DAY 54 / The Puppy Basket / Prescious Movement

The Puppy Basket

To tell the story behind the above pictured puppy basket is to further introduce to you to Steve and Stephanie, very special friends and family of ATB.  Steve and Steph own and love Miss Starr and Mr. Nashdog. It is because of Nash indirectly that we have our lovely puppy basket.  Later this week, he and his littermates will turn 3 years old and I am working on a special greeting just for them.  Speaking of Nash and his littermates (Molly and Jack pups) today we received a great photo of Hobie, whose litter nickname was H.O., standing for "Handsome One."  I am pleased to report he is still just as handsome as ever, he looks just like his mother Molly.  Well, during one of several visits from Steve and Steph to ATB prior to Nash's homecoming I had spoken about the need for a new puppy basket.  We had loaned ours out but it was never returned.  The puppy basket is very important to us during the whelping of a litter of pups. We place hot water bottles in it, wrapped in terry, covered by a blanket and it provides a safe haven for just born babies while mom is occupied with the next puppy.  Usually we keep it right in the whelping box so she can see the babies, and it lies under the heat lamp.  There are times it is not needed but always it is kept nearby and prepared for any reason to be used.  Sometimes moms will look at the puppy basket as their own little incubator and try to get in and lay down which results in some very cute if not impractical photos. Anyway!  When Nash's day to come home arrived John and I were blessed by the generosity of a gift of appreciation by his new owners. I'll always remember seeing them come up over the steps with the beautiful new basket, overflowing with all kinds of whelping supplies!  Now we had never asked for this, but I learned later that they had been scoping out our supplies every time they visited the pups and low and behold - we were completely outfitted and refurbished with all new items for the next time around.  Even to this day I don't think Steve and Steph know how very much we appreciated the new towels, puppy pads, alcohol, cotton balls, soaps, you name it it was there including a gift certificate for State Line Pet Supplies included too, one of our favorite places to shop.  They did not forget to include tea and goodies just for the two of us too so we could kick back and relax for awhile once the pups were settled into their new homes. The above pictured basket has since been used several times. 

For just about a year now the basket has been sitting idly on a shelf in the dog house.  We have to keep it up high because in addition to being used during times of whelping pups, it is also used to transport neo-natal puppies to the vet within the first 48 hours of birth. This, in itself is not necessarily significant unless you consider that there is a mother dog to contend with who is very curious about why her babies are being placed in a basket and taken out to the awaiting car.  Mom walks along side of whoever is carrying the basket (these days obviously it must be John) and tries to jump up and peek in to check on her babies.  We travel to the vets with mom crated but the basket right in front of her so she can see.  As we go into the vets she's tagging right alongside; our vet prefers to see both mom and pups at the same time so there we are with the puppy basket being useful again.  Sometimes if there is a spare room available we'll go in with our blanket to spread out over the floor (OUR blanket being the key word) and let mom nurse pups before the vet comes in.  This is also the time that dewclaws are removed and tails are docked. Although we know how to do it and have the tools to do so, it is for our own peace of mind and the well being of the babies that mom and pups go to the vet like this.  At this point, I take mom outside for obvious reasons.  Soon afterwards we are heading back out for the ride home and mom investigates to be sure babies are safe and sound. 

Depending upon the time of year, the puppy basket is often used to transport pups outside for the first few times.  Laying a quilt on the ground, the basket is gently tipped to one side as mom noses her babies and they begin their first explorations but I am getting way ahead of myself and this is winter. 

What happened today was just cute, that's all!  It was simply cute.  Treasure had walked alongside of me yesterday as I carried the basket up from the dog house, into the kitchen.  It's now been washed and cleaned and filled up with supplies to bring out to the puppy room.  It was too heavy for me to carry so I asked John if he'd take it out which he happily did.  Treasure had been curled up by the woodstove and caught a glimpse of John picking that basket up.  She immediately ran to the door as I opened for him, and she ran out with him, close as she could be, looking up at him carrying the basket by the handles.  I guess it was one of those times you had to be here to see it to understand what I'm trying to describe.  I got John's attention though and pointed to Treasure and he quickly recognized what was going on and began to talk softly to her, using the words "puppies".   Together they walked side by side out to the garage with Treasure never taking her eyes off the basket.  Soon Treasure.  Very, very soon sweetie. The puppy basket will be getting a lot of use in the weeks and months to come here at ATB this year.

Last night I felt the certainty of Treasure's pregnancy by the movement of her puppies safely within her.  The movement was sporadic but it was strong and felt in several locations.  Treasure is now resting a lot, she is also showing signs of obvious discomfort even while sleeping; I can hear her breathing often accopanied by very soft, nearly inaudible sighing.  I now use a flexi lead at night for her bathroom needs as she is beginning to seek places outside, and it makes me worry about her safety.  Treasure is very comfortable in the new area being prepared for her.  John has once again outdone himself. 

By the way, we also are extremely proud and happy of the beautiful boys which Bailey gave birth to, they are just a month old and absolutely handsome.  John and I had hoped to get down to CT to see them at some point but I don't know it's going to be possible now.  I will post pictures of them here this week so everyone can see what I'm talking about. These boys are really outstanding.  We have heard also from our friends in NH who have Jasmine, who was bred to Jackdog.  Jasmine is getting closer to her due date which is very close to Treasures.

Pippin has been entered for the Fitchburg shows next week. (Marilyn I promise to send you info!!!)  Still trying to work out details. Have not heard specifics as far as number of entries.  This show is special because its the one that Pippins father finished at, the one that I first ever showed at, and also where Pippin first ever earned points.  We would certainly love to have 'luck' continue and see Pippin finish her AKC championship, especially prior to being bred to Chevy.  I will not attend a dog show when pups are either anticipated or on the ground here.  Too risky in my opinion. But Pippin will be in very good hands!

Well, the liver and white nose has just bumped me which means I need to find out what's going on in her corner of the world.  I am feeling a little better, although the throat is still sore, I am hoarse, cough and yadda yadda.  Takes time, and I have plenty of it right now.  Thanks for your interest and your caring, God Bless you from John, Ann and ATB