More firsts

The pups have been very busy.  Last weekend, they had their first trip outside.  Just a short outing to the front lawn, and most of the pups were keen to explore.  On Sunday night, they had their introduction to soaked puppy kibble with milk, and that was a big hit.  As I transition them to solid food, of key concern is hydration since until they learn how to drink water, they depend on milk for most of their fluids.  So at this time point, I add a low bowl of water to the pen, but it can often be 5-7 days before I see pups this age drinking on their own.  Not this litter - at least two pups were drinking from the bowl the very first day!  Tomorrow I plan to bump out the ex-pen another panel to give the pups more room, and I have already removed the crib bumper so the pups get a better view of what is going on around them.  Bridget is starting to have mixed feelings about the puppies.  Looks like she would love to ditch the pups and go home and be a reading therapy dog again, yet at other times she voluntarily goes into the pen and and is quite motherly.  The pups are starting to nurse from Bridget when she is standing, and they are getting their first baby teeth.  Poor Bridget.