48 Hours Old

 Isn't she lovely?  Aren't they beautiful?

All is well in the ATB whelping box today and Treasure continues to lavish tender love and care upon her precious 2 day old pups.  We had a very positive visit at our vets yesterday and we always enjoy the staff at Broadview Animal Hospital. They know us and they know our Brittanys.  Treasure was checked out and Dr. Chapin was very pleased with her.  He asked us what we were feeding her etc. We said that she gets any combination of brown rice, chopped liver with broth, stewed chicken with brother, the nursing mothers pudding, yogurt mixed with her puppy food which he was very pleased with.  I was happy that her weight was at 39 pounds and her temperature is normal.  Treasure was nervous at the vets. We had traveled with her in the crate in the back seat with her babies in our special puppy basket directly in front of her so she could see them.  We wrapped a microwaveable heating pad in several layers of terry cloth and laid it in the bottom of the basket.  The pups were then placed in the puppy basket which was covered with one of Aunt Julie's crocheted blankets, left open just enough for Treasure to see without taking the chance of a draft hitting them.  After Treasure's exam she and I returned to the truck to wait for the babies while John assisted our vet and technician in dew claw removal and tail docking.  It is dry humor for all of us to dig in a pocket and find a dime.  This is the standard which we use to measure the proper length of a pups tail as taught to us by old time Brittany breeders.  We are always hopeful to get into the vet within the first 24 - 48 hours after birth and often call to schedule two appointments around the estimated due date, canceling the one that is furthest away. ANYHOW!

At 48 hours the pups are already changing, a pack heirarchy is begining to develop and certain neo-natal pups are emerging with individual personalities.  We had a brief visit with Pam and Julie on the way to the dog show and Treasure was proud to show off her babies.  Julie brought 3 more blankets for the babies.  I have taken many photos and will be working on projects to share.  All pups have gained weight and are eating very well. So is Treasure! I'm still working on catching up on sleep and enjoying the hours of observing and monitoring the pups. On another note though - we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon yesterday with ALL of ATB romping in the snow, playing and just having a blast!  And yes there are some great photos of that activity together!  Lots of hugs and kisses from our Brittany crew who are always so understanding of my noteable absence.  They're happy and content.  And so am I!  But tired.  So that's all she wrote.  Take care and God bless, and thanks for such support and encouragement!  John, Ann, and our wonderful loveable Brittany crew. 

PS Thank you for all the wonderful, encouraging, and supportive comments!  They all mean very much to us. I wish I could respond to each one individually, as well as respond to the many emails and posts but hope you know we appreciate you all!