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