Day 51

Notice something missing? The live feed is no longer up because there is no further need for it. Tanner's new owner picked him up around noon today and at 1:30pm we met Mackenzie's new family at about the halfway point to turn her over to their care.

Please feel free to continue checking this blog because I fully intend to post more videos as well as a slide show of most of the pictures we've taken over the last seven weeks. But not tonight. For some reason I do not feel like working on anything like that tonight. Mindymom and I are spending time with Mindy and Schuyler.

Thanks for watching. Thanks for your support. Thanks for your comments.

Day 50 Update

Jack came by for a visit tonight. I took some video footage of what was probably the last time Mindy and the puppies will be together. It will be posted online. If things go as scheduled, Mackenzie and Tanner will leave tomorrow, and to tell the truth, neither of us are looking forward to it. It's been very difficult to not get attached to these puppies. I guess if we were dog breeders who have done this more than once, we'd have no problem. Truth to tell, we have a strong emotional attachment to the puppies, but we've committed ourselves to the new owners. At one time we discussed keeping Mackenzie, but came to the realization that one big and strong basset in the household is enough. As long as we have Schuyler the dachshund and Mindy the basset, these two dogs will be enough, and as Jack is still in the family we will be seeing him regularly as the years allow.

Whelping this litter and watching them grow has been more than rewarding. It has added an extra dimension to our lives that we will never forget and will always fondly remember, but it's time for them to move on. We're still planning on getting Mindy spayed. We won't put her (or us) through this again.

Day 47 Update

I spent a little time tonight rerouting the network cable drop so that the camera can now see into the playpen. We've separated the pups from Mindy and it seems to be working out without too much anxiety from anyone.

The pups had their checkup and first round of shots at the vet's office yesterday. She was very pleased with the pups' development and pronounced them all healthy.

You'll notice Lucas Jackson is no longer in the brood. He left today to go live with his new owners, who happen to be my son and his family. LJ will be our granddaughter Natalee's puppy. Tanner is scheduled to leave Saturday morning and Mackenzie some time that weekend. I've taken some more video that I'll get up on the blog. Even after the pups leave the blog will stay up, but without the live feed. I'll probably rearrange the posts so all the video clips will be at the top.

Don't worry, this isn't the last post before Tanner and Mackenzie leave. I've got some more to say before that sad time comes.

Day 45 Update

No, we have not fallen off the end of the earth. Yesterday our Comcast (Camcost?) service was out until almost 11 pm and today the laptop that drives the MindyPupsCam is on the fritz. I'll try to get it going tonight so stay tuned. (UPDATE: It's fixed!)

We've found a home for Mackenzie. She's going to live with one of my students' girlfriend's family. We're thinking that next weekend will be when all three babies will leave for their new homes.

I've been asked why the MindyPupsCam is never pointed to the new puppy playpen I built a while back. The playpen is across the room from the laptop/webcam setup and the cables simply will not reach. I promise I'll get some videos up showing them romping around in it before the week's up.

The Basset Rules

Paige sent in this list of The Basset Rules

1. The basset is not allowed in the house.
2. Okay, the basset is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.
3. The basset is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.
4. The basset can get on the old furniture only, but has to stay off the new couch.
5. Fine, the basset is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans.
6. Okay, the basset is allowed in the bed, but only by invitation.
7. The basset can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
8. The basset can sleep under the covers by invitation only.
9. The basset can sleep under the covers every night.
10. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the basset.

Thanks, Paige!

Day 37 Update

It's hard to believe that the pups are 5 weeks, 1 day old. They can be very active as regular viewers have seen. Jumping in and out of the pool is no big deal for them. They are all eating solid foods at least twice a day and have become real chow hounds.

Tanner is still our laid back one, Lucas Jackson gets more rambunctious everyday, and Mackenzie has really come out of her shell and is very playful with her brothers, her mom, and us. They all like it when we roughhouse with them.

Mindy and Schuyler are back to being full-time best buds again. They actully lay together when we have them upstairs.

Lucas Jackson and Tanner have found homes and will probably be moving on and out within the next 2-3 weeks. Mackenzie is still available for sale. Contact us if you are interested.

The Basset Beatbox

Found this on YouTube.....

Day 31 - Another video clip

Here's another clip. Lucas Jackson is indeed speaking on command in this one.

Day 31 - The Pups' To-Do List

Frequent visitor and commenter doodlebug sent in this list of things they need to before lunch. Well done!

Lucas Jackson
My List of Things to do Today Before Lunch.
1.) Mosey up to the Milk Bar for a bite (or two)
2.) Turn myself into a barnacle
3.) Sleep (so tie- tie)
4.) Whine, grunt and maybe a grrr (I have to pace myself)
5.) Bite Mackenzie
6.) Grunt & Whine
7.) Sleep
8.) Lunchtime!!!!!

Mackenzie
My List of Things to do Today Before Lunch.
1.) Whine
2.) Eat my nummies like a good girl.
3.) Sleep
4.) Back to back whine session
5.) Bite Lucas Jackson
6.) Whine like I’m in excruciating pain
7.) Find mommy’s ear and hide
8.) Play peek-a-boo again with mommy’s ear using my stealth maneuvering
that’s always fun.
9.) Did someone say lunch?

Tanner
My List of Things to do Today Before Lunch.
1.) Check out the Pina’ Colada Bar
2.) Chill
3.) Sleep
4.) Learn words to Margarittaville (no hurry)
5.) Is it lunch? Yawnnn

Day 31 - A quick video

Here's a short video clip taken Saturday 1/3/2009 when the pups were 4 weeks, 2 days old. The little human is our granddaughter Natalee and she's 3 years, 3 months old. Listen closely as she spontaneously started singing to the pups without any coaxing, although I did ask her to sing it again.