As a first time mom, Sienna was a little bewildered when her puppies began to arrive. But after the fourth pup descended (she has 7!), her instincts kicked in big time.
Fast forward to Day 3 and she has got this!!
In the video below she is seen picking up one of the pups to gently (puppy never made a peep) and place him in the circle of babies so that she could curl her body around all of them for nursing. I think this is just amazing!
With seven puppies, I expect them to be small. There is, after all, only so much room in mom’s belly! I weigh my newborns twice a day to catch any weight loss that may have to be addressed with supplemental feedings. I was particularly concerned about the little boy who weighed in at just 90 grams (3 ounces) at birth. I was ready to start to feed him, but really wanted him to take full advantage of mom’s colostrom during those critical first days. (A dam’s milk does not usually come in until the 3rd day or so). Colostrom is loaded with nutrients and antibodies for puppies. Nature’s way of getting them off to a good start.
Suffice it to say I was nervous.
It is quite common for puppies (and human babies, as I understand it) to lose a bit of weight their first couple days of life. Imagine my surprise and glee when all the puppies actually gained weight their first 24 hours of life! Even the little guy.
Kudos to Sienna!
Sienna’s puppies, day 2. The little guy is on the left just below the dark brown and white pup that is about twice the size!
It has been over five months since I’ve had tiny paws padding around my house so I am excited!
Sienna whelped 7 beautiful (but tiny) babies last night. She was four days early which is rare in dogs. But I am certain because I had her progesterone tested twice and the breeding was by artificial insemination. My boy Tiger is the sire.
Sienna taking a nap with me on the lounge chair
This breeding combines multiple lines and pedigrees that I love and respect. My first champion, Lily, is the great grandmother! And my boy Tiger, who lives nearby, is the sire. Suffice it to say I can’t wait to see how these kids develop.
Sienna enjoying some quality time on my lap in the lounge chair the day before pups arrived!
There are so many aspects to breeding dogs. Some are obvious….dog shows, vet visits, health testing, puppies, mentoring new families, staying in touch with families….
But one aspect that doesn’t often get much attention is rehoming an older dog that can’t stay with its longtime owner.
My contract states that if a family is no longer able to take care of their dog they must return it to me. This is so none of my puppy’s end up in a puppy mill, a shelter or a terrible living situation.
The only exception is if they the owners find a home that meets with my blessing…a home that meets my criteria of a loving, healthy and stimulating environment.
This is little Riley.
So about Riley…
Riley turned 11 this week. That very same day her owner, Norm, contacted me because his health has taken a turn and he needed help with Riley. He is in the hospital which will likely be followed with a facility for physical therapy. So at 85, he can no longer take care of her. And there is no one else at home. Norm’s son comes to visit and takes her out to potty but this is difficult for him as he has other committments.
I remembered Norm. He took over a commercial space that I had rented for years for my flower shop (this goes back a ways! LOL). Norm is a good man and a talented hair dresser who ran his own salon for a long time.
Anyway, of course I told him I would help.
As I said, Riley is 11. She will be current on her vaccines and assessed by my veterinarian. Norm tells me she is active, happy and loves go running with his son once a week. Your only cost will be to cover her vet visit, vaccine updates and any needs she has in this interim period. She is housebroken, a good traveller, and very intelligent. She likes to take walks but doesn’t depend on them. I can also tell you that she has been well taken care of.
Havanese are healthy dogs that typically live 15-16 years. Many live to 19 or 20! Riley would be a great companion for an older couple or individual.
If you or someone you know might be interested in adopting Riley please drop me an email…. j7carney@gmail.com. I am hoping to get her placed as soon as possible. Her life is a little upside down right now.
Breeding dogs is hard work. A LOT of hard work!! It is a full time job…not a hobby.
But the rewards far outweigh the burdens.
One of the rewards is the friendships I have with my puppy owners. Daily my inbox is full of notes, photos and updates on what they are doing.
This week my “Summer Weather” litter enjoyed their 3rd birthday. They are out Luna and of These are some photos their families sent me to celebrate!
This is Rainbow. She lives in Washington DC and just got a birthday groom! I love her scarf!
This family has three of my Havanese! Birthday girl, Guillia, is in the front. At right is Valentina and at left is Rosie. Their owner said they are frowning because she just arrived to pick them up from the groomer.
This is Wrigley! In the background is his roommate, the pretty cat. I think what Tasha is thinking here is, “You may be higher than me but I have the couch!”