As The Seasons Change

“Gotta have faith in the way that He moves

As the seasons change... Baby, by now 

we've been through it all...”

(Seasons Change by Jagged Edge)

I've been thinking a lot about comments often spoken regarding dog breeding. Maybe some of these have become nothing more than a cliché to some; “Breeding is not for the faint of heart; if you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything; when you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother, etc.” Kinda of like medical jargon. You hear the dreaded word pyo and although you may have never experienced in 24 years of breeding, you know that it's out there. You know there is open and there is closed. You know that open is the lesser of two evils. And then one day without warning you hear the word mentioned in a long distance phone call from a dear friend . Within hours you not only learn the difference between pyo and cystic endometrial hyperplasia but you suddenly live the reality of the diagnose of the latter, the treatment, and the aftermath of living in a temporal and sometimes surreal world.

There are times breeders, dog owners, and anyone who loves their pets will need to completely trust the professionals while also trusting heart, gut, and above God with a true life and death decision. John and I have experienced this reality as most breeders and dog owners have. Today I am once again trying to make sense of a situation that is beyond comprehension.

Julie had been saying for days that our beautiful little Brittany girl Thistle's eating pattern was off and that she was not acting like herself. Look up any major medical emergency and you will see that not eating is one of the major symptoms something could be wrong but with Brittanys they can be so fussy sometimes it is easy to discount the serious potential that is lurking behind lack of appetite.

Julie took the initiative and managed to squeak Thistle into her vets office during a routine visit for another canine family member. Among other things blood work showed elevated iron values, an ultrasound showed something questionable, the dreaded “P” word was dropped and suddenly plans were made for a 3 hour drive south for a consult and second opinion with Dr. Jennifer Estle DVM, reproductive specialist at Broadview Animal Hospital.  We all met at the hospital and clearly Thistle was not herself. Following a brief consultation Thistle was admitted, whisked away and prepped.

First order of business was shaving a patch of hair on a front leg to prepare a port for IV fluid administration and all necessary medications.  The records from Thistle's primary vet were sent down and previous blood panels and the details of the previous days visit there  helped confirm 'something' was going on.  This was all extremely helpful for Dr. Estele and the Broadview team for the necessary second opinion we all were seeking.

As a breeder you also may be dealing with a situation that involves a well loved and valuable breeding animal or perhaps one that will become a part of your program in the future if all goes well. For me, the relationship of beloved pet and constant companion always comes first and foremost. If that same animal ends up being the best your breeding program has ever produced, if they win accolades, awards, and recognition which you never dreamed possible resulting in plans for a future extraordinary 'pairing do you put these considerations above their health and well being? Absolutely not. I would be a damn liar to say those things don't matter but they do not matter enough. Ever. And not at all Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Within 48 hours, a second ultrasound, additional tests and x-rays the “something questionable” resulted in a decision for an oviohysterectomy on Thistle who is officially known as GCH CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH. She is a girl deeply loved, beyond belief or description. A girl who superseded our greatest expectations in a remarkably brief amount of time regarding her impact upon the Brittany world. But more importantly, her impact has been tremendously healing for the grieving heart of a dear friend whose soul mate now resides with God.

Uncertainty. We've all been faced with it for any number of reasons. But uncertainty leads to doubt and second guessing. There was no room for that nor vain imaginations leading to the worst that could happen. And the worst COULD happen based on what was being discovered.  There was only be room for complete faith in God because even in the most difficult storms, and the most heart wrenching of situations He's in control. We stayed in a private corner of Broadviews expansive lobby and began our vigil by reaching for each other's hands and praying for Thistle. In fact my way of coping was to write. I had brought my laptop with me to be able to keep a long distance eye on Pippin and her pups at home.  Most of this post was written while Julie, John and I were anxiously waiting for news of the outcome of Thistle's surgery.

Just as surely as the opening comments of this blog are not to be taken lightly by a breeder, neither should the promises of God be taken lightly. By anyone. But especially for those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Which we do and many of the ATB family as well. I call Him my Savior, my friend, my Lord, my comforter, my redeemer, my healer. I trust Him. Even when absolutely nothing makes sense. Like now.

For where the medical emergency brought with it such a depth of uncertainly, it is within the safety of the harbor of the love of God and faith in Jesus that the certainty is found. He sees the beginning to the end. He's been here and He brings to the light those things which have been hidden. The unknown that was taking place within Thistle, our precious beloved Brittany girl had been brought into the light and into the Light. Her life was saved in the most expeditious manner possible. And with the decision to save her was the no-brainier decision to perform the oviohysterectomy. At first cut it appeared that her ovaries were perfectly healthy. As they were removed however the uterus revealed cysts of pus. There was also scarring scene at the site where the placentas previously were adhered from her first litter of pups back in March. Experienced surgeons on the team were perplexed for what they were seeing had not been seen before! Thistle's first heat since whelping ended the last week of August.  Although the timing was medically perfect for pyo it was not attributed to that. Thistles uterus and two biopsies from her liver were prepared to be sent to the pathology experts.

There were other complications which are still being resolved and we have additional results to await but every reason to remain positive. There shall be no roots growing here of doubt, unbelief, or fear. Only the fruit of the Spirit which bring and speak life even in the darkest of nights or the brightest of mornings.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday are all a blur.  But today is a bright Sunday morning because Thistle is finally back home.  She is once again with Julie and recovering from her spay due to complications related to CEH (cystic endometrial hyperplasia NOT Pyo).  Thistle's liver values have been slowly dropping back down.  Speculation includes the possibility of having eaten poisonous mushrooms at some point, or even the possibility of a rodent treated with arsenic.  Thistle's appetite and spunk have been slowly returning following 3 days and nights of intensive care at Broadview.  (Can you even imagine a non-spunky Thistle the Pistol?)

Before anyone says 'what a shame' to have to spay such a valuable breeding animal it should be said that Thistle and any of our dogs are first and foremost valuable because of 'who' they are. From couch potato to accolades galore, champion of our heart or champion of an official record there is no measuring stick that compares the value of greatest to least. Not in my book anyway. Our medical team consists of several wonderful vets and not all are at the same facility but they do all know each other in one way or another. And those who were personally and professionally involved did not make the decision lightly but we made it without hesitation. 

Breeding is not for the faint of heart.

If you are a breeder long enough you'll see everything.

When you make a decision to breed your girl, ask if the pups are worth losing the life of the mother.

And sometimes quite honestly, being a breeder absolutely sucks.  But even as I wrote those words, I glance over my left shoulder to see the evidence of life, the proof that it must and will go on, another miracle as seen in the brief video below.. Our path may take a turn and changes bring us in a new direction.  Our plans, hopes, and dreams may take on a different shape. And that is as it should be.  No matter how deep pain or doubt is, and regardless of what struggles bring us to our knees, we know All Things Are Possible, Only Believe. And that's most definitely not a cliché. (It is a Promise with a capital "P", it is God's written Word and found in the book of Mark, in chapter 9 verse 23.) "All Things Brittany" is included within that promise.  Hope, faith, and love these three but the greatest these is love.  And Thistle is greatly loved!!!

Pippin, Eleta, Amie, and Kiba are all doing great.  Eyes open, moving here there and everywhere, they are three weeks old tomorrow morning at 3 am.  Desires of the Heart, bringing comfort to mine. Just like their big sister Thistle has brought and will continue to do for all who love her.

UPDATE Tuesday October 28: If you got this far we would ask you to please continue to pray for Thistle as we await the pathology results of her uterus and a biopsy of her liver. She is doing better but not out of the woods yet. Additional bloodwork from Monday reveals we remain cautious. We greatly appreciate those who have taken time to reach out and say they care.

UPDATE Wednesday October 29:  From Julie - We have a playful Thistle who was enthusiastic about breakfast this morning. God be praised!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

UPDATE Friday October 31: Julie called and todays blood tests show good white blood cell numbers, liver values do continue to drop but would still like them to be lower.  Awaiting pathology results.  Thistle is rebounding and very playful, animated than ever!  Can't keep a good girl down.  Our Thistle the Pistol is baaaaaaaaaack!!

THISTLE THANKSGIVING UPDATE  Thank you for those who have continued to pray for Thistle's well being.  It has now been over 4 weeks since Thistles emergency surgery. Since then she has been on heavy duty medications and her blood work and liver values have been monitored closely.  In the hands of the medical time in Hermon, Maine and Rochester, NH the finest of animal medical professionals are involved in her healing and recovery.  She's not out of the woods yet but her spunkiness and love of life have returned.  Thistle is more like herself and there has been improvement. Julie has dedicated herself to the care and well being of  Thistle and I know it's been an exhausting time for her.  We hope you will continue to pray for Thistle and for Julie. There are still questions which need to be answered. Above all, we keep our eyes fixed on all things above, upon the Lord, for He is our ever present help in times of trouble.  In ALL THINGS.

UPDATE - 2 YEARS LATER - October 27, 2016 -  Thistle continues to be monitored on a regular basis for abnormal liver values.  Thanks to Julie's diligence and outstanding care, everything has leveled out to a certain point leaving many to believe that Thistle's normal is a 'new normal'.  The greatest suspicion of all has been that somehow this all resulted from a tick borne disease however there is nothing to substantiate that suspicion completely. Thistle is on medication and a special diet now, she's vibrant spunky, active, hunts and participates in flyball.  Love you Thistle and we thank God for each day of your spectacular life! 

Video: Pippin and puppy, October 2014

ATB: The First Nine Days

COMMUNICATION A few times in the past few days I have tried to sit down to compose a blog post but it hasn't happened.  Instead, I have fallen asleep no matter what time of day it's been.  I've also tried to follow conversations on Facebook privately or publicly without any success. My e-mail correspondence is way behind as well. As far as the telephone, well that is a non-issue because I do not do telephone calls. That's John's department and he's getting pretty good at texting too, God love him.

I've wanted to share each and every moment of these past 9 days that have been spent with Pippin and her little family of three. I just find it hard to put it all into writing.  I have taken many photographs though and shared them with Wilson's owners and those who are waiting for their puppy. A lot of pictures are posted on Facebook and a few here on this blog. Usually I am much more adept at writing for "All Things Brittany."  I'm going to chalk it up to exhaustion which has come at me from many levels not the least of which is the ongoing recovery process from my total knee replacement surgery in the spring. Having said that, this is my sincere effort to bring you up to date.

PUPPY NAMES   Eleta, Kiba, and Amie's litter nicknames were carefully researched.  Kira (Wilson's owner) and Julie (Bullet's owner) offered suggestions.  These three precious survivors of the litter of eight ARE the "Desires of the Heart" litter and they are chosen, beloved, and protected. 

PRECIOUS & FEW  (are the moments we two can share). Either John or I slept on the cot in the 'puppy cave' every night last week. We referred to the turns we were taking as shifts.  I'd have the day shift, he'd have the night shift or vice versa.  Although October is always an extremely busy month here for all the right reasons, we are well prepared to manage a normal whelping and raising of a litter at this time.  Even so it seemed our own well laid plans would work against us this month and suddenly here it is mid-October which is our favorite month of the entire year. Time has stood still for us this month because Pippin's needs and those of her puppies have not only required, but demanded our utmost attention regardless of previous commitments to family, friends, clubs, and others.  As difficult as it is to "say no" it is equally and absolutely impossible to be spontaneous.  I am thankful for those who respect and understand how precious each moment of each day is to us right now and the depth of our dedication to Pippin and her puppies.

PUPPY CAM  The private live-stream of the puppies has been enjoyed by those who can view it. It is an intimate and beautiful glimpse into the near reverent environment where Kiba, Eleta, and Amie live in their neo-natal stage with their beautiful momma, Pippin. She had to go back to the vets one day because a stitch was coming out but it was taken care of with (of all things) superglue and laser. We have finished up with her antibiotics and pain relief medication. Her appetite has returned and she enjoys all the pampering and spoiling we are giving her.  The pups move around the whelping box effortlessly and are extremely strong and agile.  I like to see their birth weight double by 10 days of age and they have reached that goal.  I've already trimmed their toenails and this will be done every 3rd day. Doing this gets them use to it plus it also saves Pip's tummy from getting scratched up.  Her puppies little rubbery ears have now developed into hairy little flaps which soon will be capable of detecting sound.  The muzzles which were pink and fleshy now have fuzzy puppy hair on them. They look less like aliens and more like puppy dogs.

PUPPY BREATH / NEONATAL PERIOD  I love puppy breath and am always anxious for my first 'hit' of it.  It is an intoxicating and addictive scent which many, many breeders wish could be somehow preserved! The sweet breath of a little puppy defines description.  My interaction with these little puppies right now is deliberate and intentional.  When I pick a puppy up, roll her over onto her back, or gently rub her muzzle it is to observe her response. Our interaction with the pups will have a profound effect upon their development at this point in time and will increase daily. I also check under the little nubby tail to be sure Pippin is keeping her pups clean and she sure is! The first few days however before their tails were docked that was not the case and several times a day little bums were bathed in warm water.  Pippins licking serves to stimulate the pups to eliminate something they are not able to do on their own for awhile longer.

I expect that eyes will begin to open by this weekend.  That signifies the end of the neo-natal development period, lasting up to 2 weeks, and the period in which the puppy can only respond to smells, being touched, and being warm.  They cannot eliminate on their own yet nor can they control body temperature. We keep Wilson & Pippin's pups warm through the use of an overhead brooding type heat lamp, an Eden Pure infrared heater, and of course through the warmth of their beautiful momma.  At first the pups seem to be indifferent to the presence of each other other than climbing up and over or bumping into their sisters.  As this period draws to an end there will be a more deliberate seeking out of each other and greater interaction among them.  During this entire period the amazing relationship between the pups and their mother has been developing, primarily through the licking, pawing, grooming of Pippin.  She's also marking them with her scent as well as grooming/licking at herself so they are identified with her.

SWIMMING  Speaking of their beautiful momma she had a bit of a spontaneous moment of her own this morning.  The weather here in Maine has been absolutely gorgeous and today was no exception.  Daily, Pippin and I are getting out together for strolls around the yard, perhaps a game of fetch, or just sitting together watching the leaves fall.  John was pulling some logs out on the tractor and I waved to him just in time to see Pippin running down to the pond.  We looked at each other hopelessly knowing full well our efforts to dissuade her would prove to be futile as the Pippinator was definitely feeling better!!  Sure enough, she disappeared from sight down over the bank but just as quickly emerged on the other side and, never missing a beat, ran back to where we were watching her. Pippin had indeed taken a polar dive into the pond and was soaking, wringing wet.  I took her back into the puppy cave and closed off entry to her pups.  Reaching for a towel to cover the grooming table I persuaded her to climb up onto it. With one hand on Pippin and the other on the blow dryer I quickly was able to clean, dry, and brush her within a couple of minutes. Her stitches are nearly closed up now but I still wanted to be sure her underside was completely warm and dry.  Not quite a spa day but Pippin obviously was quite pleased with the whole episode.

ROSES, PUPPY BLANKETS, & NOTES  A week ago tomorrow (Thursday) two special deliveries arrived here at ATB.  "Wilson" sent Pippin and their daughters a lovely floral arrangement of a dozen long stemmed roses.  There were 8 pink roses for each of their daughters and 4 red roses for Pippin. The pink roses arrived at the florist by special order that day as they did not have any there. I think Wilson is quite a special 'guy' and his owners, Pete & Kira, are very special too.  It is a week later and the roses are all still looking as fresh as the day they were delivered. I have taken special care of them, trimming the stems, changing the water, and gently removing any petals that need it. Those petals which I've removed I am trying to dry and save. The other delivery that day was from "Aunt Julie" who mailed her beautiful crocheted puppy blankets down for the pups. Each puppy blanket is created with a whole lot of love and for several years now she has made one for every puppy to take to it's new home. The next day a lovely and meaningful letter of love and sympathy arrived in the mail from "Deb" in Rhode Island. She has three beautiful Brittanys, the youngest one is "Pearl" and she is Wilson's full sister and littermate.  My friendship with Deb began right her on this blog as a matter of fact, and it was God who connected us without a doubt.

Actually God does a very good job of connecting many of the wonderful ATB families.  It's not a requirement that we share a "like minded faith" but many times we do and I think it's quite awesome.

MARYANN & ZUKO  With all that happened last weekend a very significant announcement is missing.  It is worthy of it's own post as we announce our newest AKC Junior Hunter.  I'll take care of that soon, I promise.

Well there is a debate on television for the gubernatorial candidates for the state of Maine.  I'm going to watch it. My candidate is a lively one to say the least!  Thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and your prayers for John and me, and of course for Pippin and her 3 daughters and the rest of the our canine crew.  

ATB Video: Happy 5th Birthday to True !!

Happy 5th Birthday True & Siblings !!

In honor of True's birthday (Treasure and Gibson) who was born on October 11, 2009 it's time to share this amazing video again.  It's grainy because I had a very low end point and shoot digital camera which had been well used. Even so I was very happy to have that camera in my pocket to capture this most amazing scene! It was just an ordinary outing for these 6 week old puppies born at the beginning of Maine's bird hunting season.  John had dressed out a couple of pheasants and set the feathers aside.  Treasure disappeared for a few moments evidently tracking the scent wafting through the air which she knew would lead to birds.  What happened next was a very strong and primal display of natural ability and instincts, the like of which I have never seen before.  (Treasure is now the grandmother of several litters including the "Desire of the Heart" puppies of Wilson and Pippin and we look forward to having them out and about later this fall too!)

ATB VIDEO: Wilson & Pippin Puppies Are Here!

Sometimes We Understand, Sometimes We Never Will

Note:  This is a modified note which we have emailed to those confirmed for a puppy from Wilson x Pippin.

Finding myself at a loss for words... but want to share about Pippin and her pups.  I am writing to you after going about 2 days or so without much sleep so please forgive me if things sound a little funky. Pippin started to go into early stage 1 labor Friday/Saturday.  Because this is her second litter of pups I could consult her previous whelping in 2011 knowing what to expect and to expect a healthy and uneventful pregnancy.  This may be graphic but I so want to share this with you.

Dr. Jen Estle, repro specialist at Broadview Animal Hospital did an ultrasound which confirmed pregnancy and accurately pinpointed her due date as October 4 - 6 so we were very much prepared, ready, and of course excited!  Pippin did a lot of pushing, panting, nesting to show us that indeed her pups were presenting themselves in the uterine horn.  A quick lesson in canine biology teaches that the uterine horn is shaped like a Y.  Pups develop and grow on each side, each with their own placenta, and when it is time for whelping to begin the body contracts and pushes them down and out. In retrospect I thought Pips right side was larger than the other and wondered if perhaps there was one big puppy there.  Using a stethoscope I could detect fetal heartbeats yet the movement was not as strong as I would like.

John and I had our vet friends on call and it still seemed like everything was going all right and at 11:15 pm Sunday night she delivered her first puppy as we had anticipated.  Sadly, this little puppy was breech which is not a problem in itself, but the placenta had broken away plus I noticed the pup had a lot of meconium (poop) on it's body which told me that it probably had gotten some into it's lungs.  We were of course very sad but more aware of what had happened to Pip. 

After the first pup was delivered, Pippin just shut down.  This was not what is considered a whelping pause and we knew there had been at least 6 pups on her ultrasound when pregnancy was confirmed. We knew whatever was going on was a departure from what we were accustomed to and were not willing to ride it out or put Pippins life in jeopardy.  Immediately we began to make our phone calls and soon were rushing out to the nearest emergency animal care clinic.  We knew we were most likely facing a C-section for Pippin but for me the emergency clinic was not the ideal situation as I knew they would not let us come in with her and that can be a horror story for any breeder. As soon as we left the driveway our friends who have a practice just 10 minutes away said bring Pippin over, they had called their technician and were going to open their hospital up just for us.  Thank you, Lord. And thank you to vet tech Bill and of course especially our friends Todd Chrisman and Dr. Amanda Rizner of Ross Corner Animal Wellness Center in Shapleigh Maine. 

Everything else after this is a blur but I do remember Dr. Amanda turning to us as she was trying to remove the first puppy (we were present for everything) and explaining what she believed had happened.  Pippin's uterus was exhausted (uterine inertia) plus it had somehow twisted over, perhaps as a result of one side of the uterine horn being heavier than the other with embryos. (I know she could explain it better), the pups were extremely stressed and the placenta had separated.  There was no way we could have known this was going on, nor could we have prevented it if we had known.  In essence, we brought Pippin to the vet just in the nick of time.

Wilson and Pippin produced 8 beautiful pups, all girls, 4 white and liver, and 4 white and orange.
As much as my heart aches I am thankful to say that Pippin is at home recovering from surgery with 4 little girls by her side, 1 of which is white and liver, 3 of which are white and orange.  We are not out of the woods yet and have another vet friend who has come over today and will be back later. We covet your prayers for All Things Brittany.  In addition to the one which was born here at home as mentioned above, there were 3 others (white and liver) who we could not revive or save due to the placenta separation and other complications.

Our focus is on Pippin and her pups, making sure she bonds with them, we are weighing them, being sure they are getting the nutrition they need, and that she recovers without complication,  We were blessed again today when our friend Dr. John Flood DVM dropped by expecting to leave with John to go hunting but instead came in and made sure I knew how to do a tube feeding. I am also going to use the sponge method of feeding puppies. But Pip is taking over slowly but surely. Absolutely anything could happen from this point on but we remain hopeful. Our priority in the next few days and weeks will be upon Pip and pups.  This is all very difficult but believe me, we are so grateful for the 4 absolutely stunning and beautiful pups that we do have here.

These are the times when one feels that maybe it is time to stop breeding altogether. Even so I will lift my eyes up to the hills from where my my helps come from, my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

UPDATE: Since I shared this the outpouring of support and love has been phenomenal.  Sadly we did lose the littlest angel of the 4 remaining puppies.  She went to sleep comfortably all on her own.  She just did not have the strength to hold on.  The remaining 3 puppies are thriving, strong, and incredible. We were informed that we are fortunate that we didn't lose Pippin. I didn't realize how close we came to that reality.  Evidently with placenta separation/uterine tortion that can happen quickly.  I also learned a few more details about the pups that we did lose.  They were all healthy and thriving, full term, beautiful but when the placenta separation occurred they did not stand a chance,  I will not understand what happened, I will accept it.  And I will cry and grieve for awhile.  Since 1990 we have only ever lost a total of 4 puppies at birth.  To lose 5 from a litter of 8 is devastating.  Everyone has assured us there is nothing that John or I did wrong.  Nothing in the breeding behind Pippin and Wilson.  Nothing in the genetics or health background. Faith, Hope, and Love and the greatest of these is love.

Pippin's 8th Week of Pregnancy

8 weeks ago today Pippin was bred to Wilson. The photographs from the ultrasound taken on September 10th clearly indicated there were 6 puppies and perhaps more. Based on the measurements of the embryos and level of activity our vet estimated Pippin was at Day 37 with a due date of October 6th.  Based on the actual time of breeding my estimated due date is October  10th.  Either way, puppies cometh and Pippin is huge.

We've had a fairly busy week! John and I went to Fryeburg Fair together. For the first time in years I did not experience the debilitating pain of severe, bone on bone osteoarthritis.  I did bring my cane for stability but was able to enjoy the day. I did not have to stop and rest as frequently as in the past. We figured out I was actively walking for 5 hours. It was so fun! 

Another reason for the busy week is that Maine's bird hunting season opened on Wednesday and resulted in a flurry of activity.  I'll get out and do a little bit here in a couple of weeks once Pippin's pups arrive.  And I have a beautiful new shotgun to try out.

Speaking of hunting, it is unfortunate that Rugar sustained an injury to his upper leg the first day of hunting season. He was hunting pheasant with John and his owner as well as several friends of ours with their dogs.  There was an old metal culvert that was bent over and hidden in the grass which 16 month old Rugar slammed right into.  The guys took him to our friends at Ross Corner Animal Wellness Center Veterinary Hospital in Shapleigh, Maine. Dr. Amanda and Todd showed the guys that if the cut had come any closer a major artery would have been effected. So thankful that was not the case.  Rugar was expertly stitched up and well cared for there and then brought home. Unfortunately overnight he was very troubled and removed his stitches.  He was returned the next day for more stitches, a large cone, additional dressing along with some meds which will help him be less anxious.  Rugar is a happy exuberant dog even under these circumstances but he'll be happier when he is back at home with his family I am certain. Despite the circumstances, birds were found, pointed, shot, retrieved and dressed out and await my culinary skills!

Pippin's days are very uneventful at the moment. She is spending a lot of time sleeping soundly.  She changes her position a lot and goes from the orthopedic dog bed, to the couch, then the carpeted floor, onto the vinyl kitchen floor, up on my bed and her favorite place of all which is tucked in close to me.  Pippin gets a lot of belly rubs!  She's a very expressive girl so it is no surprise that she is moaning in an attempt to communicate to me in no uncertain terms exactly how disgruntled she is about her pregnancy.  Pip is a sweet mother to her pups though and I am sure the second time around this will be the case as well. Her puppies are extremely active and I so enjoy feeling their movement within her tummy.  A week ago I suspected I felt their slight fluttering.  Now I am certain of the strength of them.  Sometimes they react to the warmth of my hand and try to get closer to that source of heat. Precious moments spent with a precious girl awaiting the arrival of her very much desired and greatly anticipated puppies. These massages of her tummy are beneficial and therapeutic for Pippin, for the pups, and also for me!

I am not sure whether we will be go back for x-rays before pups are born. I do think it's a good idea and have changed my attitude about having them done. I believe there is little risk outside of mom's level of stress. But if she's distressed with a difficult labor it is better to know that it is not the positioning or size of a puppy that is causing any problem.  We whelped three litters with Pip's mom including the one which brought us Pippin (singleton),  1 litter with her daughter which did end up being a c-section, and Pip of course has had one litter herself 3 years ago. None of these girls are what a breeder would consider an 'easy whelper!'  Chrissy for instance did not take care of her own puppies for about 72 hours the first time around. John and I were so thankful when she finally came around and her maternal instincts kicked in.  In 2011 Pippin whelped her very first puppy while standing up on her hind legs, front legs extended out towards me and then she pushed down in that position.  Very unconventional to say the least! Thistle was an exceptional mother 8 hours following her surgery but prior to that the effects of anesthesia prevented her from showing any interest in her pups.  John and i sat together on the floor next to the whelping box taking turns cleaning and feeding the pups and catching little cat naps in between as we were totally exhausted.  Eventually Thistle began to love on her pups and we both shouted Hallelujah!  Anyway, time will tell if we will get x-rays within the next week or not. I admit it is good to know in advance how many pups to expect and an x-ray is much more accurate at this age than the ultrasound was at Day 37. 

It is typical for John and/or I to remain constantly at the side of our soon to be mother a week prior to, during, and a week following the birth of her puppies. We set a cot up in the whelping box and sleep there.  We have a small tv, a radio/cd player, a coffee pot, running water and lots of books.  Some people have a 'man cave'.  Well, we have a 'puppy cave'.  I will confess I find it extremely enjoyable to be tucked away and hunkered down there during a blizzard.  

I respect the integrity of the whelping box and the nursing mother so there are no live puppy cams. But we do occassionally share a private live stream with our our puppy people.  The less activity going on the better. 

Well I'm rambling because really these are the days and the hours where we are almost at the hurry up and wait stage.  I'm taking Pippins temperature now and will be watching for it to drop below 100 F and remain there. This will signal approaching labor.  I don't expect anything significant to take place for a few days however most things are in place and we have friends and doctors on call. Those waiting for a puppy will be familiar with all of this because they're reading along with Monks of New Skete: Art of Raising a Puppy. 

Rest, dear, sweet Pippin. I'll be right here. Don't worry. I am not going anywhere. 

We covet your prayers as always regarding Pippin, her pups, and the approaching delivery.  Take care and God bless. John, Ann, and ATB

NOTE: Speaking of puppies, this litter is fully reserved based upon the estimated number of pups.  However we're still actively accepting serious inquiries as estimates are often not precise! If you haven't heard from us it's because you have not confirmed your level of interest.  We hate to disappoint those who may think they are on the waiting list but in reality are not so please do not leave your puppy reservation to chance - thanks!