Skye and her pups are doing great!!! I'm very happy to report she's mothering like a pro having never been a mom before! She started off a little rough but quickly gentled. The whelping box I created a couple litters back was designed so the bedding is secured by the box itself so there's no way pups can get trapped beneath. I had given Skye a small blanket though so she had something to toss around and dig at in order to satisfy her nesting instincts. When the first pup came and she was getting ready for number two, I grew a little concerned. As mentioned she started off a little rough. Hadn't started nursing yet and it appeared she was trying to bury her pup in the blanket. I eased and guided her, keeping the pup safe. But after watching her for a while I think she was simply trying to assure the pup was safe and out of the way while she was otherwise occupied. She did seem to struggle a little juggling pups with the act of delivering others. Understandably, I guess a little stressed. I've not yet missed the birth of a litter and hope I never do. Especially ones first. I'm glad I was there for Skye. It's got to be stressful even though these things basically come instinctually for dogs. I think we've bred a good chunk of that instinct out of them when we domesticated them eons ago. Considering how long they've relied on us for their safety and security, it's amazing they continue to do as good as they do. Skye is very settled now and careful with her pups. She lays gently and is aware of their positions in relation to herself. I'm proud of her! And the pups? Proud of them to! They're thriving! It's a nice sized litter. Large enough to satisfy all on the wait list but unfortunately not when color became a factor. As a result a couple people unfortunately were disappointed and two red pups remain available. The latter is ok. I don't expect their availability to last long. For those disappointed, I'm sorry we couldn't come through. The gamble is always there and discussed but that in itself doesn't make the disappointment any easier to take.
The pups and their momma! Their first few days!
The pups and their momma! Their first few days!
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