Need help ASAP!

[Charnell Havens]

A wolf hound breeder just had 7 pups and the mama died.  Does anyone in the Suffolk, VA area know of a lactating bitch?  If so, call AMY at 757-438-8936.  Thanks!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

If she is a proper breeder then she should know emergency protocols and how to hand feed them, at least for now. If she is not a proper breeder, then she could call the emergency vet and ask them. I know you can buy puppy milk formula at good pet stores (make sure you get the right stage) and feeding bottles. Also, try calling rescues and ask for advice.

This is why I discourage people from back yard breeding - its so much harder and more complicated than people often think. I had degus when I was at college - was supposed to be 2 males... it was heart breaking to hand feed the 2 babies that were still alive and still have them die on me. I got good advice from a vet.  

I hope they make it

[Charnell Havens]

Yes, she's a good breeder and emergency procedures are already in place.  It's just that a mother's milk is so imporant during the first few days.  They are being hand fed and their little bodies are processing it well.  The mama that died was a grand champion andwas the breeder's heart dog.  So sad...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

oh my goodness what a nightmare. I hope you find some help for those puppies!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I know someone this happened to last year.  All the relatives and friends were on shifts to get these pups feed.   It had a good outcome but it really is a tough process.

I've never had a litter of pups so I only came in here because I was thinking about these babies all night.   Please let us know or at least drop me a line about these babies as the days go on.

I'm very sorry about the Moma.  Sad.   Glad you are helping your friend

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

How tragic!  I'll be saying my prayers for those puppies.  Rooney and Stuart have a new friend at our dog park - Conan - a 140 pound wolf hound.  Still intact but is one of the most gently dogs you would ever meet. 

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

keep us updated as to how the pups are doing

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good luck, this is terrible!

[Charnell Havens]

Update on the pups... All 7 are taking formula and are doing well for their first 24 hours. An 8th pup was stillborn.

Shortly after the pups were born yesterday, their Irish Wolfhound mama died of heart failure from a difficult and prolonged labor followed by a C-section.  Not all the pups had a chance to nurse from their mama, so the breeder/owner is still looking for a surrogate.  In the meantime, friends and other breeders are taking turns feeding them every two hours and making sure each one is going to the bathroom.  So far, so good.

The mama, Ayla, was a champion in the ring and was the owner's heart dog.  This was Ayla's first litter and the pups are absolutely beautiful.  The owner and her husband are heartbroken, as one might expect.

Thanks for the prayers and concerns.  I'll pass them on through my daughter, who is a good friend of the family.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Charnell,

Thank you so much for the update. Please, continue. I am watching the post and thinking of you all who are working really hard.

Having lost my own young doodle to a sudden and tragic death  less than two weeks ago, please extend to the owners my sympathy.  The pain is very difficult to wrap your heart around. Glad you all are supporting this family.  I had so much support here.  It is what gets us through all the mess.  I can see you are doing the same.

Come on Babies--drink up and get strong.  I'm naming one, Popeye.  Just because nutrition will make them strong and grow like big Wolfhounds should. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

What a terribly sad situation, I hope the pups continue to do well.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I love Irish Wolfhounds and hope the very best outcome for this special litter. What a tragedy. Please keep us posted.