Evolution of our Puppy (to be named later)

Did you know that the gestation period of a dog is only 9 weeks?? On top of that, the pregnant dog doesn't even show signs of being pregnant until week 5! If I were a woman i'm pretty sure i'd be quite jealous of that. These are the types of tidbits you can expect to learn when you're expecting. ...a puppy.

Such is the case with Jaclyn and myself. Our yearning for a pup has been overwhelming for basically the duration of our relationship. However, we've never really been in the same place long enough to justify the acquisition. As of January, when our circumstances changed, we've felt this desire even moreso - and decided to pull the trigger back in April (after almost buying a pup in a pet store).

I won't bore you with the details of how we arrived at the decision to go with a breeder up in Maine, or how we arrived at the decision of a Maltepoo (Maltese x Poodle = Maltepoo), or even why we insisted that it was a boy, and a color other than white. However, what I will share is the unreal transition this pup has gone through since it's birth on May 10.

- 3 Days Old -

This is what we refer to as "the mole / seal / mouse" state. Call it what you will, it barely looks like a dog, and the poor thing is about the size of a thumb, and about as flacid as a limp ....um, noodle. At this stage of life, he only needs 3 things: Milk, warmth, and sleep.

- 2 Weeks Old -

Allright, now we're talking! He's starting to look more like an actual dog. Although his eyes are not yet open, his tail is starting to perk up, his fur is growing out a lil bit, and he's grown out of the whelping pen, and into what appears to be a 1970's comforter turned into a dog bed. It's a good thing his eyes aren't open yet, as his delicate sensory input system would probably throw him into vertigo.


- 4 Weeks Old -
Although i'm slightly concerned that the switcharoo has been played on us here - since this dog looks nothing like the previous 2 photos - i'm also quite pleased at how handsome he's turning out to be. In this photo, you don't need to employ your imagination to decipher what the dog will eventually look like, or guess how big his eyes will be, or even how much you're going to say "awww" when he looks at you.. It's all right there staring at you.
Now all we need is a name...