It seems like it was overnight that Maxi’s pups are walking. So cute to see them navigate around their whelping box on four wobbly legs. I wanted to get you a video of this but both families were busy nursing. Still, this was also a wonderful moment and I’ve captured it for you on YouTube. Enjoy!
The wonderful thing about my breeding program is all the helpers I have. With sixteen to keep track of, it is almost a necessity. Plus the pups get used to all kinds of voices, smells and sensations. Wonderful for socializing. Alex and Michael came over yesterday to help me name our Independence Day pups. Here are some photos.
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| Alex bottle feeding Blaze |
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| Michael napping with Sparky |
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| Phoebe’s pups…6 girls on the left; 2 boys on the right |
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| This is our modified English Shepherd whelping box. It is large enough for mother and daughter to share. I just added a few bumpers in the middle. It will be good for about two more weeks. Things change quickly in this world of puppies! |
While the puppies seem very tiny and preoccupied with eating and sleeping, a lot more is going on with them. Even at this very early age they are already bonding with their siblings, their mother and their humans. It is very important that the breeder spend a few moments with each puppy individually, stroking it, cuddling it and speaking to it in a low voice. Right now their eyes are still closed, as are their ears, so they cannot hear or see. But they can feel both the gentle, loving caresses they get from their humans and their mother…maybe not so gentle from their siblings! And, they cannot hear your voice but if you hold them close they can sense the vibrations of your voice.
This is, indeed, a very important time in their development. One not to be taken lightly.
Pups are growing well. I put the three small ones back on three bottle supplements a day. Fortunately not at night! They are just not getting their fair share at Maxi’s nipples, even though I try to give them the best ones as often as I can. I had started them on a product called Esbilac, sold in most pet stores. My vet gave me another brand and it is amazing how much more they like that one! As long as it is warm, they really suck it down!
Since I don’t have any new photos of the pups, I thought I’d post a few of their daddy, Carson.
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| Maxi’s fuller teats are towards her rump. |
I generally do not like to interfere with Mother Nature. But sometimes empathy gets the better of me. So, for instance, I do my darnedest to revive listless puppies. I warm them up, rub them vigorously with a terrycloth towel, and watch for any sign of life before giving up on them. If, even then, the puppy does not survive I force myself to believe it is for the best. Some pups just aren’t born healthy enough to have a happy life.
Now, for those little ones that do survive I, again, will intervene several times a day. That is, I put them on the better teats. Not all teats, as most nursing human mothers will tell you, are created equal. Some produce better than others.
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| Here you can see the size differential between the two preemies on bottom and their larger brothers! |
And, since the larger pups will naturally gravitate to the fuller teats, I will gently move them over so the little ones can get their fill. This also provides strong stimulation for the smaller teats which will, in turn, produce more milk. It’s a win-win.
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| This little guy’s nose is still totally pink! |
Chances our two littlest guys will never reach the size of the larger puppies. But given a little intervention, they will not only benefit from all the nutrients in Maxi’s milk but get their fair share!
I am beginning to relax about the tiny ones and can now focus on Phoebe who is due today. Her puppies have “dropped” and her tummy is firm. I’ve taken her temp a few times…supposedly if it drops below 100 degrees F the bitch will deliver within 24 hours. However, Phoebe’s has been under 100 for several days now…just like it was for her last healthy litter…so I am not too concerned.
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| See how the nose color is changing |
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| A post breakfast nap |
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| Very proud Mama! |
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| A different kind of sleepover |
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| Happy Bellies! |
It has been hotter than Hades here in Michigan. A record summer I’m sure. Today we are grateful for temps in the high eighties. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
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| Happy Havanese Brothers |
Maxi’s pups noses are beginning to darken. I love the pink noses and toes. Losing the pinkiness is just part of the process. I’m just going to post a few pictures so you can see how strong they are all getting. Full tummies, sleeping in a bundle and their little whimperings all make for a happy breeder.