The Nebraska Nine have been adopted!
Two of these kids are going into service dog training!!!

Nebraska Puppies #01-273 - #01-281

What fun we have had around here!  This is the biggest event to hit Sunset Street since anyone can remember.  Our pack was expanded to include 9 wriggly, giggly ADORABLE puppies with enough personality to thaw even the hardest heart.  We are having a blast getting to know each of their individual personalities.  Their mom was rescued as a dump off by a good Samaritan who took her in and cared for her.  She was extremely thin and full of parasites.  On one of the many vet visits, it was discovered she had been bred.  The result was this big happy family who were given a great start in life and now turned over to RAGOM's care and for placement in GReat homes.

Our house is a frequent stop on the way home from school now.  I have about a dozen "helpers" who play with the puppies, help me feed them and have been willing to learn how to be good puppy trainers.  All of the dogs are now used to walking on lead with their young, eager playmates.  One of the moms next door said she felt like she needed to supply me with Popsicles or something to give all of their children who would live here if they could.  At 11 weeks old, this is just what the puppers need.  We noticed that they were only comfortable around women at first, which makes sense since that is all they knew.  Since then, we have exposed the to all sorts of ages, shapes, sizes, genders, beards, hats, traffic, the nursing home, my office and other dogs.  I am pleased to say that all of these furkids are very self-assured and comfortable in many environments.  While they continue to play together in our big fenced yard with their mom and our three dogs, I am starting to have them sleep in crates in groups of two or three and Babe, the mom, sleeps with us and the rest of the adult dogs.  We have no accidents at night and because they are now on a 4 times a day feeding schedule, I am able to have some control over "potty accidents" they are well on their way to being housetrained.  These are going to be good sized animals - I will be taking them in for weighing, vet check, etc. next week.  I have gone through 2 1/2 bags of kibble in addition to about 2 pounds of peanut butter making Kong treats for crate training and entertainment since September 25th.

Last weekend, duck hunting season opened and Tom gave the wings to the puppies.  That was the cutest thing in the world - all those happy little furkids prancing around proudly with their "prize."

By the numbers...

NOT YET AVAILABLE 01-273 CeCe (aka Jordan) born 7/13/01 is a black (yes, there were two black pups!) female who has one of the best personalities.  She has been very comfortable with many environments and people since day 1 - also seeks out attention.

NOT YET AVAILABLE 01-274 Buddy - born 7/13/01, is a large medium-golden male who is also very outgoing and happy all the time.

NOT YET AVAILABLE 01-275 Lady - born 7/13/01, is a red-gold female who has become a neighborhood favorite.

01-276 Trista - born 7/13/01, she is the smallest of the litter with a face and personality that are second to none.  Shy at first, she has totally come out of her shell and comes enthusiastically when called.  Plays very nicely with the other pups, backs off of conflict.

01-277 Audie - born 7/13/01, The other black female who is our family favorite.  She has just a bit of beautiful curl on her ears and is especially well-adjusted and friendly.  She spent her time at the nursing home like she had been there all her life.

01-278 Omar "Bradley" - born 7/13/01.  Bradley is a very large, blonde male who seems to have a very natural retrieving ability and instincts.  Loves water.  Very laid back but likes to play.  Occasionally seems a bit shy.

01-279 Patton - born 7/13/01.  Red-gold, nice sized male who is happy all the time.  Loves to come to the office with me and whines to go outside all ready.  Loves to walk, even down town.

01-280 Amelia - born 7/13/01.  Beautiful blonde and very sassy girl.  Wants to play with the "big dogs" and is first to the food bowl, the chew toys, etc.  Also crates up without coaxing and whines to go outside when she is at my office.

01-281 Abigail - born 7/13/01.  Large blonde female who is a bit "coy."  Has a larger, longer, big-boned body.  Very striking appearance.  Loves to play, crates well and comes enthusiastically when called.