Pups up to 3 weeks (21 days) old
Alda's pups at 10 days old
The puppies spend their first three weeks in the wading pool with their mother and littermates to nurse. At 3 weeks of age, the wading pool is taken away and they are put on the floor on shredded newspaper. At this time they start eating solid food and are slowly weaned. They are fed a high-quality dry puppy feed mixed with meat and vitamins three times each day.
The pups are identified after birth by a shaved area on their shoulder and/or hip; this shaved area is used for identification until the pups are weaned and moved to the puppy kennel. They are also identified by their mother's names, and eventually receive permanent identification tattoos in both ears. The tattoos are done with a green vegetable dye and represent an identification number the dogs will carry throughout their lives. In the rare event that one of our dogs becomes lost or stolen, the tattoo will alert any veterinarian or rescue organization to the fact that the dog is from Guide Dogs. Prior to being placed in their puppy raising homes, each puppy is given a name; all littermates are given names that start with the same letter of the alphabet.
This reminds me of a rugby scrum.
There are 2 girls with white lighting bolts on their chests.
- These photos were taken on November 8, 2003.
- Pups are 10 days old.
- All pups weigh between 900 - 1050 grams.
- All are eating well, even Alda.
- She is eating 3.5 cups of food, 3 times a day
There are 2 girls with white lighting bolts on their chests.
Pups fall asleep with their mouths still in a suckling position
Alda is very patient with her snuggling pups as they pile
on top of her head.
Website links
-
Guide Dogs for the Blind Breeding Program
- Contra
Costa East Guide Dog Raisers
-
University of Cal article about being a Breeder Keeper
website updated on Nov 8, 2003
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