The puppies are nearly 4 weeks old; they are sturdy and strong.  We embarked on weaning them today.  Vesta has done a fabulous job to feed this crew:  in additon to the normal high protein puppy feed (triple rations 5-6 times a day, all hand-fed in the first 2 weeks), she has eaten 15 chickens, 30 white fish fillets and 30 JWB grain free puppy moist packs (turkey with vegetables) so far!  It has however been worth it.  The puppies are doing really well but I feel it is now time to help Vesta out a bit and start the weaning process.  What fun we had at lunch-time today!

“The Book” states that “puppies may need encouragement to eat in the early stages, for example, by letting them lick food from your fingers …”.  I must say that we have never experienced this.  They just fall upon the tray of food and within moments it has all been consumed!