Lucy had her puppies on Sunday, a couple of days earlier than expected, but everything was ready for the whelping. She did a good job and Patti was there to keep an eye on things. We never let our girls whelp unattended. Lucy gave them a scare at the end when things stopped happening, and she was actually at the Vets being prepped for a Cesarean when the last puppy was born naturally. Having had several pups born in the car on the way to the Vets, I know exactly what that's like. Lucy herself was the last puppy in the litter she was from and a Cesarean was necessary to save her life - she was actually born dead, but the Vet's knowledge of acupuncture points stimulated respiration when nothing else would work.
Everyone who was hoping for a female pup will have to wait a bit longer as Lucy's four pups are all boys. Sorry. Her family wants to keep a boy so that works out fine for them, and with four to pick from there should be nice one for them. No patches, and hopefully these boys will all hear. There are several people on my list who have been waiting for a black spotted show prospect female for a couple of years, so this is a disappointment for them. There was one female pup, the second puppy born, who did not survive. Very sad.
We always tell new folks that you have to be tough to be a serious breeder. This is not a hobby for the faint of heart, as there is way too much that can go wrong. It was a pretty stressful day for Lucy's family, but Lucy is fine and the four boys are strong and healthy, so now the fun begins!
Guess it's a good thing we bred Pauli, if I want to keep a girl to show next year! Hopefully she is pregnant, produces a larger litter, and has some girls!
Letty started her new exercise plan, daily walks with a friend of ours who is dogless (lives in an apartment with cats) and really enjoys walking and socializing dogs. Letty is so bonded to me that I decided she needs to get really attached to someone else before I place her. It will make the adjustment to a new home and a new person much easier for her. She greeted Sue with enthusiasm and a wagging tail, so has come a long ways from the reserved puppy that she once was. Unfortunately that wagging tail is still carried way too high for my taste, and a show career is not in her future. Such a shame, as she is just gorgeous otherwise. Exactly what I wanted. Oh well, she'll be a beautiful pet for someone when the right home comes along, and I'll keep waiting for that perfect puppy who will become the next permanent resident.
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