And they're off! May 2

The Disney pups have brought 8 weeks of joy and excitement to our home...and while in a way we're sad to see them go, we know they're bringing enthusiasm and zest for life into six new forever homes and we're happy for them all!

All of the pups in the Disney litter are becoming MA residents; Boston, Cambridge, Danvers, Winchester, and Newton - be on the lookout for these cuties!

Over the [4 week] hill! April 8

We've entered the stage of no rest here as breeders! No complaining, it's just constant! Physically, a sturdy and confident walk is demonstrated by all, they're digesting puppy slurry, and the blue hue in their eyes is changing. We will be focusing on shaping their perception of the world through rich and varied stimulation for the next 4 weeks. Besides daily cuddle time and individual attention, we give them at least one new experience each day in the form of a new environment (being outside, in a new room, a new dog, on a new surface, etc) and new sounds. We make startling noises (intentional ones – beyond the normal noise of our home!) and observe their reaction and recovery. Our goal is to ensure that no matter what noise is around them, we are helping facilitate a "so-what?" response to novelty. Cue the thunderstorms, doorbells, bird calls, door slams, blender, kid shrieks – even the hoverboard running through the living room! Some of us humans may wish it would die down, but the puppies are perfectly happy!

Flynn 3.4 lbs.

Rapunzel 2.7 lbs.

Kristoff 3.3 lbs.

Anna 3.3 lbs.

Aladdin 3.4 lbs.

Jasmine 3.0 lbs.

“Some puppies are worth melting for.” Olaf might have said

Milly’s pups reached 2 weeks old this weekend (March 21). Maybe Milly’s milk has some magical potions in it - her 6 puppies are bigger than Princess’ 3 and all over 2 pounds now! They’ve progressed from the seal-on-the-beach squirmy, shifty slide to a somewhat coordinated toddle - healthy little overachievers they are!

In this new lifestyle of social distancing, we’ve been home more than usual and are devoting the extra time to the three litters we currently have and giving them the earliest exposure possible to learning how to be “work from home” and “school from home” supporters — just look at the little green light and look cute (no problemo).

In that same spirit of adjusting to a new lifestyle, one of our family’s coping strategies is singing - along with music from the latest musicals and some classics, the kids are belting out Disney songs while holding puppies and thinking about their new forever families. Please excuse the musical references in the puppies’ latest write-up if you find them corny. ;-)

In other terms of puppy development, we’ve been impressed with how they are starting to toddle over to their designated potty area, a tray of alfalfa. As you can see in the pictures, they’re getting acquainted with big dogs, walking on different surfaces, being held in every position, and helping with schoolwork. We have lots in store for you, #DisneyPups, and we look forward to seeing hints of your unique personalities next week!

Flynn: The “world is warm and real and bright.” True story, Flynn! We do offer you this! You “see the light” now, too... at last “the fog is lifting;” your eyesight is sharpening every day and your sturdy build and chocolate parti looks will capture the gazes of many passersby. You’re one handsome guy!

Rapunzel: “When will my life begin?” Already, Rapunzel! We adore your striking looks. And your mother WILL let you go. Plus, though you’re the smallest, you are the most coordinated walker! Rapunzel has the daintiest build of all the pups, as she has since birth.

Kristoff: He might have been feeling a bit “lost in the woods” when he couldn’t see or hear, but eyes and ears are open now so he can adore his beloved Anna and one of his most frequent handlers, 4 year old, Lily-Cate!

Anna: “Some things never change” — like Kristoff’s heart after you, and our love for you! We will ensure you are put into the home of a family who will adore you the same — that is a “certain certainty” for you! Anna is the biggest of the 3 girls by just a smidge, and carrying herself well!

Aladdin: “Prince Ali, Fabulous he!” Mister Aladdin, sir, you have 3 wishes.....and I think we can predict them: an attention-giving, adoring family, lots of scratches behind the ear, and an open lap or feet under a desk to curl up on for 10-15 years. Your wishes will be granted!

​Jasmine: A whole new world awaits you, Jasmine, and with your eyes now open, things are getting close to “crystal clear.” We assure you, more “unbelievable sights” are in your future, and we’ll be conditioning you and your siblings that while the world is full of “awe and wonder,” it’s all normal (even when online tap dancing class is next to your head) and nothing to overreact about.

Puppy Savings Time! Saturday, March 7

Milly’s parti pups arrived Saturday evening after a long day of many false labor alarms, at the exact same time as Princess’ litter! Milly, as always, set right to work being an excellent mom and her pups are growing cute round milk bellies! 

We’ve since started Early Neurological Stimulation, which is a series of short exercises that help stimulate growth and development in the puppies’ immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as increasing their stress tolerance.

The first three pups born (one black & white parti, two chocolate & white partis) were male, and the next three pups (black & white partis) were female. We (the McLaughlins) are a huge Disney family, so we decided to name the pups after three of our favorite Disney princess couples! Without further ado, please welcome:

Kristoff: male, 10.5 oz, black & white parti
Anna: female, 9.9 oz, black & white parti
Aladdin: male, 10.5 oz, chocolate & white parti
Jasmine: female, 9.6 oz, black & white parti with mostly black head
Flynn: male, 10.2 oz, chocolate & white parti
Rapunzel: female, 8.6 oz, black and white parti with white around one eye