Another Brittany Nightcap!

Oh what another picture perfect day it was here.  John has finished most of the minor fencing repairs, changed the oil in the tractor to get ready for some roto-tilling, and put the wooden Adirondack chairs out. All of the crew here enjoyed a good long run and some enjoyed a quick dip in the pond. Molly is continuing to recover and took her last antibiotic pill tonight. She is still receiving half a pain pill twice a day.  I know she can't tell me in words how she is feeling but I also know that based on her increased activity level the past two days it is very likely when she finally lays down there is some minor pain involved. Any woman who has ever had a hysterectomy and/or a c-section will understand. In Molly's exurberance to see me this morning when she came into the house to visit she jumped up on my bed and I know that had to hurt.

I did some light grooming on Rosie while sitting outside using the 'Furminator' a tool no Brittany owner should be without.  John noticed the copious amounts of loose hair flying here, there, and everywhere and suggested it may be just as easy to simply do a field clip on her. I had just bought some new blades which would leave her coat a nice length. If you look at Molly you'll understand where Rosie gets her luxurious coat.  We spoke the word "clipper" and next thing I knew Rosie was rolling on her back in the gravel driveway, followed by a swim down in the pond. She returned back to where we had been sitting. I believe Rosie to be one intelligent Brittany; and this behavior added to the fact. Suffice to say she did not clippered today.

The pups continue to do so well, they are absolutely beautiful - but then I don't think I've ever seen an ugly Brittany puppy!  As I type I am publishing a new video of them.  It's going to be about 5 minutes long because I set it to an Amy Grant song of that length. We'll be anticipating lots of specific new behaviors this week as the pups approache their second important stage of development.  This will begin on the day the very first puppy opens his or her eyes.  Some of the external stimulation has been ongoing.  You'll notice simple things in the photographs such as the addition of the carpet pad in the whelping box.  This has a couple of purposes but right now it is simply to observe their reaction to something new in the box and how each individual puppy will respond to it. The pad can also be placed underneath the heat lamp making it stand out even more to them.  As they grow older some of the pups may covet the carpet pad.  I'll move it around in different locations in their box.  Eventually I'll keep it in the area they are most likely to fall asleep in.  When the new Brittany pups begin to eliminate on their own, I'll watch where in the box they first go.  Typically they will establish one particular place. In the past Molly's pups have always ventured out of the whelping box to go to the bathroom.  Speaking of sleeping, when the pups are older and more coordinated I'll begin to leave a puppy blanket crocheted by their Aunt Julie in with them, but only under my supervision.  It's very, very dangerous to have anything loose in the whelping box because neonatal pups can easily get caught up in the folds of a blanket, towel, sheet etc.

Pippin is definitely pregnant.  No more doubts. Tonight I felt the gentle movement under my fingers as I softly stroked her abdomen, the gentle movement which for a breeder significes the evidence of life within.  Dear sweet little Pippin. The fact that I can feel her pups (unless it was gas!) also indicates her delivery date is fast approaching.  Her behavior tells me she's becoming increasingly uncomfortable and oh my gosh - is she moaning and groaning and complaining more every day.  Unlike Molly or Treasure, Miss Pippin does not have the benefit of experience to know what is coming. But her natural animal instincts will lead the way.  May 12 marks 63 days from her first breeding which took place very early in her cycle.  This was followed up by several others within the next week. 

Because most breeders and/or stud dog owners provide a photograph of the actual tie itself for obvious reasons, I have 'photographic evidence' in my files of the first tie.  Actually we have a complete file of every service that has ever taken place here at our home or when our girls have been sent away.  I know it sounds strange to some but it protects the integrity of the stud dog and assures all concerned that indeed the actual mating did occur with the male it was supposed to occur with. The important thing to remember about 'service files' is to keep them separate from your family slideshow/screensaver files. Yes. Indeed.  It is embarassing when a photograph of dogs engaged in the actual act of making puppies together suddenly zooms slowly across the computer screen when you have family or guests over for dinner. Not that I've ever experienced anything like that. No. Not me.

Finally had a chance to catch up by telephone with Pam, Julie, and Dawn.  Enjoyed our conversations greatly. I wish we all lived closer. I wish this were true this week especially as Dawn awaits the arrival of Morgen and Jac (her Jac) puppies!  Things are going on with her temperature.  She looks huger than huge.  Typically (but not always)  if the dam is carrying a large litter of pups whelping will begin before the 63rd day. 

Well this nightcap has turned into a morning cap, hasnt' it!?  I just checked the progress on the new puppy video, it is currently being uploaded onto our Youtube channel and says 58 minutes remaining.  I also noticed that the first video has been viewed 86 times!!!  Speaking of views, out of all the ATB videos on Youtube the one that has been enjoyed most often is of Treasure training her own puppies  It has been viewed 2,551 times! Oh am I glad I had my camera with me otherwise who would ever believe such a thing.

In closing I want to mention that today, May 2, marks the 4th anniversary of Timberdoodles passing.  4 years ago I was uncertain as to whether Wish was pregnant with his pups.  How wonderful that today we are able to love and hold not only his son, but his 6 grandchildren. I'll shed a few tears today but I'll be looking for yellow butterflies and eagles in the sky.  I'll be listening to the sounds made by 6 little pups, and waiting for a special interaction with each one of them while loving on Molly and caring for Scooby's pups.  And I'll be thanking God for His awesome, mysterious ways.  Take care and God bless you always,
John, Ann and All things Brittany.