ATB: Magnum Update / 13 Day Old Brittany Puppies

Tuesday night UPDATE: Magnum's Owner wrote: "Ok, quick Magnum update. His surgery went well. It was a little more complicated then they expected. He has the one major fracture and there was also a crack on one of the sides the plate was going on. So, he had to rethink things and figure how to work with this. There are quite a few fractures in surrounding bones in the same area. Not sure how many total, but at least 4 more. These they feel will heal on their own. He was sleeping when I left him and it was so hard to do...That little guy was in surgery for over 2 hours today. What a tough little guy. THANK YOU THANK YOU for prayers. SO amazing!"

Earlier News about Magnum:  He is scheduled for surgery this morning at 11:00 a.m. in hopes to repair his broken pelvis. His is a major break, affecting the weight bearing portion of his pelvic area. The prognosis, barring any foreseen complications regarding nerve damage will be good in regards to the quality of his life. There are still many unknowns but his family, ATB, and so many many friends and acquaintances are keeping Magnum and his family covered in prayer for which we all very appreciative. Magnum (L) and Hemi (R) are pictured here above at 9 weeks of age, July, 2011 on a carefree summer afternoon playing outdoors here at ATB. Please read the comments of yesterdays post. God truly is in control. I just learned Magnum is at the vet where a dear friend and big lover of Pippin works, and am assured that he is exactly where he needs to be being loved on prayed over... wow. I am so thankful to God bringing him to that surgeon. Wow.

Our beautiful "Triple J&A" Litter (Jim, Julie, John Ann)

  

Winchester, Colt, Bolt, Marlin, Browning, Rugar, Henry, Grace, Patience, Hope, and Heart are beginning to open their eyes more fully.  Their ears are beginning to open as well as I noticed yesterday there is some physical response to the sound of Treasure's barking.  Little woofs are becoming more frequent.  They are becoming more confident and stable while not only standing upon on all 4 legs with tummies up off the floor, but even holding their head steadier.  Truly they look like little bobble heads at this point in time. Coordination will eventually manifest itself but truly not for quite a few weeks. One thing I love to observe is that brief period of time when a young puppy can suddenly kick it in reverse and move full speed backwards, it is so funny.  And I look forward to their response to me.  This love affair in the beginning is somewhat one-sided, and it is very warming to my heart when it becomes two sided.  The day will come when they are as happy to see me approach as I am to simply be with them.  Two weeks old tomorrow and as I glance over notes of my whelping journal of past years it is clear to see that a lot of their development which has already occurred between 10 days and 2 weeks is advanced. In the end at 8 weeks of age all pups will achieve a certain level of growth but I am very encouraged to see that our early attempts at deliberate tactile stimulation aimed at developing intelligence has an effect on this litter. I find it so rewarding to see the results of our early efforts to get the pups off to the best start possible.  It was so enjoyable too this past weekend to have Julie join me in some of the subtle little training nuances that we focus on in the early days as she could recognize each pups reaction to what she was doing. The neo natal period is quickly coming to an end which occurs officially when all the pups eyes are open.  At this point in time we keep the room darker just for a day or so as we consider the effect of bright light on their eyesight. We're also mindful of the level of sound around them.  These first three weeks are a very critical time of development.  While Treasure spends more time away from the pups, she is ever mindful to check with them.  Her milk supply is good.  She is frequently checked to make sure her breasts remain soft, that they are not becoming hard or caked with milk. Warmth in the whelping box remains of utmost importance. The area is kept draft free and instead of heating the entire room to maintain the temperature we depend on the infra red heat lamp ahead which can be raised or lowered to increase or reduce the temperature.  The first week we maintain a 85 - 90 degrees and then reduce it by 3-5 degrees weekly until it reaches a comfortable 70 degrees. By the time Treasure and Bullets pups are 4 weeks old they will be able to sustain an adult body temperature without an additional heat source. I have learned that nursing, suckling, and digestive problems can develop when that temperature drops down too quickly during the first week. The puppies are handled several times deliberately a day as part of their intentional stimulation in addition to the daily snuggling, cuddling, and getting to know you on going loving we give them.  And they are really responding to human touch and will burrow their little heads in the palm of our hand when we pet them, and they like to suck on clean fingers, necks, and noses.  I like the nose part the best - you really get a good hit of puppy breath! Truly, all of these early experiences are the beginning of these new Brittany puppies interacting with man.  The music that plays continuously and will provide the auditory stimulation when the pups are ready to receive it, which is very very soon! 

Will share more puppy updates and news when I can about Magnum.  A lot of that is updated over on Facebook.  Thank you for your ongoing expression of concern, love and of course your interest in ATB.  I'm doin' okay... it's hard - 5 years ago to the day we were working through the reality of what was going on with Timber.  Take care and God bless - and to Nancy P - THANK YOU a million times over.  John, Ann, and our beautiful Brittanys