Stars Fell on Alabama - Fall, 2020
Miss Dior + Porthos
Miss Dior (CH Pickwick's Child, That Hemline's Out of Sight, TKN) + CH Dixie's De Treville Porthos
Lilibeth, CH Pickwick's Show the World How to Smile (pick of litter, stayed at Pickwick Pugs)
Casanova (new name: Luke), CH Pickwick's Casanova in Disquise, lives with sire's breeder
Bailey (new name Stanley) now is loved by a wonderful family in Alexandria, VA
Buz (new name Myles) now is loved by a wonderful family in New York
Gordon (new name Moose) - now is loved by a wonderful family in New York City
Here are some shots of the pups growing up in their forever homes . . . We'll keep updating over time when we receive new photos . . .
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(Birmingham, Alabama)
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KK (Left, Miss Dior's mother) and Porthos (right) at Anniston Dog Show, 2015.
Heartbeats - Prenatal Period
With champion parents, amazing pedigrees, and health testing, we’ve done our job to ensure that the genetic material the puppies will be born with will be excellent. But this is only the beginning. “Genes, which people often think are written in stone, can switch on and off depending on environmental input. Thus it’s possible for some genes to express themselves as an extremely negative trait or an extremely positive trait depending upon the nutrition and treatment the mother received during the pregnancy and the first few weeks of life.
The emotional and physical health of a mother will affect the ultimate personality and health of her children. Prenatal stress can significantly influence the brain development and behavior of the puppies. Puppies from stressed mothers can have more difficulty recovering from stress as adults and they can have decreased learning and memory compared to puppies from non-stressed mothers. So our first concern is to make sure our mother dog is relaxed well said and comfortable. If you stroke a pregnant bitch on her side late in her pregnancy, the puppies will respond to your touch. Research shows that Mother dogs who receive caressing and affection during their pregnancy will give birth to more docile puppies and those puppies may enjoy being touched more than puppies from others who did not receive this type of affection.
So, in someways, the puppies’ predisposition to form deep and meaningful relationships begin before they were even born.
While you might think a dog having puppies is the most natural thing in the world, there’s always risk” (Puppy Culture), especially with a pug. So we have also done tremendous research in choosing our vets and doing everything possible to know as much about the litter before hand as we can. We did progesterone tests prior to breeding to determine exactly when Miss Dior would ovulate. We performed artificial insemination to ensure an exact timing and not stress the stud dog. We completed pregnancy tests with the vet, x-rays one week before approximate due date, and wellness exams. Weeks before we bred Miss Dior, we began important supplements to her diet including folic acid, fish oil, probiotics, and oxy mama prenatal chew tablets. Her daily diet throughout the pregnancy included very healthy, organic raw human-grade meats for breakfast, additional vegetables and fruits, and continuation of her daily vitamin, and very healthy kibble of Farmina ancestral grains N&D.
With just over a week to her due date, we also will move her into the puppy room and begin sleeping with her (in this guest room) so we can keep close tabs on her. We have kept her separated from the other dogs for awhile now just so she doesn’t experience any unnecessary stress and we will begin taking her temperature regularly. We’ve restocked supplies such as calcium, nutri-cal, suctions, we’ve tested thermometers, incubator, nebulizer, barometers, digital scale, and other important equipment. And now it’s time to begin praying. So much depends on Mother Nature at this point. Here she is at Day 54, still sweet and loving, despite becoming more and more uncomfortable by the day ;) This is her favorite spot in the piano studio while teaching (lately on Zoom). We make sure to keep the bottom shelves clear just for her ;)
The emotional and physical health of a mother will affect the ultimate personality and health of her children. Prenatal stress can significantly influence the brain development and behavior of the puppies. Puppies from stressed mothers can have more difficulty recovering from stress as adults and they can have decreased learning and memory compared to puppies from non-stressed mothers. So our first concern is to make sure our mother dog is relaxed well said and comfortable. If you stroke a pregnant bitch on her side late in her pregnancy, the puppies will respond to your touch. Research shows that Mother dogs who receive caressing and affection during their pregnancy will give birth to more docile puppies and those puppies may enjoy being touched more than puppies from others who did not receive this type of affection.
So, in someways, the puppies’ predisposition to form deep and meaningful relationships begin before they were even born.
While you might think a dog having puppies is the most natural thing in the world, there’s always risk” (Puppy Culture), especially with a pug. So we have also done tremendous research in choosing our vets and doing everything possible to know as much about the litter before hand as we can. We did progesterone tests prior to breeding to determine exactly when Miss Dior would ovulate. We performed artificial insemination to ensure an exact timing and not stress the stud dog. We completed pregnancy tests with the vet, x-rays one week before approximate due date, and wellness exams. Weeks before we bred Miss Dior, we began important supplements to her diet including folic acid, fish oil, probiotics, and oxy mama prenatal chew tablets. Her daily diet throughout the pregnancy included very healthy, organic raw human-grade meats for breakfast, additional vegetables and fruits, and continuation of her daily vitamin, and very healthy kibble of Farmina ancestral grains N&D.
With just over a week to her due date, we also will move her into the puppy room and begin sleeping with her (in this guest room) so we can keep close tabs on her. We have kept her separated from the other dogs for awhile now just so she doesn’t experience any unnecessary stress and we will begin taking her temperature regularly. We’ve restocked supplies such as calcium, nutri-cal, suctions, we’ve tested thermometers, incubator, nebulizer, barometers, digital scale, and other important equipment. And now it’s time to begin praying. So much depends on Mother Nature at this point. Here she is at Day 54, still sweet and loving, despite becoming more and more uncomfortable by the day ;) This is her favorite spot in the piano studio while teaching (lately on Zoom). We make sure to keep the bottom shelves clear just for her ;)
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Day 57 Xray -- looks like 5 puppies (at least). Doc says mom is doing well!
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Birthday: October 18, 2020
Fur Dumplings - Neonatal 0-10 Days
Day 0 (birth day): As usual, everything happens on a Sunday! Miss Dior gave birth to 5 pups ... 4 boys and 1 girl. “Black girl” (her color marker) will be the most popular girl in school!
All survived and are healthy, and mama is doing great too (and loving the green beef tripe, raw goats milk etc.) It was a free whelp, no c section (though it seemed she might need one several times ... 1st pup was stuck with his big head ;) so a trip to er vet was required. Thanks to Covid, it was frustrating not being able to be with her and there were no updates for 5 hours because the vet had the wrong phone number, but it was also comforting to know that if another pup was stuck, they would quickly be able to do a c section if needed. Here they are enjoying one of their first meals once we got home, warming up and drying off in the incubator, then again later in the evening. With each feeding they are getting more and more vigorous. Thanks to a wonderful trick we learned from a wonderful pug neonatal expert in Iowa, Miss Dior is producing plenty of milk for the pups. (Human dad also likes the trick as it involves 3 tablespoons of dark malt beer ... and someone has to finish that bottle!)
All survived and are healthy, and mama is doing great too (and loving the green beef tripe, raw goats milk etc.) It was a free whelp, no c section (though it seemed she might need one several times ... 1st pup was stuck with his big head ;) so a trip to er vet was required. Thanks to Covid, it was frustrating not being able to be with her and there were no updates for 5 hours because the vet had the wrong phone number, but it was also comforting to know that if another pup was stuck, they would quickly be able to do a c section if needed. Here they are enjoying one of their first meals once we got home, warming up and drying off in the incubator, then again later in the evening. With each feeding they are getting more and more vigorous. Thanks to a wonderful trick we learned from a wonderful pug neonatal expert in Iowa, Miss Dior is producing plenty of milk for the pups. (Human dad also likes the trick as it involves 3 tablespoons of dark malt beer ... and someone has to finish that bottle!)
Day 1 - October 19, 2020
Day 2- October 20, 2020
It seems milkshake bar #2 is the most popular!
Trimmed pups’ toenails this morning to help prevent mastitis. Continuing with the protocol of stimulating each pup at each feeding to eliminate (yes, the human has to help lol), aspirating any milk from nasal passages with occobaby, giving a whiff of oxygen and sometimes holding pup over nebulizer, and running electric toothbrush down back around lungs to help prevent aspiration pneumonia. And, of course, assisting each pup find, latch on, and stay on for a good feeding. We are also keeping Miss Dior nice and clean and always wipe her paws off with alcohol wipes after she goes outside. The best part is watching Miss Dior enjoy her fancy foods like tripe. Dinner today will be baked chicken with riccata cheese and rice. She also loves her frozen cubes of chicken broth. Here’s to conquering Day 2. Pups, you are doing great!
Day 3 - October 21, 2020
Day 4 - October 22, 2020
Day 5 - October 23, 2020
Today the pups all got to go see the vet. Dr. Williams said they are all doing great and they all had their dew claw removal minor surgery. Dr. Williams is also a very talented artist so she did an amazing job with the stitches on those TINY paws! Sometimes dewclaws grow back but, if not, one less toenail to have to trim throughout life and less risk of injury with it being caught on something.
Unless something comes up, their next trip to the vet will be at 3 weeks to check hearts, lungs etc., and at 8 weeks for first round of vaccinations.
Unless something comes up, their next trip to the vet will be at 3 weeks to check hearts, lungs etc., and at 8 weeks for first round of vaccinations.
With each day of waking up every couple of hours sleep deprivation becomes a real thing. Staying awake during the nursing session becomes quite challenging so Garage Band to the rescue! Installment #1 = a tribute to baby wipes and KC and the Sunshine Band.
Day 6 - October 24, 2020
Garage band to the rescue again keeping awake during those 12, 2, 4, 6 etc .am feedings! Day 6 is a tribute to 80s, Madona, and adorable puppies. We’ll call this “Pug Vogue”.
Day 7: - October 25, 2020
Day 8 - October 26, 2020
Day 9- October 27, 2020
Day 10 - October 28, 2020
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Day 11 - October 29, 2020
Eyes opening, day 12-14
Day 12 - October 30, 2020
Day 13 - October 31, 2020
Just like our last litter, the LeMaitre Litter, their eyes are starting to open on magical Day 13! Purple boy and Black girl first (the biggest ;)
It's such a special moment that I composed a piece about it last year. (Piano trio). It's a very short composition on purpose ... because it happens so fast that you might just miss it if you're not careful! We actually starting seeing the eyelids with a tiny slit last night. This means they are all entering the next period, the Transitional period!
From Pod to Puppy - Transitional Period 14-21 Days Old
Ears begin opening, days as early as 14-15
With eyes now open, the puppies are learning to focus and track movement. During weeks 2 to 3, their tiny squeals become little attempts at barks and growls. Mock fighting begins with the puppies chewing and pouring at each other, and slowly and awkwardly following each other, which will soon become running and chasing.
Approximately 14-21 Days Old
As their eyes began to open, we make sure to avoid bright lights and upped the number of individual cuddle sessions each day as well. We will start introducing new tactile items and new experiences each day and will be expanding the nest area soon with a larger pen toward the end of this next period, starting with short trips and visits. We'll also walk pups (wrapped in a blanket to avoid drafts) around the house to different areas. At this point, the pups can't carry, shake, or interact much, and they can't hear yet, or are just starting to hear, so we tried to choose things with different "feels" ....
Puppy Culture suggests ...
Big, soft toys with crackle paper and/or bungee inside
Big soft toys with large, soft squeaker
Pieces of fleece
Different high-traction footing (rubber, fabric)
Foil over a soft/fleece surface
Baby wipe container
And we also had things like rope balls/ and eventually cat toys.
We always tried to keep their area free of lots of clutter, only introducing one or 2 items at a time, then removing it after a few minutes. Because they would need to have lots of uncluttered space to learn to walk! Puppy Culture: "The most productive enrichment at this stage involves the presentation of novel objects so you get the startle/recover/curiosity/exploration cycle."
As far as new experiences, as they grow stronger, we'll let them walk outside the pen (with no other dogs present), and we'll gradually added additional pens for them to explore, tunnels, boxes, and other fun adventures. Of course, meeting and being snuggled by new people was novel to them as well!
When we started to notice a puppy being startled upon hearing a sudden sound, we knew it was time to move onto the 'Socialization Period".
Approximately 14-21 Days Old
As their eyes began to open, we make sure to avoid bright lights and upped the number of individual cuddle sessions each day as well. We will start introducing new tactile items and new experiences each day and will be expanding the nest area soon with a larger pen toward the end of this next period, starting with short trips and visits. We'll also walk pups (wrapped in a blanket to avoid drafts) around the house to different areas. At this point, the pups can't carry, shake, or interact much, and they can't hear yet, or are just starting to hear, so we tried to choose things with different "feels" ....
Puppy Culture suggests ...
Big, soft toys with crackle paper and/or bungee inside
Big soft toys with large, soft squeaker
Pieces of fleece
Different high-traction footing (rubber, fabric)
Foil over a soft/fleece surface
Baby wipe container
And we also had things like rope balls/ and eventually cat toys.
We always tried to keep their area free of lots of clutter, only introducing one or 2 items at a time, then removing it after a few minutes. Because they would need to have lots of uncluttered space to learn to walk! Puppy Culture: "The most productive enrichment at this stage involves the presentation of novel objects so you get the startle/recover/curiosity/exploration cycle."
As far as new experiences, as they grow stronger, we'll let them walk outside the pen (with no other dogs present), and we'll gradually added additional pens for them to explore, tunnels, boxes, and other fun adventures. Of course, meeting and being snuggled by new people was novel to them as well!
When we started to notice a puppy being startled upon hearing a sudden sound, we knew it was time to move onto the 'Socialization Period".
Week 2
Day 14 - November 1, 2020
Day 14 - November 1, 2020
Wormer meds - 2 Weeks
Day 15 - November 2, 2020
(Monday, November 2, 2020)
Day 16 - November 3, 2020
Usually the Puppy Playlist of music consists of composers like Bach and Debussy. However, today just felt like Pugs and Polkas! (I've always loved polkas, having grown up with a Swedish father who loved this music). Polkas and Pugs make me happy! However, if any future owners ever have any behavioral issues, perhaps Day 16 should be mentioned to the behavior vet. Future problems might stem from this day of Polka music. ;)
Day 17 - November 4, 2020
Day 18:
Day 19 - November 5, 2020
Some of the shots in this video are from a few days earlier, but watching all of their various sleeping positions is such a delight!
Day 20 - November 6, 2020
Week 3
Day 21 - November 7, 2020
Day 21 - November 7, 2020
Wahoo! Even though the pups’ walking is still a bit wobbly, they are finding a way to get to the potty station! We are celebrating the start of potty training! Go pups go!!!
Becoming Part of Our World - The Critical Socialization Period, 3-12 Weeks Old
The Social Creature Emerges, 3 Weeks Old
Between three and four weeks of age, the puppies begin to move with a bit more coordination. They sleep less, and spend more time with purposed play. They love to mouth and paw each other, and knock each other over. They growl and do their best to sound intimidating during their mock fights. They are teething, so they will gnaw on anything they can find… even though the teeth have not even erupted yet. They still sleep a lot, but when they aren’t sleeping they are in constant motion.
Day 22 - November 8, 2020
Day 23 - November 9, 2020
Day 24 - November 10, 2020
Day 25 - November 11, 2020
Day 26 - November 12, 2020 (Robert finished his championship, fittingly at his Home Clubs of Birmingham/Tuscaloosa, Alabama under the prestigious judges Dennis McCoy, Randy Garren, and Deborah Barrett! While he's not part of the Stars Litter, he's part of the current grumble and deserved a post!)
Day 27 - November 13, 2020
Dreadnoughts, 4 Weeks Old
Wormer Meds 4 Weeks
Day 28 - November 14, 2020 - No Problems Mon!
Day 30 - November 16, 2020
Day 31 - November 17, 2020
Day 32 - November 18, 2020
Day 34 - November 20, 2020
The Communication Trinity, (Training Marker, Learning to Offer Behaviors, Manding/Asking for Things)
Fear and Fun, 5 Weeks Old
Day 35 - November 21, 2020
Day 36 - November 22, 2020
Sorry to have missed video footage of these few amazing days ... they are SO adorable now! ... but, alas, my phone/icloud etc. was acting up. They are all thriving and doing great with the start of their clicker training! Their favorite treat is (drum roll) ricotta cheese mixed with a dollop of liverwurst!
Their favorite movie is definitely "Hotel for Dogs"!!
Their favorite movie is definitely "Hotel for Dogs"!!
Day 39 - November 25, 2020
The pups did well with their resource guarding training with the awesome bone marrow treats we purchased at Alabama Pet Foods. They also delivered another batch of raw Goat Milk which is one of the hi-lites of the pups' day. We had to try-on their collars (just for fun .... so they get used to wearing collars and leash walking). They don't sleep in them or wear them regularly, but they sure looked cute for the video!
Day 40 - November 26, 2020:
Thanksgiving was just the 2 of us plus our grumble this year. Turkey for us of course but for the pugs Thanksgiving dinner chicken gizzards and some special Evanger's whole chicken. The puppies enjoyed their usual Gruel (sigh) and Goat Milk but did get a bit of pumpkin, too. Miss Dior still wants to check-in on the pups but they are less and less interested in nursing which I'm sure she's thankful for. But, she has found a way to jump into the pen (she is the most agile pug I have actually) and wants to be with them for snuggles and licks. (Or, perhaps? ahem, she's looking for leftover gruel?)
Day 41 - November 27, 2020
Party Animals, 6 Weeks Old
Wormer meds week 6
Day 42 - November 28, 2020
Alabama Auburn Game! Yes, the pups have front row seats!
6 Weeks Old! Time for wormer meds again ;) and LOTS of new toys.
Day 43 - Sunday, November 29, 2020
Day 44 - Monday, November 30, 2020
Training today consisted of more clicker training, and table stacking. Yesterday was a focus on sit! They are still loving their goat milk and Miss Dior still likes to spend some time with them in the pen.
Day 45 - Tuesday, December 1, 2020
20 Degrees! Sweater time!!
Day 46 - Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Barrier challenge!
Day 47 - Thursday, December 3, 2020
Puppy Pile! This morning's movie was "Pick of the Litter" about seeing eye dogs. They LOVED it!
Day 48 - Friday, December 4, 2020
Wobble Wulers!!
Ready or Not? 8-10 Weeks Old
8-12 Weeks
Day 49 - Saturday, December 5, 2020
Piano Lessons!
Day 50 - Sunday, December 6, 2020
Puppies' first campfire!
Day 51 - Monday, December 7, 2020
Do they play with their fancy toys? NO! They love buttons and strings ;)
Day 52 - Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Buz Aldrin is helping Jeff work from home.
Day 53 - Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Another barrier challenge ... some more recall and crate training plus solo play.
Day 54 - Thursday, December 10, 2020
Bailey McGuiness is usually so quiet ... hardly ever complains or barks or yelps. (In fact, this might be the first time I've seen him react this way). Evidently, he REALLY did not like wearing this very tacky Christmas sweater. But it's COLD outside!
Day 55 - Friday, December 11, 2020 - Temperament Evaluations
We were blown away with the results from the temperament tests. Appropriate responses, and no reactive or fearful moments. Even with the umbrella test! Aside from retrieving, lol, they were amazing. Lilibeth was (as expected) the least forgiving with the toe pinch but, just as they are consistent in looks, they were very consistent in temperament. We will post more results soon, but this test will be so helpful to know what to work on over the next few weeks as well as another tool for deciding which pup will thrive in specific environments and households and lifestyles. Conformation evaluations will be Wednesday. Then, we'll have another piece of the puzzle to factor in. Honestly, it will be a tough call as they are all truly amazing.
Wormer meds Week 8
Day 56 - More Socialization with choir members at the Christmas concert rehearsal Saturday and concert Sunday.
Day 56 - More Socialization with choir members at the Christmas concert rehearsal Saturday and concert Sunday.
Day 57 - Sunday, December 13, 2020
Day 58 - Monday, December 14, 2020 - 1st round of Vaccinations and great checkup with Dr. Borden - Doc said they were healthy and doing well! No lepto. No bordetella.
Day 59 - Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Day 60 - Wednesday, December 16, 2020
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8 Week Conformation Evaluations
Day 61 - Thursday, December 17, 2020 - Thank you Blanca Clothier of Casablanca Pugs for your help in evaluating this beautiful litter!
Day 62 - Friday, December 18, 2020
Day 63 - Saturday, December 19, 2020
Day 64 - Sunday, December 20, 2020
Day 65 - Monday, December 21, 2020
Day 66 - Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Day 67 - Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Chewy Delivery!! They don't always have Farmina Puppy in stock. It made #1 on several rating lists (for small and large breeds) so that's probably why it's so popular lately. We keep ordering toys and such for the puppy baskets but the older pugs find them (Rocket Girl took 2 of the ducks out of the box) and eat/play with them. (This delivery photo is from later, but it's always exciting getting Chew boxes. The pups like to play in boxes.)
Day 68 - Thursday, December 24, 2020 - Pups got to go to church again while we videotaped the Lessons and Carols service. (Alas, they had to wait in Jeff's office BUT they got TONS of loving from the choir members before and after.) Jeff is playing the organ and directing the choir and he asked Amy to play the "harp" part (on keyboard) and turn pages this year. This is less than half of the choir (due to pandemic, social distancing, and some just being as safe as possible) but the special choir masks really help. (My Roland keyboard has SO many amazing sounds ... best purchase ever ... while it's not a real piano it does have sampled of many piano sounds including a Boesendorfer. But it's fun watching the puppies' heads turn when I try out all the different sounds like bird calls, telephone rings, cat meows and more.)
Day 69 - Friday, December 25, 2020
Wormer meds week 10
Day 70 - Saturday, December 26, 2020 - The pups LOVE their morning goat milk. And their little milk beards are so adorable. ;)
Day 70 - Saturday, December 26, 2020 - The pups LOVE their morning goat milk. And their little milk beards are so adorable. ;)
Day 71 - Sunday, December 27, 2020
Day 72: - Monday, December 28, 2020 - Rack of Lamb from Costco helped with our resource guarding work today. Here's a shot of them enjoying their bone (most of the meat is trimmed off for treats for training). No video footage of the actual work on resource guarding but it involves, while puppy is chewing bone: a) touch puppy b) take away bone c) immediately treat with awesome treat (some lamb meat) d) immediately return bone. Each time we practice this periodically, there's always one pup who requires a few tries before he or she doesn't growl a bit. It's natural. We also do this with food bowl when they are eating in their crate solo.
Day 73 - Tuesday, December 29, 2020 - Another trip to Home Depot today AND the pups met a policeman! En route to Alabama Pet Foods to pick up some more Goat Milk, I spotted a police car parked in a strip mall parking lot. (Mind you, it's just dusk and mostly dark by now.) Only in a small town (Pelham, AL) would this be possible, but I pulled up next to the police car, rolled down my window, and said "I know you'll think I'm crazy, but I wondered if you'd help me socialize our puppies?" He welcomed the opportunity and even commented that he preferred animals over people ;) (In these times, I don't blame him. So thankful there are still good people willing to serve as policemen, doctors, teachers.....) In Alabama Pet Foods, they got to meet the owners cat and Staffordshire terrier and, of course, smell ALL sorts of amazing treats. Turkey hearts it was .... and Casanova bought a round for all his siblings.
Day 74 - Wednesday, December 30, 2020 - The pups visited their dad's home! Sire's breeder, Verlene Miller in Anniston, AL had a litter of her own and the pups got to visit with all sorts of pugs and even her Great Dane. They were not phased with the loud birds she owned or any of the "new" things they saw, smelled, heard.
Day 75 - Thursday, December 31, 2020 - Pups got to go on solo "walks" (in the stroller) today. They smelled rosemary, heard water in the street drains, and all sorts of new experiences. Here is their morning food routine in case folks want to see what they've been eating . . . . .
Day 76 - Friday, January 1, 2021
Day 77 Saturday, January 2, 2021
Day 27 - Sunday, January 3, 2021
Day 79 - Monday, January 4, 2021
Day 80 - Tuesday, January 5, 2021 (Appointment with Dr. Borden and Dr. Williams for 2nd round of vaccinations and microchip)
Day 81 - Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Day 82 - Thursday, January 7, 2021
Day 83 - Friday, January 8, 2021
Wormer Meds Week 12 (given before pups leave for new homes) - Heart worm med (ok to give interceptor or other that vet recommends for young puppies starting as early as 12 weeks of age BUT, since pups just had their 2nd vaccinations earlier in the week, we recommended waiting a week or 2 to space out the drugs in their system given that it's cold winter months now ... assuming your vet agrees. Perhaps at 1st wellness checkup or following week?)
To New Homes - Days 84/85 - Saturday, January 9, 2021
To New Homes - Days 84/85 - Saturday, January 9, 2021