dangers alone with dependable Angus around.

Angus and Dugan- Roth Boys

New Space!

Seems like they are growing out of puppy homes faster then we can build them! The day came when escaping out the front door of their starter house was easy and fun. 

As much as we hate losing the immediate contact with the puppies in our living room, it is time they have a place to run, play and wrestle.

Welcome to the Family Housing Development.

The new den includes a spacious buffet bar, paper-duty area, cozy boxed bedroom, and heated floor to run, play, and jump. Balls and other toys was an added surprise! Although I had to give up my indoor heated  parking space for a while, I must say the happy puppy "hellos" I receive every time I enter the garage is worth it!

We Are Registered!

  American Kennel Club Registration Services

Congratulations on your new litter of puppies!

Thank you for registering with the American Kennel Club. Your litter registration has been accepted and approved.

Mama Mia (Sgian Dhu)

Quiet time while puppies nap ...sigh...

Sgian Dhu Maggie McDuff joined our den on Father's Day of 2006.  Sgian was born on April 30th with eight other fun and feisty pups. The Roth family helped Maggie, Sgian's mother, during the whelping and weaning stages. We visited the litter many times at the Roth's home and enjoyed playing with all nine puppies. Mama Maggie was happy to see the Boy and Girl visit, giving her a break from the small yet demanding pack. Sgian didn't have time to miss her siblings after joining the Duff household- she became an instant member of the family! Teaching her tricks was easy and fun. Giving her a bath is still an adventure!

Sgian and Shadow- 2009

Sgian's first litter was born in 2007 after a vacation get-away at the Roth house earlier that fall. She was a very caring mother of her six new Scotties. We were all happy that each puppy found a loving home. We still hear from some of the families sharing all the adventures a Scottie can find. One daughter (Shadow) visits quite often, living just a block away.

Sgian loves playing tug-o-war and tag with anyone that will play. She is very talkative and speaks when she wants to go out or needs her bowls filled. Any critter thinking about crossing into our yard better think twice- intruders will be pursued!

Food!

Today was the day...warm water + puppy food = wonderful new experiences...

yummy, yummy, yummy
sticky,sticky.sticky
messy, messy, messy
FUN!

Puppy Names?

Mr. Bean, comedian

Instead of calling the puppies Baby A, Baby B,...like ultrasounds of multiples, we initially give each puppy a color name. This is the fingernail polish color that is swiped on their backside after being dried off during the whelping process. The Girl was in charge of choosing each color. Yellow, Silver, Purple, Pink, Cream, Green, Orange, and then finally Blue were all "named".
These colors need to be refreshed about once a week so we can watch and connect each puppy with it's personality.
At this point, a few behaviors are starting to stand out. Silver usually sleeps on his back, Blue ("the Ocho") is always looking for a place to snuggle, Orange is quiet and content. Yellow loves to be held and Cream seems to always be in the middle of the group while sleeping. Purple and Pink are the most vocal- I bet they will be talkers like their mom. Green, affectionately known now as Green Bean, (named after Mr. Bean) seems to always make us laugh with his big yawns and silly faces.
Soon enough, these small puppies will grow into their own personalities and show us what they would like to be called. I hope they choose names easier than "Sgian Dhu Maggie McDuff", like their mom claimed.

New Home!

Puppies are growing/moving and Pete started building. He went with with the "young family starter home" model. Pups are already settled in and Sgian likes her easy access door.

What Do You See?

Eyes open and it is a brand new world! What a difference this makes- Sgian can be found and pursued, scooting to the door of the kennel makes an easy escape...hello world here we come!

Puppy Christmas

The Boy, Sgian, Girl, and Puppies

Wishing you all a very special Christmas!

Out We Go...

Although it wasn't a trip that many want to remember- it was still the first outside trip. All eight pups, Sgian, her Boy and Girl and I went to the vet's office. It was time to have the dewclaws removed. We were welcomed back to the procedure room and helped with comforting the puppies, Sgian and the Girl as we experienced the removal of 16 dewclaws. I think it was hardest on the Girl.
Sgian and the puppies were pronounced healthy and Sgian was given the Good Mommy Award. The Girl was given a Kleenex.

Visitors

Sgian accepted all of our "help" during her whelping and was happy to share her puppies with all of our touches and caresses. She really is being a star mom. Grandma and Grandpa Duff and Lorna and Denny and Tara were met with pride- "See what I did?"

Does that mean everyone is welcome? Beware anyone that wasn't around during her pregnancy-no entrance!

Tara, the Den, Girl

Welcome to Our Den

Starting at 3:57 on December 17th, we welcomed eight sweet and sassy Scottish puppies into the Duff den.
Sgian Dhu was restless all day long and as soon as she knew her Boy and Girl were home to help, the whelping began.  All eight puppies were born healthy and hungry within four hours. Final count: 3 females and 5 males.
Sgian was treated to vanilla ice cream and broth and the puppies filled their bellies and were cozy next to her.