There's A Swimming Pool In My Kitchen

Nursing in shifts.

The kiddie pool has been an invaluable piece of equipment during this puppy extravaganza. Vega's litter of eight was born in it and now it is the favorite spot - more accurately, the only spot - she will nurse her brood.

The pool has made many stops on this five-week journey beginning in the bedroom where the puppies were born. When Vega and the pups transitioned to the whelping box, the pool went with them.

Once the puppies began to exit the pool of their own accord, it moved from the box to the garage floor. But on Vega's cue, the puppies often moved back into the pool to nurse. 

Now that weaning is in full swing, the pool is the only place Vega will settle down. She also requires that I be within sight at all times. Which is why the pool has now become part of the kitchen decor.

At least in the kitchen, I can be productive - wiping the counter, tidying up, scrubbing a pan or emptying the dishwasher. And after the puppies have drunk their fill and leave a puddle on the kitchen floor, I'm right there to mop up.