ATB: Happiness Is a Warm [Brittany] Puppy

True & Piper's Pups - 19 Days Old

 

Dramatic changes can be seen daily in the puppies. Sometimes even from morning to night I see significant development. John extended the height of the open side of the whelping box as a couple of pups found their way to the pig rail and pulled their front legs and chest up onto it.  We felt it would be just a matter of time before they went up and over!  That will happen soon enough, just not this soon please.

 

All eyes are fully open now and each day their vision will become clearer. Tonight I smiled to myself as I watched one of them try to follow the shadow caused by a litter mate. Their little bodies are so uncoordinated right now and their heads are somewhat out of proportion compared to the rest of their bodies.  They are responding to sound and noises and it's just the cutest thing to observe their reactions to some of them. A tilt of the head or perhaps a little woof, the tell tale sound of listening in a Brittany when the ears perk up, on full alert!

 

Daily, John and I routinely handle, play with, and check each puppy in a variety of ways, the majority of which are simply pure fun. I've really enjoyed seeing the depth of attention he is giving to Piper, his girl.  She is after all a daughter of Jack and we all know how he feels about his Jack. But it's a very sweet relationship they have together. Yesterday afternoon when I was holding one of the pups I discovered she had teeth!  So I quickly checked the mouths of the other 5 and sure enough, they all have their teeth too.  Thinking of Piper and pups that nurse with milk teeth tells us that it is time to begin the weaning process.

 

Soon and very soon this quiet time will erupt into full blown energy, curiosity, and the activity level which is inherent in these puppies. I'm anxious for it and can't wait to make even more discoveries about these new Brittany puppies that I love so much already. Although their spurts of energy in the whelping box really do not last very long at all, you can see what is coming.  As I watched them today it was almost as if they were fighting to hold onto the safety, warmth, and comfort of the neo natal period with sleep taking up the greatest percentage of their life. Yet when they were wide awake boy did they have fun with each other. They already have me laughing at their antics, antics which are once again an indication of the true Brittany spirit within them.

 

Piper and I had a grand time today when we were outdoors together.  We received another 8" of snow and John was out plowing the neighbors driveways. Piper and I took our time walking around the  yard.  She made me laugh, she was just so happy and comical.  Piper ran full speed ahead from one side of the yard to the other several times in a row. Then she jumped off the path that John plowed for the dogs to run on, into the deep snow off to the side.  Then suddenly she took a nose dive down into the snow and scooted her entire body underneath it, as if she were swimming underwater in the snow!  It must have felt so refreshing!!  Piper's appetite is phenomenal again and we don't have to supplement quite as much as we have been doing for the past month.  It is a relief to know she's eating exactly what she needs to be eating without any guesswork as to whether or not the nutritional needs of she and her puppies are being met.

 

I have been placing each puppy in the crook of my arm daily since birth.  Gently I lay them on their back and then place my hand upon their chest and under their chin.  This lets them feel a sense of security in this new position.  Almost after 3 weeks of doing that to each of them their is no resistance at all, which is a very very good thing.

 

Well, this is an early night for me in comparison to most of them lately.  And my eyelids have already shut a few times, my head nodding, and the keyboard is begging me to use it for a pillow.  I am tied to the desktop computer literally when it comes to communicating electronically. Some day I will go wireless and I really can't wait.  But for now, I'll continue to appreciate this workhorse of of PC, which is a Dell Inspiron 530 - it keeps going and going and going like the ever ready bunny.

 

Having said that, I turn around and see there are several adult Brittanys nearby who would really love me to go snuggle with them. I think I can manage that. And besides, resting my head on a soft willing Brittany is much nicer than clunking it on the keyboard!

 

Take care and God bless you always... John, Ann, and All Things Brittany

ATB Video: Don't Eat The Camera

ATB Photo / Video: Puppies / SNOW DOGS !

We are growing fast!

 

15 DAYS OLD - True & Piper's Beautiful Puppies



and since we are in the middle of winter, here are our

SNOW DOGS!!


 

ATB VIDEO: True & Pipers Brittany Puppies 2 Weeks Old

Aren't they beautiful?  I love sharing these glimpses into the whelping box! 




Why We Won't Live Stream
We do have the ability to set up live steaming thanks to the thoughtfulness of the owners of these puppies grandsire. (I can use it in the future to be a virtual mid-wife for puppies if needed !)  While other breeders may live stream to the Internet from their whelping boxes John and I feel strongly against doing this. These times of growth and development truly are very personal and special. We are respectful of Piper and her need for privacy, as well as our own. There is a certain amount of integrity involved here at J&A's Brittanys and we feel that live streaming truly does not have a place at this point in time.  Meanwhile, we look forward to sharing many photographs, videos, and updates regarding a litter of new Brittany puppies that are very special and important to us!

 

ATB: Goodbye Neo-natal, Hello Transitional !

If I could, I would set our life here to music! Each day and every happening which we experience would have a particular sound track. The song going through my head today is by Roberta Flack, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” I know our daughter thinks I am weird when I equate a specific love song to one of our Brittany crew! But it is something that I do very often especially in regards to puppies and the depth of love and responsibility I feel towards them. And I am confident that those who are waiting for a puppy understand the depth of emotion I try so hard to express.

Writing about this amazing journey is something I enjoy doing. Although I've shared in a similar way before, each time is truly a new beginning and can be expressed in a unique new way. Sometimes I simply sit alongside of the whelping box on the floor, poised with writing tablet and pen in hand while trying to write what it is I am observing. Other times I come in and sit at the computer just waiting for the words to flow based on my time with the puppies. 

I can't believe we're getting ready to leave the neo-natal period behind already. Tomorrow the pups will be 13 days old with Saturday marking their second week of life.  They have been kept safe and warm, dry, well nourished, clean, and healthy through the team efforts of John, Piper, and I.   Very gently and lovingly they are handled, held, and touched several times a day. John continues to be primary care giver to Piper. He’s always so good to our dogs but I can really see how much Piper means to him.

The ambient room temperature is kept extra high in the area of the whelping box for the first week and believe this helps ward off any potential although unlikely disease. If not for the middle of winter this heat would be very uncomfortable for us and for Piper! But it is perfect especially for the puppies who remain nestled away from the hustle bustle of everyday life. There will be time enough for that, just not right now. This heat has been supplemented by the overhead infra red heat lamp that is safely secured above their whelping box. We monitor the temperature where the pups are carefully. If you’ve ever raised a flock of chickens before you understand the movement and position of the neo natal pups is directly related to the distance of the heat lamp hovering above them. Too close to them, they spread out to the far corners of the whelping box. Too far away, they form a large puppy pile underneath the lamp to keep warm. When it’s just right, they move about comfortably within the range of the heat source above. It’s basically a brooder lamp.

Over the past 48 hours the eyes of several puppies have started to open and I expect to see all of their eyes by Saturday. The little eyelids which have been sealed tight are opening and today I saw little eyes peeking back at me. They really can’t see at this point in time other than the new awareness of the light which is in their brave new world. The pups are just beginning to react to my touch for the first time. At two weeks of age their whole world revolves around Piper but they are curious about my interaction and handling.  They're beginning to react a little bit to my touch, a bit of nuzzling towards the palm of my hand, something I love! Again I just have to say that their markings are so beautiful, each one has such a perfect blaze and mask. They have clear white and orange patterns. Their little ears now have hair and no longer look like little tags of rubber.

When the pups were two days old I began to hold them briefly and do specific little stimulation exercises with them reflective of the Bio-sensor/smart puppy methods. Now when I cradle them in the crook of my arm, on their back and there is little to no resistance. This may change in the weeks ahead because this is a submissive posture for a dog to be in. However, it is indicative of how respectful they will be of human handling, touch, control in the future. By the time our 7 week Puppy Aptitude Testing and evaluations are done there are few surprises in their behavior or reaction to human touch!

I love to fall in love with Brittany puppies and do take our responsibility to them very seriously. I love them before they are born, even before the breeding occurs actually. But I FALL in love with them as I get to know them. Each interaction with Gusty, Tempest, Stormie, Breezie, Snowball, and Windy endears them to me more than the time before. There is a defining moment between each puppy and me when we totally connect with each other. I call this the beginning of the love affair. I am in love with them long before they fall in love with me. (I sure hope there are no readers who will go theological on me here; rest assured I am aware of the difference with AGAPE love, human love, and love for animals!!)

As time goes on and the pups get older there is much more work involved. Piper will begin to depend upon John and I more for the care of her brood. She will initiate weaning and reach a point where it is us to us to keep the next clean. Our work will increase and our energy levels become depleted. As Dr. Chapin says though we bring it on ourselves! He is right. We have no reason to complain, no right to complain. And I’m not one to be found complaining about older puppies or saying I can’t wait for them to leave. If anything, I would wish for time to stand still.

For now, this blissful near reverent 'neo-natal' time is winding down. But it’s ending will usher in even more miraculous and obviously wonderful new aspects to this art which call breeding responsibly. There will be new joys and discoveries, exciting interactions between the puppies, John and me. (Speaking of interactions two of our grandchildren were here the other day and enjoyed holding the pups very, very briefly. Brittanys and kids just go together.)

This precious “Nemo litter” is literally coming out of the darkness and into the marvelous light of the world around them. A world where the foundation for their entire life is already laid, where their future will be lovingly shaped through our knowledge of their inherent natural instincts and behaviors with which they were born with. It’s a tall order. But one we’re committed to all for the love of the dog both given and received and I don’t mean maybe! As always thank you for your interest, support, words of encouragement and also for your prayers. I thank God upon every rememberance of you.  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany

ATB: You've Got the Cutest Little BABY Face!

Our eyelids are JUST beginning to define themselves,
this week we may very well peek out from behind them. We
are very pleased with J&A's Brittanys second, 3rd generation breeding!

Sire: J&A's Keeper of the Stars of Acton JH "TRUE"
Dam: J&A's High Flyin' Girl of Acton "PIPER"


Grandsire: J&A's Apple Jack of Acton JH "JACK"
Grandam: J&A's Dreams Come True of Acton "TREASURE"



ATB Brittany Puppy Video: Ordinary Miracle



It's happening already.  Major changes and significant development seen in the Nemo Litter of Brittany puppies from morning to night. Not only that, but I'm also seeing their beautiful mother Piper in a whole new light. The fact of the matter is that in many ways it as if I am looking at her for the very first time.  Maybe it is because her puppies are the only thing in her world right now to compete with for her attention and vice versa. She's always been so happy, lively, fun loving, and adventurous.  Piper's always been an exceptionally free spirit and as I often say when describing our girl, she marches to the beat of a different drummer. All that Piper has ever been, each quality that we admire about her are the very things that have always endeared her to us.  Seeing her now in this amazing new role as a loving mother dog with strong and wonderful maternal instincts leaves me mesmerized and captivated!  Piper's eyes exude love for not only for her puppies, but also for John and me. 

At 8 days old our new Brittany puppies are already up on their legs. Not for long of course!  But they are lifting their roly poly tummies up off the floor and taking the most awkward but definite steps. That's right, STEPS! They are uncoordinated, shaky, and not very stable at all but the dragging motions which seemed amphibious in nature to me are being replaced by a near walking motion. Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable for this age. One puppy has even reached up onto the pig rail and rested it's head there before falling asleep. A friend reminded me that before the pups were born I told her that True and Piper's pups would 'hit the floor running'!  Guess that statement was prophetic in nature.  But I wouldn't want them any other way. We are after all, talking about Brittanys who will not only spend their lives being loved on by their awaiting families but who will also enjoy a beautiful, long fall days for many years to come hunting grouse, woodcock, pheasant and all manner of upland game and even waterfowl.

There is always music playing for Piper and her puppies. Although we have a television and a radio in the puppy cave it is the instrumental music which remains constant. The little puppy ears are closed for the time being but will open within the next week or so, as will their eyelids.  For now, they are all sealed tightly. Their ears resemble little rubber flaps the first few days but it is not long before they grow some fuzzy hair on them. Little Brittany puppy ears are so very cute! As they open we are very mindful of what noises they first hear so the soft and calming music that is playing for them is perfect.  In time we also use sound effect Cd's to desensitize them to many different sounds which may otherwise startle a young puppy or dog.  The CD of choice this evening is one by Celtic Woman, one of their earlier ones. Other selections are by Jim Brickman, Tim Janis, and several classical CDs.  John noticed the first signs tonight that their eyelids are changing, and that the big bulge where their eyes are hiding is diminishing. They look like little aliens for the first few days. Because of the sensitivity of their eyes to light when first opening the lighting is very soft in the room where the puppies are. 

I'm looking at the time and thinking on yes, here we go. The late nights turning into early morning, trying to stay on top of the blog and do photo edits while I'm half awake.  There will be times when CLUNK. My head will fall forward onto the keyboard.  But I wouldn't trade this for anything.
We'll continue to see many changes this week.  Their birth weight will have doubled by 10 days of age if not sooner. I have just put together a new slide show set to music called Ordinary Miracle.  It may not show up here tonight but I'll upload it some time tomorrow.

One week old.  In 7 weeks the first day of the rest of their life will begin. In the meantime, truly my life is on hold. And I would not have it any other way. Although we may have been blessed through the years to experience this ordinary miracle before, each time it is as if it is the very first time.

As always thank you for your interest in All things Brittany.  Take care and God bless you and yours... John, Ann, Piper, puppies and the rest of our beautiful canine crew

ATB: 1 Week Old Brittany Puppies

 



How quickly are the next 7 weeks going to pass?  How can it be that the beautiful Brittany pups of True and Piper are now 1 week old already? It seemed as if the 9 weeks of pregnancy waiting for their arrival passed so slowly. During the days leading up to their actual birth time just about stood still.  I have just spent a good part of Friday evening into Saturday morning simply observing, watching, enjoying Piper and her 6 puppies: Breezie, Stormie, Tempest, Gusty, Windy, and Snowball. 

The tiniest muscles in little legs are learning how to work to propel a roly-poly body across the carpeted floor of the whelping box.  Heads, noses, and muzzles lead the way, gently swinging back and forth from side to side making a motion that can only remind one of the way a mole finds it's way in the darkness.  At first these movements were almost amphibian like in nature but not anymore.  Now, they become deliberate, purposeful and often portraying a sense of grace.  The puppies approach each other. I have to wonder is it by accident that they bump into one another or, are they sensing the whereabouts of their litter mates nearby?

I am certain they use their sense of smell to identify their mother, Piper. They also use their sense of touch as they navigate the parameters of her entire body. Piper often sits and just watches her puppies.  If she wants a particular puppy to be near her she'll reach her leg and paw out to where she can poke her baby. If puppy ignores mother's very obvious message to draw near to her Piper will use her paw to bring pup right in close to her. Sometimes, her paw lingers on her pup long enough to make sure the message was understood.

The first week of neo-natal life for our Brittany puppies is very busy not only for them, but for their dam as well.  Daily weigh ins to be sure pups are getting enough to eat and gaining sufficiently are very important to us. I begin within a day or two with very specific stimulation 'exercises' although they don't seem like exercises or work at all. They are actually very enjoyable. Monitoring Pipers nutrition, amount of exercise, and elimination needs can be challenging during this time.  She's been very hard to please as far as food goes. Piper refused her puppy food for quite awhile. She hated liver and threw it up; that's usually a staple around here! So we have been boiling chicken and picking the meat off the bones, keeping a fresh supply of whole grain brown rice at the ready, and making batches of nursing mother's pudding.  She gets yogurt and salmon oil too. As if that wasn't enough, we (I!) made the mistake of feeding her food out of my hand because it was the only way I could coax her to eat anything. A week later, she is only just beginning to eat her food out of her dog bowl.  Live and learn!

Today I clipped every teeny tiny toenail on every teeny tiny foot. I hate seeing a nursing dogs belly all scratched up from the toenails of their puppies as they root and nurse. Nail clipping is something that needs to be done at least once a week on puppies and adults so starting young assures that the 'quick' will not overtake the toenail. Once that happens nail cutting becomes a difficult and near impossible chore. I've found that the nails of different dogs grow at different rates. As for the tool to use for cutting a very young pups toenails, we rely on the same 'scissors' recommended for trimming a cats nails.

Thursday afternoon I made a point of holding each little puppy gently in the palm of my hands.  Each one fit so perfectly and curled up in a small ball, seeming to enjoy the security and warmth of my hands.  As I looked upon this precious little being in such a position of innocence and of need the vision before me tugged powerfully at my heartstrings.  I was reminded of a beautiful worship song that includes a verse: "He will raise you up on eagles wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, and make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hands." (It is worth mentioning that this particular song brought me great comfort when Timberdoodle passed.)    Piper and Trues 5 day old puppy was safe, warm, and secure as she was curled up in my own hands.  I was sensitive to her movement and could easily adjust the hold I had on her life.  I would shield her from danger, drawing her close to me within a split second to protect her.  I thought of how God really does want nothing more but to love and protect each one of us. I realized anew that the safest place for anyone to be is in the palm of God's hands. In a few more days the puppies will outgrow my hand of course, but I think I'll always remember that very special image and how I was reminded once more about God's love. I hope it speaks to your heart as well in a similar way!

As always thank you so much for your interest in All Things Brittany. We appreciate knowing that you are 'there'. Take care and God bless you and yours - John, Ann, Piper, Puppies and our awesome canine crew of Brittanys

ATB Video: True & Pipers Puppies 1st 72 Hours

 

 

We are exceedingly pleased and proud of these puppies!!

ATB Whelping Box: "The NEMO Litter" Has Arrived !

 

As the gusts of wind blew and the rapidly falling snow accumulated outside of our window into drifts of 5 feet or higher the ATB family was hunkered down for a long winter's night.  On Friday morning as Blizzard Nemo began to fiercely bear down upon us, Piper's temperature dropped to 98.6 and remained there. Exactly 24 hours later, on Saturday February 9, 2013 her first puppy was born, a beautiful white and orange female.  As a first time mother Piper did extremely well as her natural maternal instincts began to take over in the beautiful way that all things that are beautifully created by God tend to do.  We were there to assist as needed, to be sure that in her zeal Piper did not bit the cords too close.  John and I were pleased that, like her grandmother and her aunt, Piper just knew what to do as each puppy was born.  The wood stove blazed steadily throughout the day and into the night with the soft music playing and the light of the heat lamp adding to the near sacred ambiance of 'the puppy cave.'  With the cot set up right next to her whelping box (the well used and gently loved 'cradle' of ATB) it was easy for us to catch a few minutes of rest when we needed to. 

 

Many times in years past we have been blessed to experience this miracle of life.  And for each time we sit alongside of a laboring Brittany dog we are just as amazed as if it was the first time.  There is such a sense of responsibility and a feeling that we owe so much to these beautiful animals who, at our bidding, are bred and eventually (hopefully) have their puppies. There's so much more to this of course but for now, I just want to linger a few more hours in this afterglow.  Too tired to even think clearly or to try to speak articulately, one thing remains in my mind.  That is the moment when the first puppy arrives, when you want to make sure momma dog is going to be able to deliver the puppy, and that the pup is alive and kicking. Literally.

 

It can be scary to whelp a litter of puppies and it is not for the faint of heart. Unless you know what a normal just born puppy looks like or understand that it takes a few seconds for that puppy to have a healthy color it can be so very frightening. Your mind goes in a million directions and even though you have everything you need at hand, there's always something that is just out of your reach when you need it most.  You are always counting something whether it's the time in between deliveries or how many placentas you have actually seen.  And you are also reminded that the very best 'things' in life, are not 'things' at all but what is seen by your heart.

 

Yes, there are things that are technical and clinical about whelping a litter of pups which are extremely important to be aware of.  With our first litter born in 1990 we have gained so much knowledge through our experiences together.  We add resources to our tangible library and we tuck valuable nuggets of information away which apply to us at any given time.  Yesterday we had a fascinating discussion with one of our vets who asked me about surgical Artificial Insemination. As our conversation ensued new medical terms surfaced that I had never even heard of in regards to the art of breeding purebred animals. I laughed and said when I get to where I need to know about some of those things, I'll add that information to my memory banks because right now I'm on maximum overload.  A hobby breeder understands that education is never ending and ongoing.  Knowledge is gained through each successive breeding which is as it should be. Developing a line just doesn't happen overnight, especially when you are starting with dogs that you have bred yourself. It takes a lot of repeated or successive breedings, watching several generations of dogs, identifying strengths and weaknesses, being certain of what you want to achieve.  Accepting and acknowledging weakness in a program soon becomes a breeders greatest strength.  There is a grace demonstrated through the silent knowing of an experienced breeder, a grace founded through the reality of great joy and deep sorrow.

 

We are thankful to a great and awesome God that our reality, acceptance, knowledge and experience concerning 'all things breeding' has resulted in remarkable Brittany pups born from remarkable Brittany parents, grand parents, and great grandparents which we have loved, owned, and bred ourselves.  This really resonated within my spirit last night as I was sitting on the floor next to the whelping box where the soft light of the infra-red heat lamp hovers above Piper and her pups. John quietly approached and sat on the cot.  We watched these beautiful beautiful animals.  Amazed at the true miracle of life before our eyes. I thought back to when Piper (dam), True (sire), Jack (grand sire), and Treasure (grand dam) were all born. The decision to keep each of them was certain at the time.  I remember too when the pups great grand dam, Wish came into our life.  She too was the careful result of breeders who wanted to be true to the purpose of the Brittany and that's what we've built upon.  Our program has branched out to include specific lines of out crossing, which have definitely enhanced what we have. Even so, as confident and pleased as we are with plans already in place for the future, what matters in this moment in time is Piper and her 6 puppies. Every puppy has a home waiting, and we will share the journey to the first day of the rest of their lives here, on the blog in the days and weeks ahead.

 

I have many photos to share and also lots of video footage. The challenge right now is to find time to put it all together for you.  I need to find a laptop or a tablet so that I can be mobile, it's on my wish list! In the meantime, there is no place in the world I would rather be than tucked away with Piper and her new family. Absolutely no place at all.  As always thanks so much for your interest in All Things Brittany. Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and our beautiful Brittanys

ATB: Piper Day 60 / Dogs At Play / Breeder Reflections

At Play Before the Storm
I watched our crew from inside the house this morning while John played with them and they ran. They are all such characters, vying for attention and love, happy with the affection poured out upon them regardless of what they are doing in the moment. Taking nothing for granted yet loving life just simply for 'being' there. They do things out of sight, when they think no one is looking. Jack and Molly for instance were hanging out and playing together behind a big snowbank. John couldn't see them, and I wonder if they knew. Then Hemi loves Molly and she plays with him, course he can get any dog to play. Rosie is still the class clown and John recognizes that... she's such a good girl. Wish found a toy to try to bury but of course the ground is frozen. John scooped Scooby up into his arms which caught Scooby a little off guard and he yelped a little - nothing serious but the sound was enough for all the others came running to see if he was okay. Putting Scooby down, all the boys escorted him up the hill as they ran off together, making sure he was okay.

True & Piper - Breeder Reflections
True and Piper have literally grown up together, side by side. They have been close in all manners of the word pertaining to a canine relationship. Sleeping together, hunting together, playing together, training together. The plan had always been that, once health tested and evaluated at 2 years of age, we would breed them. In reality it's our second line breeding. (Our first being Treasure and Bullet, aunt to nephew. Treasure's mother is Bullet's grandmother. Their beautiful litter of pups will turn 1 year old in April and have surpassed our expectations in conformation, temperament, intelligence, hunting ability and more. What a great litter of pups which, by the way, also has resulted in the blessing of new friendships !) 

Breeding True to Piper was purposeful, well planned in advance, deliberate and between cousins who share the same grandmother. Treasure's son to Jack's daughter. This type would never have been a breeding attempted in the very beginning of our breeding program regardless of whether or not the potential existed.  But only after years of knowing full well what strengths and weaknesses existed. This is carefully and cautiously accomplished with successive breedings, always with a purpose. A purpose with goals that can never be emphasized enough, the evidence of which comes our way through the constant feedback by those who own and have owned our Brittany dogs through the year.  We've so thankful for the chance to work with other breeders who have supported us in one way or another, to get to the point where our line is true, consistent, and well proven. Being confident of what is behind the very animals which we bred ourselves, we are confident of the direction which leads us to continue to improve.

In 2007 another Brittany breeder suggested we might benefit from the database program they use called "The Breeders Standard".  They were right! I enjoy using this to not only generate pedigrees but track health status, temperament, traits, the events a dog participates in, placements,  awards, judges, events, puppy development, and many various types of records specific to our own dogs.  We have information about our ATB crew, and have also added pedigrees of Brittanys with lines we believe have potential to strengthen our program of beautiful, well bred bird dogs for hunting families. Having said this it's really not a secret that each and every litter of puppies ever born here is unique, special, planned, loved and usually each one has a family awaiting it's arrival!

PIPER: Day 60 Update
Our girl is eating much better now that we've found a combination of food that she likes. It took a few days to work it out but she now is eating 4 - 5 very small meals a day. Shortly after eating or drinking a lot of water she gets very restless, whines, and digs. At first I worried it could be early labor but it's not. After observing her closely figured out it's because of the pressure on her bladder, abdomen, etc. due to the increased size of her growing puppies. Other than that she is very comfortable and content. Each night this week she has slept in the puppy room where she can stretch out in her whelping box. She has a big fluffy comforter and a couple of soft blankets that she can rearrange to her hearts delight to make her comfortable. With the addition of my camp cot she can also get up there and stretch out, unless I'm already laying down on it! We keep the wood stove going constantly and it is so cozy and warm - sometimes we have to open a window for some natural air conditioning believe it or not! Until we begin to use the heat lamp when pups are born it is much cooler though towards the back where her box is so she is comfortable. Even then we will run a mini-fan to keep the air circulating above her. The first few days of life the ambient temperature must be kept higher than normal. Puppies have no shivering mechanism for a few weeks so they need extra warmth. Usually though momma dog more than compensates for that with her body heat and keeps her babies close. It's not a fancy set up, but it's warm, cozy, dry, and clean - just perfect to hibernate away in and wait for puppies to arrive. We keep a pot of hot water boiling steaming away and enjoy a cup of tea or hot cocoa while there. With the forecast of LOTS of snow coming indeed - Piper may be like her aunt Treasure and have her first litter of pups in the middle of a blizzard! We're ready regardless. Last night (Tuesday) Pipers temperature was 100.1 while each other reading was 100.3 - the average dog temp range is 101 - 103. Pregnancy lowers the body temperature. In about 45 minutes I will go take her temperature again. I am curious to see if it stayed at the 100.1 - may not seem that significant but it is what I watch the closest. If I saw it at 100... I would then take it again no later than 8 a.m. tomorrow morning instead of waiting until tomorrow night. If it was still 100 in the morning, or lower I would know that stage 1 labor was about to approach. Three ties with True means three ways to count out 63 days. Piper could go into labor at any time now. Actual due dates are Feb 9, Feb 11, Feb 13. But anything can happen at this point. I think the only thing we need to get for supplies is Pedialyte. Everything else is ready. The Pedialyte adds electrolytes back into her body as during delivery she loses a lot of fluids. It's important to keep her hydrated. Piper is John's girl... he loves all the dogs, but she's always been his because it's Jacks daughter. He has been amazing with her, and is giving her his undivided attention. Piper is doing well and truly loving all the extra attention which she so deserves. It is funny. True knows where she is. He was out playing and I caught a glimpse of him just stopping, staring, and looking in that direction where she is. They have been inseparable since they were pups. I have to wonder, what does he sense? He's a good boy too, he is after all my handsome "True puppy"!

Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and ATB

PS The litters nickname will be "The Valentine Litter"



 

ATB Video: All Things Piper Day 56

This is where we will be spending our time from this point on:

 

 

Excerpt from our recent email update:

"...As you can see her abdomen is continuing to enlarge. From this point on the pups are growing within daily. The last two weeks of a dogs pregnancy is when the pups do most of their growing. We are very happy to say we feel strong puppy movement as well as see little ripples when they stretch. Piper grows more uncomfortable with each day as her body begins to prepare for the day of delivery. She's restless. When she lays down she kicks one of her rear legs out behind her. Sometimes she turns around and wants to bite at her back leg or rear. The shape of her back and tail area has started to change, and eventually it will take on a true, obvious pointed shape. We have started to monitor Pipers body temperature and will be taking it twice a day. She is at 100.3 which is very average for a dog. As her body continues to react to the approaching birth of her puppies, her temperature will fall. We will be watching. The first drop we look for is when her temperature falls below 100 and remains there. Are you following in the Monks of New Skete Book - "Art of Raising a Puppy"? If so, you have a very good idea of what stage we are at. We are hopeful for a very normal and uneventful progression, and based upon her half sister, her aunt, and her grandmother have every reason to believe Piper will be a wonderful mother with strong maternal instincts and an easy delivery. (I'm not sure the girls consider it easy though!). Although Jacks daughter, she wasn't born here but we were in close touch with her breeder in New Jersey who owns her mother and her brother. "Chloe" had a very uneventful whelping as well. Even so we never know. John and I are fortunate to have several vet friends nearby to turn to if needed as the day approaches. And although we delivered our first litter of Brittany pups back in 1990... each birth is unique and each mother is a very special individual to us. There is a bonding that takes place - not only between momma dog and her pups - but with her and with us. Piper loves and trusts us and we adore her. She will not be left alone at any time. In fact, beginning tomorrow I'm pretty sure we will overnight with her in the area where she'll have her pups. Up until now, she's still enjoyed being with her "pack". It is for her benefit and well being that she will now have her own private place to be alone with us.  (Based on years of experience, we are not breeders who support the warm and fuzzy community "parenting" philosophy at all. That puts the life of a valuable dog and her pups at risk.)Pipers nesting instincts are beginning to kick in. She tried to climb into a laundry basket of towels and lay down in it. Too funny really - Piper turned around and look at me with a silly expression. She can't really control what her body wants to do but the natural instincts are strong. John and I are both so proud of Piper... adapting to what is happening, something we are ultimately responsible for...Now is the time we will "hunker down". Right now it's all about Piper, and that's as it should be!"  As always thank you for your interest and your commitment in All Things Brittany, take care and God bless you and yours always!!! John, Ann, Piper, True, and crew

 

PS Piper not only has her own blanket that "Aunt Julie" made when Piper was a puppy, but has several that Julie has recently crocheted for her much anticipated pups. We are blessed... in many ways and God is good all the time.