First Week


left to right: brindle girl, black&brindle boy, gold girl, sabled gold boy

all are self-colored, with minimal white markings


  


And just a week earlier:



~ Home ~ Available ~ Back to Ahdin Litter ~


Hunt to Live ~ Live to Run

Content, Photos, & Logo © Borzoi Oxota 2005-2012



 

One Week Old

SuperPuppy exercises continue, novel scent articles continue.


At 12 days old, their eyes are starting to open, they have tripled their birth weight, and have figured out how to use their legs under their bodies rather than out to the sides. Pigmentation nearly complete!



L => R: gold girl, black&brindle boy, brindle girl, sabled red boy


 

gold girl  ~ “Oro” loves to cuddle.


 

black&brindle boy ~ “Yaso” is the clown in the litter.


 

brindle girl  ~ “Dos” isn’t headless, but *really* likes the underside teats.


 

sabled red boy ~ “Rojo” will sleep wherever he finds himself.



puppy piles come in all shapes!


 

Two Weeks Old

SuperPuppy exercises will end on Day 16, but novel scent articles continue.


The puppies’ eyes are in various stages of open, they “walk” a little, and are 3-4 X their birth weights.

Toys are placed in the whelping box for scent and tactile exploration.

They continue to eat, twitch in their sleep, vocalize, move around - and nap in the most absurd postures.











L => R: gold girl “Oro”, black&brindle boy “Yaso”,

sabled red boy “Rojo”, brindle girl “Dos”












Rojo & Oro














Yaso, Rojo, Oro, and Dos ~ puppy piles don’t have to look comfortable to be comfortable.











 

Three Weeks Old

Toys for tactile and scent stimulation are rotated daily. Sound CD’s are played several times each day.

The puppies have now met and been handled by a dozen people. And groomed by our cat.


The puppies eyes are open, they can hear, walk, have started playing with each other, have taken to puppy gruel like piranhas, and continue to grow by leaps and bounds. The whelping box has been moved to the family room and expanded, where they can climb into the play area, see and hear the TV, front door, household chores, etc.



We expect teeth will erupt this week, so an increasing part of their diet is now “gruel”.









It came as no surprise that “Rojo” was the first to dive into the pan. He is also the first to walk, navigate the pig-rail, and escape the whelping box.















“Oro” looks to be a girl that thinks before acting, then act she does.

One of the first who’s eyes opened, she’s been exploring the world ever since.










“Yaso” is getting some pale hairs over his eyes, the hallmark of his colouring.

A funny boy, he can always be found near a toy ~ or climbing over one.



 











“Dos” is sweet and loves to snuggle. One of the first to have open eyes,

investigate toys, and insist on having her way.










After a session of pigging-out, two options present themselves: Napping, or cleaning up.

 

                                                  I can’t believe I ate the whole thing...



 

                         News Flash - teeth have erupted: Ground chicken necks - love a first bite!             Power-napping in a crate bottom.


 

“Beauty is as beauty Does”

 
Four Weeks Old Toys for tactile and scent stimulation are rotated daily. Sound CD’s are played several times each day, and the TV is on game and sports shows for several hours. The puppies have now met and been handled by nearly 20 people, and spend several hours a day without their mother. Shifting from piranhas to land sharks, the puppies were 6# each. Their coats are thick and plush, feet are knuckling up nicely, and movements are more coordinated every day. Completely unfazed by household activity, they are vocal about Rumor’s efforts at weaning, play with toys and each other, and continue to develop into unique individuals. The weather finally cooperated enough for their first big adventures outside.  The puppies are too big for the 200 crate bottom, so have graduated to a 300 size. We’ll see if it lasts longer than a week! Note Yaso thinks it’s not just for sleeping, but playing too!  Rumor continues to leave me in awe of her mothering skills. Protective and firm, patient yet kind, and without being indulgent, she sets a very high standard (here with Dos).  Romping in the spring sunshine! Multiple and simultaneous sneak-attacks... who’s getting whom?   Rojo continues to be “Mr. Adventure”, with his favorite path being over all obstacles, regardless of what (or who) is en route.   Oro is turning out to be a “Party Girl “, the first to grab and carry toys, and always first to initiate a wrestling match. Or, take a nap.   Dos contemplates what’s on the other side of the x-pen; perhaps it’s the thought of newspaper and how wonderfully shred-able it is...   Yaso, AKA “Meathead” for his spectacularly messy eating style, also thinks shredding newspaper is a fine hobby.   In addition to killing newspaper and attacking squeaky toys, the puppies also “mastered” drinking water and blanket wrestling. http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB748http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTO244shapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1

Five Weeks Old

This is the week that adventures begin! The puppies took their first short car-ride in crates, with a stop half-way to get out and explore some new ground.

They left the crates perfectly clean and marked up the new ground - very smart! The outdoor play areas have been moved and expanded,

and they spend most of the day (once it warms up) outside under their mother’s watchful eye.

They will be fully weaned by the end of this week. Daily car trips are underway for new sights, sounds, and scents.


The puppies are between 7 - 8# each, have high-set ears, full pigmentation, scissor bites, nice toplines, good substance, and angulation.

Evaluations have been scheduled for 8 weeks of age, then the co-breeders will make their picks.  



Their days begin the same way: a breakfast-induced coma before moving outside.









The outside play area is covered with shade cloth to discourage the many local aerial predators from swooping in. Rumor keeps a close eye on her brood to

discourage land-based hunters as well. The puppies have constant access to food, water, shelter, mental and physical challenges, and toys.
















Hey - what time does the milk bar open?















By mid-week the puppies were romping more outside their play area than in it - time for another expansion. Now 16’X16’, with Ru’s lounge nestled right outside. Sun, shade, fresh air, and endless views - what could be better?
















(it’s so wide, I kludged two pictures together)











Each puppy spends some time alone every day, exploring a new area of our property under my watchful eye. They range from confident to bold, and while my photographic skills needs some work, I hope you can see some of their personalities.


 

“Oro”

   

Oro is the “Party Girl”, ready to play with both her dad (L) and littermates.



 
 

“Rojo”


   

The puppies have met and been handled by about 30 people, from teenagers to septuagenarians,

and every age in between. They think people are the best!


 

“Yaso”



Is it my turn yet? Yaso sports our ever-popular ranch-dog look. 


 

“Dos-o”



Squeaky toys are our favorite!


Their first “big” trip to the post office was a complete success. More adventures planned daily!

  

Are we there yet?



The last supper... puppies were weaned as of Friday. I think Rumor is smiling.


 

Six Weeks Old

What a busy, busy week! The puppies had their longest car rides so far, including a 3-hour adventure (round trip) to the veterinarian’s office for their first shots and OFA Cardiac checks. Our undying gratitude to Rebecca and the staff at The Ark for all the care and attention. They moved to an even-larger outdoor play area (over 1000 square feet), figured out the doggie door for access to the kennel building, went on daily explorations around the property, climbed over agility equipment, chased lizards, birds and bugs, played in a rare April snowstorm, heard thunder and felt rain, saw traffic and big construction trucks, met several more new people, and interacted with different breeds of dogs - and officially met our cat. Whew!!


The puppies are between nearly 10# each, have high-set ears, full pigmentation, scissor bites, nice toplines, low hocks,

rock-solid fronts, good substance, and balanced angulation. They are incredibly friendly, curious, agile, and outgoing.

Evaluations have been scheduled for 8 weeks of age, then the co-breeders will make their picks.  









Waiting patiently in their x-pen at the vet’s, taking in the new sights,

sounds, and scents.














A spoonful of canned puppy-food makes the medicine go down easily.














Rebecca Tomasic VMD used the back of my car as her “exam room” to ensure the puppies were kept a safe as possible.













The office staff were unable to resist washing their hands and

coming outside to greet the puppies.














Everybody got a turn getting checked, auscultated, and vaccinated.
















We had a rare snowstorm in April, so naturally took the “siberian wolfhounds” out to play in the white stuff. Unfortunately the camera wasn’t working well, so we missed all the really cute shots.















Most of the week we had spectacular (if windy) weather, so the puppies did chores

with us whenever possible. Here Dos-o and Yaso check out the lawn mower.
















Sometimes their “help” isn’t appreciated as much as others.















“Princess” Oro goes for a carriage ride.















Papa Py is a favorite playmate, as Rojo and Yaso demonstrate.













Lisa & Dos-o. The puppies have been handled by 36 people in just six weeks.
















Jane & Oro. They have snugged everyone from toddlers to grandparents,

both sexes, four races, and countless hats.















“King of the hill” is a favorite game. They delight in racing up and down big dirt piles.














The puppies have supervised interactions with agility equipment.















Lots of footing changes and obstacles are encountered daily.















Yaso on alert - perhaps another lizard making a break for it?
















Oro and Dos-o dream of more adventures tomorrow.










 

Seven Weeks Old


The adventures continue! The puppies have been in the BIG pasture several times, where they get to really open up, explore, and run. They have met various breeds and attacked plastic bags. Their final deworming is done, nails are trimmed twice a week, and individual explorations, regular car rides, and new people are routine experiences. Crate training, house training, whistle (recall) training, and basic manners are coming along very nicely. 


The puppies are over 10# each, have high-set ears, full pigmentation, scissor bites, roman noses, excellent toplines, low hocks,

big, rock-solid fronts, wonderful substance, and balanced angulation. They are incredibly friendly, curious, agile, and outgoing.

Evaluations have been scheduled for next week, when the co-breeders will make their picks and puppies will get their official names.








Our north pasture (<3 acres) provides new sights, smells, and endless room to run.















Rojo and Yaso sample the cholla... not a mistake they will make twice!















Everybody checks out the juniper, too, while papa Py wonders what they are eating.














Oro discovers doggie-crack (horse poop), and makes off with her prize.














Heading for shade and a water bucket, after exploring the perimeter fence.   














Yaso and Rojo race up the contact trainer.















Dos-o tells “uncle” Ren that going over jumps is super-easy and very fun!
















Yaso declares time-out for a nap.















On a snowy day at the end of April, they thought perhaps cholla would

be less prickly with frosting. Not.













They delight in taking turns playing the “rabbit”. Oro prepares for a take on Dos-o.
















Yaso demonstrates the time-honored technique of “revenge served cold”.















And sometimes... the game is “kill the wolf” or “pack attack”.

No puppies were harmed during these photo sessions!

















The puppies love to climb the contact trainer, even when it’s slippery with snow.












 

The Ahdin “Racetracks” Litter ~ Eight Weeks Old


The puppies had a very busy week! Structural evaluations (Mon), temperament testing (Wed), and CERF exams (Fri). All puppies are CERF Normal, OFA Cardiac Normal, and DM Clear by parentage. Co-breeders have made their picks and puppies have “real” names now. They have met over 60 people, of every age and race. I’ve lost count of the hats they’ve seen, too. They spend upwards of fourteen hours a day outside in a 3,000 square foot paddock, interrupted for adventures, car rides, and visitors. They are crated in the house overnight, and are delightful both indoors and out.


Our undying thanks to Julie and Bonnie for doing the structural evaluations; to Dani for the temperament testing; and Joan and Elizabeth for taking pictures!

We are very excited by the consistency of this litter: sane & stable with screaming prey drive; gorgeous, rock-solid fronts; short backs, long loins & tails; beautiful rears; long, full chests; scissor bites, deep underjaws, black pigmentation, tiny high-set ears, pretty heads; lots of bone and tight feet... the list goes on and on!




Oxota Charlbury Keeneland v Avalon ~ “Keen” was co-owned by Leonore Abordo & Joan Garth (Charlbury)

Keeneland Race Track is in KY




 


 




Oxota Avalon Tanforan O Starswift ~ “Tanner” is co-owned by Jamie Bobrowski (Starswift) & Leonore Abordo (Oxota)

Tanforan Racetrack was in CA




 


 




Avalon Oxota Evangeline ~ “Eve” is co-owned by Suzanne Liggett (Belozor) & Sandra Moore (Avalon)

Evanegline Downs is in LA




 


 



Avalon Oxota Ruidoso ~ “Myka” is co-owned by Jim & Deb Meyer (O’Pendragon), Josie Haumont (Valkyrie),

& Sandra Moore (Avalon)

Ruidoso Downs is in NM




 












Their Monday outing was to visit elementary-aged kids. The spot where we met was a island of grass between a parking lot and a street, giving the puppies lots of exposure to traffic - and their first exposure to GRASS! They were completely unfazed by the cars, trucks, and nearby construction equipment.















These are “Mr. Py’s kids” at the treatment center; photos of the kids’ faces is not allowed.

I promise you, they were all smiling from ear to ear.

















The kids were all incredibly gentle and kind. The puppies were instantly smitten.


















Why have just one set of loving hands when you can have two at once?

















Is there a better way to spend a beautiful spring morning?

I can’t imagine one.















On Wednesday we drove to Corrales for Temperament Testing. Afterward, the puppies

got to explore 2 acres of real grass! They made the most of the opportunity.
















They easily determined that city trees are not cactus.

















Hey Dani, the testing was fun! Where did you put that battery operated toy, anyway?