This is what I do

[cassiesmom]

I think I've missed something. How old might the pups be? And I don't understand the one about the bleach. It's way, high up where the babies can't get to it. The only thing that makes me mad is that they were in the road. How fortunate they were that you came along when you did!

Edited to say, I didn't read carefully enough. In #17 it notes they are roughly four weeks old.

[Randi]

Dan, I hope you got a good nights sleep and don't have any serious programming to do today. You have just got to work from home at the moment!

I'm so glad that the pups are with their mom again, since they're only about 4 weeks old. Do you have them in big crate? Will they use a litter box, like cats?

Can't wait to hear news on their progress! They're SO cute!

Tonya, you know what Clara reminds us all of!

[shais_mom]

what cuties!

[Karen]

Grace is the perfect name for her. Why do I say that?

Our black Great Dane (mix, 3/4 Dane, 1/4 Lab) was named Grace, long-legged, sleek, shiny and completely graceLESS as a puppy, she was nonetheless a complete sweetheart, and much loved.

As your Grace is now learning to be - loved, that is!

I hope whomever dumped her and her puppies gets a bad case of fleas.

[Randi]

I agree, Grace is a lovely name for her, she has such a sweet face - now we're gonna have to change your signature!

That dinner picture is hilarious, at least four of them have their paws inside the bowl A good thing it's a floor that's easy to clean.

[Pam]

I am a little late replying to your threads so first of all let me say welcome. I have just read about Taz's first day with you and have now read about Grace (love the name) and her puppies. You are a very special person to say the least and those of us who love animals want to say Thank You for what you do to help so many. I see that I have a lot of reading to do to catch up with your furry family and I will stay tuned for updates on the little ones and sweet Grace.

[Willow Oak]

Today is Friday. I took this video of mom and pups this afternoon after I returned home from work.

Ordinarily I would quarantine a dog for a while before introducing it to the rest of the gang. I just couldn't wait this time. Here is a video of Grace's introduction to the rest of the crew.

She is really a gorgeous girl:


Grace -- the photogenic girl:


Taz is getting big. Here he is running the fence with Grace:


Grace from a distance with Sam and Fred:


A couple of face shots of the pups:




I think I shall keep the pups at least another week. I think they must be between four and five weeks of age. They would survive, but it's better if they stay with their mother until at least six weeks of age. That means two more weeks of sleep deprivation.

One thing though. Our animal shelter is not a no-kill shelter, but I cannot keep the pups. I really shouldn't keep Grace. I already am at my limit. In the past I have taken animals to the shelter with the full knowledge that they would be put down. I don't like it any more than you but I have had to learn that I can only do what I can do. Sometimes being put down can be better than the alternative.

Grace wouldn't stand a chance. It is highly unlikely that she would be adopted. The pups stand a better chance, but only because they are pups. Otherwise, their chances wouldn't be so good. As it is, it is unlikely that all the pups will be adopted. It hurts, and it is a heavy burden to contemplate consigning such health creatures to their demise. At least they had a semblance of dignity in their lives -- even if only for a sort while.