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!