At 5:00 AM each morning, I walk into the kitchen with 3 adult farmdogs following me to be let out into the yard.  I close the kitchen door and slide a board across in front of that door because the big dogs are able to open it with their dexterous paws. There are five VERY noisy puppies waiting for me to open the door to the puppy pen.  I let the big dogs outside and begin preparing all the canine breakfasts and a pot of coffee for me.  I quickly sweep the floor to ensure there is nothing for the pups to eat that they shouldn't, and then I go out to the garage to let the big dogs in.  After wiping everyone's feet, I bring the big dogs in and give them their breakfasts -- all the while there are five NOISY puppies peering through the pen and pouncing at the pen door begging to be released.  They will eventually learn to be more patient as they adjust to the ritual. 

Once the big dogs are fed..... I open the door to the puppy pen. Five "puppies gone wild" scamper out of the pen and begin exploring all the areas of our small kitchen, half of which currently looks like a kennel.  (We have moved the table out to make room for the puppy pen which is 6' x 6'.)  The weather has turned colder, but the oil heater in the kitchen heats it nicely and all is cozy warm.  The pups first rush their mother, Ruby, in hopes of a snack.  Ruby obliges, but is not as patient as she once was, now standing to nurse them briefly because she is not making as much milk as before and they are very efficient at draining her reserves.  The pups poke their noses into the adult dog's bowls looking for more breakfast -- they are sometimes met with a reprimand by one of their grandmothers telling them NO they may not lick their bowls.  These are good lessons.  Only Ruby is willing to share what is in her bowl. As I set down a puppy feeder bowl filled with Royal Canin Mother & Baby dog mixed with warm goat's milk, five hungry puppies form a circle around the bowl and begin lapping goat's milk and chewing on kibble bits.  Once they are finished, Ruby cleans the bowl.  Now, it's playtime! 

While pups and big dogs mingle and play, I clean the puppy pen (with a "green" cleaner), change bedding and replace soiled piddle pads.  Then, I pour myself my first cup of coffee and sit down on the floor to play with puppies.  As pups pile into my lap all wiggles and licks, I forget how early in the morning it is and just enjoy my moments with these lovely babies.  Puppies are the best medicine because they make you laugh and create a calmness within.

We play a little tug with some braided polar fleece, I roll a few small balls for them to chase and I give them the cardboard roll from the middle of the empty paper towel roll to chew on.  One can make puppy toys out of just about anything.  One by one, they eventually tire and make their way into a puppy pile and fall asleep.  I move them all back into their cozy bed for their morning nap.  It's now about 6 AM.  Perhaps tomorrow morning, I will try to catch some of this on video -- at least the release from the puppy pen.