Day 18

Wendy got to visit puppies Friday. It was very successful! Ico was a little concerned but we kept her occupied with treats and Wendy made a slow and calm entry. By the end of an hour Wendy was sitting on the floor holding puppies and Ico was laying down on a dog bed next to the whelping box (the place that TinTin usually occupies). Wendy was a great choice for Ico's next step since she has great body language, gives off a wonderfully calm vibe and Ico knows her fairly well.

I got Nickel back yesterday and her reunion was flawless. She came into the house and immediately stopped in the doorway to the whelping room. She gave Ico lots of space and it seemd that she hadn't forgotten who was the 'queen' of the house now (of course it had been Nickel!) She is very intent on seeing the puppies and it does keep Ico's eye on her. By the end of the day Ico was letting Nickel check out the puppies and eventually allowed her back into the box. Every so often she'd return to the box and kick Nickel out... almost to say... "give it a break!" So the three gray girls are back together.