Our Little Boy - 13 days old

This is Sparky,  My kids call him Sparky because he has a little lightening strike on his forehead.  He also has a white chest.

He is now 13 days old.  His eyes will be opening very soon.  He is already twice as big as when he was born.

He is very calm and quiet when we hold him.  He does not seem to mind.  Sometimes you can see his little nose twitching as he takes in new smells.

Sparky is still in the Neonatal Stage of Development (birth through 14 days),  At this stage the most crucial needs for the pups are warmth and food.  The puppies are not able to regulate their body temperature yet.   We keep the house warm (about 75 degrees) and I have a puppy Microwave Heating Pad in the box, in case a puppy needs it.  I can tell the puppies are comfortable because they are quiet when they sleep, yet actively find their mamma when they want to nurse.  They do not curl up in a ball, seeking warmth from one another, so I know the room is warm enough.

I am so happy we have almost reached the 2 week milestone!    Once their eyes open they will enter the Transitional stage of development (2-4 weeks)  which is characterized by greater mobility, and the ability to explore his world.   The puppies get cuter and cuter everyday.  We cannot wait to watch them  start to enjoy their sense of sight and hearing during this coming week.