A week seems like forever when you are waiting for this.

During the first week of life, we consider this the NICU period for puppies. Their world is small, quiet, and very much centered on mom.

In these earliest days, puppies need very little from us. Mama does the heavy lifting. We support from the sidelines. We carefully implement ENS and ESI, and we do only the gentlest handling. Soft, slow strokes from head to tail. Nothing extra. No overstimulation. Their little bodies are still learning how to regulate everything.

And then, at about a week old, something shifts. This is when we can begin short cuddle sessions. One puppy at a time. Brief, calm, intentional handling. The beginning of human connection, layered carefully on top of the foundation mama has already built.

I have been looking forward to this moment since the day they were born. These puppies are absolutely irresistible. But we always do what is best for them, not what feels best to us in the moment. So yes, I waited a full week for these cuddles. And it was completely worth it. 🥰