I’m weighing the puppies frequently to ensure they’re getting enough milk.
I’m a geek so I chart the results.
I noticed tonight that Zorro’s (boy brindle, 4 th born) eyes are open
Everyone has their puppy names
Lilac
Ziggy
Speedy
Zorro
Surprise
Crawling around and nursing. Lucy is eating a lot and enjoying the attention. Puppy nail trims happened a couple days ago. Sharp toes.
Happy 11th birthday to my dear goodie boy Bing. We have learned so much about dogs, teaching classes, learning theory and dog behavior from this boy.
I credit him with making us better parents, and introducing us to the delight of competitive dog sports.
I have a lot of favorite moments with Bing. That day in May 2010 when he was introduced to sheep and took to it like a pro I think may have been his finest.
Happy Birthday
Wales Tails Roque’s Crooner HSASM, RN, BN, CGC, ASCA STDs AHBA JHD
Also on the birthday front:
Lucy graced us with the four expected puppies, then a bonus fifth! When I looked at the X-rays I saw four spines and heads, but the way they were placed made me think five. Dr W said four, the ultrasound said four, but oh I wanted that fifth so I just chalked it up to wishful thinking.
Hah! Trust your instincts
Lucy kept us on tenterhooks. Once she finally went into labor she didn’t waste any time.
Girl puppy just after 1 AM. Breech, I let her try for a bit then gave a very gentle assist by grasping the back legs so they wouldn’t slip back inside then a slight steady pull during pushes. That pup slipped right out. Lucy got her cleaned up and I helped with the umbilical cord. Quick weight then nursing.
About 20 or 30 minutes we had another little girl, presented head first. A little challenging getting the head out then easy after that. Another quick clean up, weight and nursing.
A quick text and call to Sharon. At first Sharon wasn’t going to come over (hah!) then she realized that she couldn’t sleep.
Elizabeth awoke, Sharon showed up about the same time. Poor Scott was so exhausted we just tucked Elizabeth in on the couch as Lucy was on to puppy number three.
Three and four (both boys) were separated by less than ten minutes and I was very glad of the help and company. Elizabeth watched three and four being born. I think she may have seen more than she wanted too in the fourth as she kinda freaked out and needed some reassurance.
Sharon took care of midwifery while I got Elizabeth calmed down.
A quick conversation with Sharon – ‘Any chance there could be a fifth puppy when Dr W, X-ray, ultrasound all say four?’ ‘Nahhhhh’
Pottied Lucy on leash (just in case there was a fifth), then got her settled and nursing. She still seemed restless.
Somewhere in there were sips of water and bowls of ice cream for Lucy to keep her energy up.
Sharon and I were resting and taking pictures and chatting. Then some unexpected munching sounds from the whelping box.
Oh my goodness!
A fifth puppy! A girl!
Now Lucy finally really relaxed.
What a beautiful night. Sharon was kind and posted to several Facebook groups about the new litter.
Lucy is a pretty good mama. The pups are nursing well. I’m keeping a close eye on one pup that doesn’t seem to remain latched quite as easily as the others. Pup is nursing so I’m not too worried.
I can’t get WordPress on my iPhone to post pictures. I worked on the problem for several hours earlier in the week with no change. I think I’ll have to contact tech support for my webhost for assistance. Groan.
Anyway – no pics for a bit as it requires too much effort to do it thru the laptop. Be assured they are all beautiful. Three girls, two boys, all brindle with white flashing. Gorgeous.
No pups yet. Ultrasound this morning found all four nice strong heartbeats.
Very soon. Very soon.
Lucy was very restless last night. Neither of us slept much.
Her temperature has dropped to 99.1 and she was visibly shivering earlier. Every trip outside has her digging Kate’s burrow by the house deeper and deeper. She would very much like to nest there apparently. She’s very cute with the triangle of dirt on her nose, dirty paws, and oh so pregnant belly.
She’s resting right now, froggy dogged across a pile of blankets.
No puppies yet. They were due yesterday.
If they don’t make an appearance overnight we will see Dr. W for a ultrasound in the morning.
Lucy is in good spirits, hungry, and affectionate. Uncomfortable yet not showing signs of labor. Temperature rose to 101.1.
All in good time, she says.
Relaxing and watching a silly movie with Scott tonight.
Bing and Kate curled up on the couch by Scott. Me on a foam pad on the floor, Lucy stretched across my lap. One hand resting on the swell of her belly and the other idly stroking her soft fur.
An almost electric shock as her belly nudges me. The strong little body of a puppy, pushing against her sides.
Fierce concentration. Try to count the bumps. Like the children story of poo poo the dragon who ate the grocers watermelons.
How many puppies Lucy? How many?
Lucy is finally pregnant and due in just a few days.
She is oh so very pregnant. We find out Friday how many puppies.
I am sad that Kat and Pat are both gone. And grateful that friend Sharon is going to help with my first litter. Also grateful for new friend Nancy whom I’ve gotten to know via Sharon and thru the Pat connection. I’m honored Floyd was willing to let me lease Lucy after Kat passed away.
Excited to meet my next partner, sad at Bing and Katie aging.
Lots of conflicting emotions.
Hoping for happy healthy puppies and an easy delivery for Lucy.
I am experiencing technical difficulties posting pictures from my phone app. As soon as I beat it into submission there will be pics.
Here is a link to Lucy’s health clearances: http://www.offa.org/mobile?find=DN19515001
And Tudor’s health clearances: http://www.offa.org/mobile?find=DL63049501
and the pedigree for this litter: http://www.cardiped.net/testmating.php?dam=68442&sire=64293&gens=6
We tried out our 1968 Aladdin travel trailer at the Palmer dog show. We were cozy in the damp.
Traveller was a very good boy and earned the first 2 of 3 legs towards his Rally Novice title. We were neither smooth nor pretty but managed to qualify.
I screwed up and had Kate with me instead of Bing on Saturday, so no opportunity at Rally Advanced for my boy. I was frazzled and discombobulated Sunday, I excused Kate and myself halfway thru our run. We just weren’t communicating.
I had such a nice time with friends and family. Bing was a good boy and walked on leash for Elizabeth. Lucy hung out and ate dog cookies.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
We bought a travel trailer this weekend.
It is a 1968 Aladdin Model 18. I think that model was called “Allah’s Choice”
It’s a bit careworn as may be expected from a tin can that’s been rattling around for nearly 50 years.
Interior is nearly all original including the super awesome upholstery. Need to work on restoring hot water and figuring out what to do about the toilet (no holding tank, deposits on the ground).
Not currently leaking. Needs some seam work and a lot if elbow grease to get rid of moss and lichen and dirt.
Plenty of room for all three of us.
Exciting.