A case of the blues...

A few more pictures taken over the course of the past few days...  sometimes the words to go with them don't come easy. Basically a writers block. In this case the block stems from concern for one of the pups.  Our boy in Blue is demonstrating some labored breathing. I first noticed it Wednesday when at the Vets office waiting for the pups to have their tails and dew claws done. While laying side by side in my basket his respiratory pattern drew my attention. When I mentioned it to our Vet, she looked closely at him and unfortunately agreed -something seemed a bit off. She listened to his heart and lungs and gave him an all clear there. Then mentioned, as she observed him, the possibility of a diaphragmatic hernia. The only way  of knowing would be through X-ray but felt at his age and size, that in itself wasn't really an option. And if confirmed, he's too young to do any type of corrective surgery. Outside of the respiratory irregularity, he didn't appear to be gaining weight as quickly as the others either. I weighed them all again today and my suspicion was confirmed. All pups have gained 8-10 ounces since Monday with the exception of Blue who gained only 4. He's behaving normally- nursing maneuvering etc, and fortunately showing no signs of distress or pain. So now, for now, the only option is to watch and wait. While I naturally worry about the pups in my care, as I would any of my dogs, I also worry about the people waiting in anticipation of them joining their family. And I'm hear to tell you, while I'm probably one of the most transparent breeders you'll ever come across, transparency is at times painful. This is one of those times. I've already spoken with Sandra, who at the time of the pups arrival was happy to hear Remedy came through for her. But now, just a couple days after placing the call that brought happiness I had to make another that brought forth concern and disappointment.  Never easy.