Yesterday, the 5 young cannibals went outside for the first time. It was a lovely, clear, cool day here in Central Florida but we waited until late afternoon so they would have both sun and shade to play in. I had set up the exercise pens earlier in the day and the neighbors were on "puppy watch" until we finally started bringing them out and then they came over to help.

As we placed them down in the pen, they initially couldn't figure out the texture of the grass and all the other sensory stimuli. They kinda hunkered down and snuggled together at the end of the pen. Then, one by one, they started to venture out sniffing the toys, then running and then careening off of each other, the stuffed toys, the water bowl and everything else they could find. They discovered that the grass is edible and they ate it. Lots of it. They discovered that the kids next door, Katie and Jake, are also edible -- especially their toes. But mostly, they found out that being outside is a total blast! They played at full speed for over an hour until they finally collapsed and fell asleep on all of us.

Here's a picture of Mr. Blue discussing world events with Jake.



And Mr. Red tickling Katie's funny bone.



And, finally, Mr. Red and Ms. Margarita teaming up to relocate the water bowl.



A good time was had by all. Another excursion is planned for today and then we'll get into the rhythm of taking them out first thing in the morning, after each meal and before they go to bed at night to start the housebreaking ordeal. Puppies are so much fun!

Jim