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The First Serra Puppies in the United Kingdom

The puppies of Funfun Pikku Hiawatha (Finn) and Nespera do Casal da Vinha (Nesp’a) arrived on Monday 23 July 2007.   Four puppies were born   - one male and three females.    

Health Report 1 August 2007

Mum and puppies are doing well. The puppies have gained the expected amount of weight. Their eyes should begin to open in the next few days. Their ears should also open soon.   They will be wormed at 2 weeks and again at later intervals. My vet is very pleased with them all. Nespa is fit and interested in her babies. The puppies are sturdy and have good bone structure and very good shaped heads. I have discussed and am following my vets recommendation   that the puppies   can be available for rehoming from the 10 September - when they are seven weeks old.   He indicated that research shows that in relation to   health   issues puppies do better   if rehomed at this age rather than at   six weeks.   They will visit the vet again when they are 6 weeks old to be micro-chipped.

Three Weeks old   14 August 2007

All the puppies are doing well. Eyes are open and looking,   ears are open and listening - they play together for a while before either demanding to be fed or falling asleep. They sleep in a tangle of legs snuffling one another. Their teeth are coming through and they will be ready to try some puppy food soon. They have found their voices even if it gives them a surprise from time to time. Nesp'a is an attentive mum. Finn is intrigued by them and keeps a fatherly eye on them from a distance.

27 August - 5 weeks old

The pups now spend sometime each day outdoors, weather permitting. They are eating well and this week each one gained about a third of their previous weight. They now keep themselves clean and drink water from their bowl. They are now mainly on their puppy food. They eat James Wellbeloved Puppy Lamb and Rice Kibble. I soak it in water for a while and now no longer mash it.   Nespa rarely lets them take any milk.   To see more photographs of them go to the Photograph Album and The Friendly Serra Club website www.caodaserradeaires.org.uk  

10 September   7 weeks old

The pups are now old enough to go to their new homes. It will be hard to say goodbye to them. However, they are ready to widen their horizons. They are very active and love exploring usually via their mouths. They love to chew cardboard boxes and kitchen roll cores. Kill the elephant is another game. They have a soft cuddly toy elephant which has legs, ears and trunk that each of them can hang on to and shake. This is played under supervision in case they finally tear it apart and pull out the stuffing. They now eat four meals a day, a routine that will continue for some months.   They keep their puppy-pen clean and call to come out when they need too. They love the grass especially as the lawn needs cutting. They chase one another around having wonderful fun.    

24 September 9 weeks old

Nico, Lola and Zeta have gone to their new families. It was a   bit of a wrench when I handed over each warm cuddly bundle.   They are very well adjusted puppies and I hope they settle quickly. I was impressed with the preparations each family had made.  Bonita is staying with us. She has worked her way deep into our hearts so I could only say no to the recent offer of a home for her.  It is such a joy to see her play with her mum and dad. I can't believe how gentle Finn is with her. At times her head inside his mouth looks a bit scary but he is great. If she gets too much - hanging too long on his tail or an ear - a growl is enough to put her in her place. Sometimes too she just falls asleep between mum or dads' front paws. She copies a lot of what they do so I am very pleased that they are well behaved. All three sit in a line waiting for food. All three respond to come, sit and down - with a little tidbit as a reward.   As with her brother and sisters, she has been M-chipped, wormed, Frontlined and is being vaccinated. The final of her first shots is next Friday. She will have her rabies vaccination when she's 12 weeks. 

25 January 2008

A New Year is underway. Looking back on 2007 it was a busy year with the dogs. Nesp'a dealt with lots of changes. Moving from Portugal, settling in with Finn and with us, becoming pregnant and raising her first litter.  I enjoyed all of it but it made a big impact on the year. As a result, after much hard thought I have decided not to breed another litter. We are retired and want the flexibility to enjoy our 'mini family', to come and go as and when we like.  Nevertheless, we would  be happy to discuss the breed and share what we know about them. If you would like to visit to see them first hand, just get in touch. Information about the serra and breeders is kept up to date on The Friendly Serra Club (FSC) website Do visit: www.caodaserradeaires.org.uk

17 June 2008

The first Serra-thon is being held on Sunday 27 July. A birthday gathering for the UK Serra family and friends. At: Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, Burton Dassett, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2AB  (just off Junction 12 M40 north of Banbury. Time: 12 noon Bring a picnic. Meet at the car park nearest The Beacon. Modest parking charge payable. Please send an email if you are coming.