The puppies are now three and a half weeks old and things are rapidly moving along . They can now stand without falling over within the first few seconds, they have discovered how to walk backwards, most seem to think they can run and jump, and rolling in the food dish is one of their favourite pastimes. Oh, they have certainly found their voices too (think piglets), and have Mirabelle running to check on them at each little squeak and woof. Mirabelle has decided that these puppies are her responsibility, she cleans them, sits with them in their playpen and has even started producing her own milk to nurse them. Nelly is comfortable to let her get on with it, but returns to feed them as often as they demand. They have just started now to play with their soft toys, instead of just snuggling up to them, and they have also started mouthing and playing with each other. We started weaning them on Sunday and they have thrown themselves whole-heartedly into devouring everything in their dishes, it's a rather messy affair as they are having steak mince with goats milk, but most of it does seem to end up in their tummies! The ones that seem to be pushed out or are too slow to compete with the fatties, get a little extra when the peace has ensued once more!