New pictures coming soon! You won't believe how they've all grown. Eyes should start popping open this coming weekend & early next week. Their little noses are turning black, and they are all fat, round, and happy.
They are beginning to take their first staggering attempts at walking, which is really quite funny to watch. Spicy gives a rather alarmed glance at any pup who is attempting to walk around and then sort of rolls her eyes in mock disgust at their unsteady, goofy struggles.
Even little Winston is making slow but steady weight gains and is also stagger-walking about quite enthusiastically. We now also know what is going on with him. He has a cleft palate, which prevents him from nursing normally. It took this long to diagnose since he is so tiny, and the roof of his mouth continues to change.
So now we face our first real dilemma as breeders. In the not-so-distant past, euthanasia was the most common recommendation for a CP (cleft palate) puppy. Surgery is possible, but often unsuccessful.
However, lately many people have realized that getting a CP puppy through the first 4 to 9 weeks is the toughest, and then many of these dogs can lead a normal life - without surgical intervention. From what we've read online, the only real restriction, or 'special care' that will be required for him as he gets bigger is that he can have dry food only.
Of course, getting him to the age where he can eat dry food safely is the trick. So, we have decided to continue to keep helping little Winston along, as long as he wants to keep on fighting.
Today is also Spicy & the whole Chinese Delights II Litter's 2nd birthday. We got a great picture of her brother, Jett Jr., who lives in Florida. I'll be posting pics soon!
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