ONE TWO THREE                     FOUR FIVE 

13 inches, 

and what a  little "Cutie Pie"

Cutie Pie, our cute little 13" tri-colored female has been bred to "Jump-Run Tequila Sunrise," so lets keep our fingers crossed.  Sunny, as he's called is a 12" tri-colored "Field Champion" with an unbelieveable pedigree behind him.  His parents, grandparents, and even his great grandparents are all "Field Champions."  And it doesn't stop there.  His pedigree is packed with champions.  This is the one we've been waiting for for our little "Cutie Pie," who happens to have an impressive line of champions in her pedigree as well.  Stop back as we keep you updated on Cutie's breeding and hopefully expected puppies.

Here is a photo of "Cutie" on the left, and "Sunny" (just taken 4/18) on the right with two of his puppies from another litter.  The dogs were bred on April 16th and 18th for hopefully a June 18th litter.  Keep checking back for updates and photos on Cutie and her pregnancy. 

Cutie is about 29 days in now, with around 34 days to go.  Her tummy is starting to get firm with just a tiny hint of a sign that she's filling out.  Her nipples are probably the biggest sign the mating took, since they are starting to enlarge in preparation for her puppy's to nurse.  These photos were taken today, 5/17.  To most you will not see much of a difference in Cutie's looks, but her body is making small subtle changes that are noticeable in person.  With four weeks in, hopefully the next week or so should show a considerable difference in her body shape.  Keep watching!!!

What a difference a couple of days makes.  Almost overnight Cutie's tummy filled out and is definitely taking the shape of a pregnant little lady.  Doesn't she look adorable?  Since she was bred three times, her due date can be anywhere from June 14th to the 20th, so she could have as little as three weeks to go.  She's looking really good, eating well, and getting lots of exersise every day.  She's a sweet little dog who loves being around people and lying in the cool grass on hot days. 

With only about two weeks to go, Cutie is looking rather adorable today. (June 1st)  She's still very active and carrying her puppies very nicely.  She's got plenty of energy and still romps around the yard with no struggles at all.  When you gently hold the palm of your hand against her tummy you can feel the tiny little kicks of her puppies.  From here on out Cutie will grow rapidly with each new day bigger than the day before.  In a few more days I will change her diet to puppy food, since her body will need the extra protein which is provided in that variety of dog food. 

Keep watching for updates and photos of the big day!

Today is Sunday 6/6, and with about a week or so to go Cutie is starting to slow way down.  Her pups are growing rapidly.  Every morning when I go out to see her she's bigger than the day before.  She's definitely rounding out and has a cute little wobble when she walks... Running is a thing of the past at this point.  Her appetite is huge and would eat none stop at this point if I let her.  She is doing some snooping around the yard looking for a tempting place to start nesting, but of course she'll be moved into the house in a few days.  She slowly hobbles up the stairs to pose in a picture with her favorite person, me.... Yes, I finally showed myself for all to see.

I'm thinking, "She's not going to make it till her due date," but what do I know?  She's miserable and there's not much I can do for her except be there for comfort.  She will not try to climb stairs anymore, or do any unnecessary walking.  She stands with her head in our  laps and just wants to be cuddled or stroked.  Am I painting a good enough picture for you yet?  Okay, I'm sure those of us who have gone through 9 months of pregnancy can relate to this.  That last month is the killer and by that time you just want it all to be over with.  Well, I'm sure this is where Cutie is at right now. 

Her milk has come in, and it looks like there's plenty of it.  Now, not only can you feel the puppies moving when you place your hand on her tummy, but you can actually see them kick.  She has slowed WAY down and has become more and more sedentary, and constantly wants to be by my side for some loving.  She has started some nesting activity, but that will become more aggressive as she gets closer to her whelping date. 

Till next time.....

Terry 6/8/04

Not a lot to report today, (6/12) except Cutie has officially been moved into the house where she will now settle in and have her babies.  It's a nice quiet part of the house where she can relax and save up all her energy for the big day.  Her milk has come in and there is plenty there to feed her hungry little ones.  I'm predicting 5 pups, but I have absoultely nothing to base that on, and truthfully I'm almost always wrong missing by one, one  way or another.  I am taking her temperature twice a day and so far it has not dropped dramatically.  It's holding steady at 99.6 degrees.  When it drops another degree or two lower than that, labor is close.

Cutie had 8 puppies on Sunday, June 13th.  Two days short of her due date.  She had 4 males and 4 females, but unfortunately only 5 of the puppies survived.   It was a long day for Cutie, starting her labor 11 AM that morning and not finishing up until 12:00 midnight.  They're doing as well as can be expected and will be watched closely for the next 24 hours.  Hopefully all will go well.

Cutie and her pups are resting after a long hard day yesterday.  All are enjoying the steady warmth of the heating pad.   The pups are nursing nicely and so far I'm very pleased with the way they are doing.  Cutie is being a good mom and caring for them the way she should.  Her appetite is back and huge, so she's eating and drinking and building up her strength.   She more than likely won't leave her puppys for any longer than a quick bathroom break at this point.  Her main goal now is focussed only on tending to their every need.

Cutie has really settled into the swing of motherhood.  Walking in and seeing her and her pups content and thriving nicely was a great way for me to start my day today.  I'm breathing a lot easier now.  The one and only little female, whom I will refer to from here on out as Princess is doing much better today.  She's gained 1/2 ounce since yesterday and I'm just thrilled about that.  Her weight was my biggest concern since she was the smallest of the litter weighing only 6 5/8  ounces at birth.  I haven't weighed the rest yet, but they all have nice little round plump bellies which is always a GREAT sign to me.

6/15/04

Todays featured puppy

6/16

This little fellow was the next to last puppy born.  His weight at birth was 9 1/8 ounces, and now he's a hefty little guy weighing in today at 11 1/2 ounces.  He's the biggest pup of the bunch at this point, and as you can see from the photo, you can usually find him attached to his mothers nipple most any time.  He's  a cute little guy who is almost entirely black except for a cute little white stripe between his shoulder blades.  Even his nose was black when he was born.  Usually they're born with pink noses and they turn black within the first two weeks.  Not this little guy!!!I've nicknamed him "Blackie" for obvious reasons.

From this day forward Blackie will be known as Danny Boy, short for Lieutenant Dan.   Tonight Danny Boy and his new dad, Brian met for the first time.  I can see these two guys are going to be side by side every step of the way.  The days will come and go, the seasons will change, but one thing is for sure, these two will be together through thick and thin.  Buds all the way!

Todays featured puppy

6/17

This little guy weighed 9 1/8 ounces when he was born.  This morning he weighed in at 11 3/4 ounces.  We've decided to call him "Sandy" because of his coloring.  As of right now he's the second biggest puppy weighing one ounce less than he brother up there, Blackie.....  Speaking of which, notice this little fellow has a pink nose, just like the rest of the litter.  He's a beautiful little pup with really pretty markings.  His face is already starting to turn brown and his eyes are about 5 to 7 days away from opening.

Allegra and her family were lucky family number one, which means they got to pick their puppy first.  After careful consideration, Allegra has chosen Sandy (new name to be decided later) as her new puppy.  He settled right into her lap and was very happy and content with his new big sister. 

Todays featured puppy

6/18

Isn't she simply beautiful!!!!  The one and only little girl of the litter.  Of course I've nicknamed her "Princess."  She was the first puppy born and only weighed 6 3/8 ounces.  I have to admit, I was worried about this one.  She was about 3 ounces smaller than everyone else, but with supplemental feedings and steering her to mommies nipple as much as possible, she's caught way up.  This mornings weigh in was 9 7/8 ounces.  I'm so pleased with this sweet little girls progress. 

Well, our little Princess is now officially called Maggie, or should I say, Princess Margaret since her new family has decided that will be her formal name.  As you can see from the photo, Meg, John, and the kids are just delighted to add their new little baby girl to the family.  The kids have been working hard and have been very excited about this day for almost a year, and today was the day they finally met their new puppy.  It's not hard to see how well loved "Maggie" will be.  Congrats to you all! 

Todays featured puppy

6/19

We're going to call todays little guy, "Lucky."  He's doing great now, but he had a little rough beginning.  Born not breathing, we had to do a little puppy CPR on him to get him started.  So, I'm a little more attached to this little guy for obvious reasons.  He weighed 8 3/8 ounces at birth, but this morning he was a whopping 12 1/2 ounces.  He's doing great!  Once we got him breathing, he never looked back.  It's been all up hill and steady progress.  He's real strong and creeps all over his whelping area.  He's a handsome little boy.

It's been a long time waiting, but Maria and the kids finally got to meet their new puppy tonight.  Dressed totally in the beagle spirit with t-shirts and hats supporting a beagle logo, they were all smiles when their new puppy entered the room.  Lucky will now be called Sherlock.  Everyone seemed thrilled with their new little guy and will be anxiously waiting for the day they can bring him home. 

Todays featured puppy

6/21

This last little fellow has put on some nice weight.  This morning he weighed 13 5/8 ounces.  A nice weight gain from his 9 1/8 ounce birth weight.  I've nicknamed this little sweetheart "Trey."  Like all the pups he's doing fantastic.  Cutie is doing a great job taking care of her puppies.  They're all happy, full bellied, warm and content, little darlings.  Their eyes and ears are slightly starting to open.  Pretty soon they'll be crawling all over the crate.  At that time they'll be moved down into the big kennel where they can really move around and start exploring.  It's a much bigger area and everyone, including Cutie will have a lot a lot more room.

It was a tough decision, but Andy and Dana have picked Trey, whom will now be called Mickey, (named after Mickey Mantle) as their new puppy.  I have no doubt Mickey is going to have a wonderful, pampered life just like his new big brother Remy.  And, trips to grandma's house can only mean one thing; hugs, kisses, more hugs, and more kisses. Pucker up Mickey and Happy Birthday Dana! 

In the photo below, the pups are two weeks old and doing great.  They spend most of their days eating and sleeping like new babies do.  They're gaining weight rapidly and have a combined weight of over 9 pounds.  Their eyes and ears are just starting to open, so in a couple of days they will start to look like little dogs.  Cutie is also doing great.  She's been taking great care of her little ones and is there for their every need.  She spends most of her day with them, or right outside their crate so she can be near by.  Within the next week or so the pups will make huge strides.  Their eyes and ears will be open and they will be attempting to stand up and walk.  Creeping on their bellies will be a thing of the past.  That's when Cutie will want more away time.

The pups are doing really well.  Today I moved Cutie and her family to the big kennel downstairs and that is where they will all stay until the pups are weaned.  Once they're weaned Cutie will move back outside with the rest of our beagle family and the puppy's will remain in the kennel until the day they can leave with their new families.  If you look closely at the photos you will notice eyes.....  Enjoy!

Can you guess who is who?

Cast your vote by clicking this link: http://www.newjerseybeagles.net/page/page/1244883.htm

Today the pups and I had a little photo shoot.  Now just over 4 weeks old the pups are really starting to get around.  They're cute little dogs with little puppy barks and growls.  They spend much of their day eating sleeping and horsing around with each other.  Soon they'll feel safe enough to venture out of their whelping area and into the big kennel which is attached to their home.   Out there they will  find their mothers water and food, which they will find impossible to ignore.  Before too long they will be right next to her side sharing her meal. 

Cutie has done a great job raising these puppies.  I'm very proud of her.  I'm sure her easy going personality and great temperament will have a lasting effect on her offspring.   It's such a great feeling knowing you're sending out the creme of the crop in every aspect of these little tiny lifes.  A great bloodline, good conformation, and a wonderful temperament.  Those are every dog owners hopes. 

The pups are doing great.  They're enjoying roaming the kennel and experimenting with outside of the only world they've known, their whelping area.  They love being played with and cuddled.  When they hear my voice they come running to the door of the kennel waiting for what they've grown to expect.  LOTS OF LOVING AND CUDDLES.  They climb up and down, over and under me trying to get as close as possible.  They are adorable, sweet little puppies.  They are enjoying eating Cutie's food and drinking her water.  Starting next week we'll begin weaning them and begin the process of separating the puppyies from their mommy.  Truthfully, I think Cutie is going to have as much trouble separating as the puppyies will.

Playtime

7/28.... The pups are enjoying one of their final days here.  Very very soon they will leave with their new families and begin a whole new way of life away from their mommy and each other.  Today they are experiencing one of their last meals with their mommy and hopefully will be totally weaned by tomorrow.   They are adorble, sweet little puppies who love to be held, cuddle, and wrestled.  They are very affectionate and would much rather lick your face than bite your fingers.  Very happy, well mannered little pups that I'm going to totally miss when they leave.

And so we close this chapter on Cutie's 5 puppies, but we turn the page to a new one as the Fab 5 begin their lifes with their new families.  All doing well, happy, and content in their new homes, making five wonderful families VERY happy.  And rightfully so since this was a great bunch of pups.  We'll check back with them from time to time, but hopefully in one year from now we'll be celebrating their first b-day on our website....

Good luck to, Danny, Mickey, Sherlock, Maggie, Snoopy, and their new families.  It feels so good to know my puppies are going to be well taken care of.  Thank you for giving me the pleasure of putting my precious puppies in your kind, loving, and very capable hands.....  Terry