Half a Dozen Cream Puffs is Just Right!
March 3, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6oYIVuu-Ql4
Video of Willow Nursing her lovely pups
This past weekend was full of hand wringing, nervous walks, pacing, panting, watching, and endless waiting, as we managed our own anxiety, while Willow prepared to deliver her pups. Willow was calm, pensive and focused on the hard work of labor and delivery. Six beautiful AKC English Cream Golden Retriever pups were born, healthy and strong, but unfortunately three were lost.
Because the initial prediction was 13 puppies, we became concerned when Willow’s labor stalled. After several hours of labor and two stillborn pups, we knew we needed to act quickly for the health of Willow and any remaining pups. At the emergency clinic, with an X-ray, it was revealed that only one pup remained. The initial ultrasound prediction of 13 pups was inaccurate (as ultrasounds can be), and apparently a couple of pups were counted twice on the monitor. A dose of Oxytocin and calcium at 2:30 a.m. helped Willow deliver the final pup. Unfortunately, the last puppy was another stillborn.
The night became a medley of hope, grief, sadness and relief. Willow’s exhausted melancholy was visible for several hours after whelping. After a large meal, water and affection, Willow rallied and began the task of licking and feeding her six pups. When the cloud of exhaustion began to lift, thankful thoughts trickled in. Willow and the puppies are healthy and strong. Willow, as a first time mama, is showing us she has what it takes to raise beautiful babies. She has six puppies which is a perfect number to manage. The puppies won’t need supplementation. Willow can handle nurturing them all by herself. We have so much to be thankful for!
Another vigil begins for Pearl and her F1 Goldendoodle pups. More hand wringing, pacing, watching and waiting. Whelping is stressful. And we aren’t the ones giving birth! Pearl is expected to have 8 pups, but as we have learned, ultrasounds are not always accurate. We will keep everyone posted and share pictures and videos as the pups are delivered and begin their journey as happy dogs and furry family members!
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