I delivered NINE pups...alone!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Now, i know you breeders out there will find this story ho-hum, but to a newbie like me, this was BIG! Here is what happened.

I agreed to host a pregnant dog for my breeder to whelp her pups and keep them for a week or so while she settled in after a long trip. As usual, the breeder would come right over as soon as it looked like the whelping was imminent and I would call her when we were close to that point.

Tapas is a lovely little dog and went into labor yesterday evening, but seemed perfectly comfortable and slept thru the early stages. The breeder decided to stay home for the night and sleep, since the next day would be a long one of delivering pups.

I chose to sleep in the room with her last night because she was panting quite a bit, so I wanted to keep an eye on her. I was pretty sure we had hours to go since she showed no sign of strain or discomfort.

There was no real change during the night (she was on one of the beds and was curled up with some toys) so I dozed on and off next to her--but woke at 4:15 AM to the sound of licking---sure enough, a puppy was coming out (on the bed--but I had a waterproof pad under her.) I quickly scooped up the pup, moved her to the whelping box and started to work on the puppy while calling the breeder who was all set to jump in the car but would need 50 minutes to get there--within two minutes of hanging up with her, another pup came out--I was frantically trying to get that pup all set and settle Tapas down (first timer!) when the phone rang again--it was the breeder--the car wouldn't start! We are talking about what to do when a third pup appears!! (only 10 minutes had passed!!)

So, I hung up and called DH in to help--and can you believe it?--he came and helped me tie off cords when needed and handed me stuff--Tapas took a brief breather, but had 4 more pups within the hour. 

Meanwhile, the breeder borrowed a friend's car and headed to our house. We were expecting 7 pups, so at that point, Tapas was relaxed and resting and the pups (3 boys, 3 girls, 4 blacks, 2 chocolates) were all looking good. In the dark, the breeder got a bit lost and I had to help her find her way over the phone--when she arrived at 6:15, we started clean up and all of a sudden another pup came out! This dog never made a peep or looked the least bit uncomfortable--amazing. OK, so now she is resting and we go to get her something to eat. A half hour has gone by and we are sure she is done--she gets up to go to the other side of the box and, yup, another pup comes out! Holy cow! 9 pups! 5 boys, 4 girls, 6 blacks and 3 chocolates.

What a night! I felt great that I had actually done most of this alone--after a bit of shakiness on the first pup, (adrenalin!) I was fine. And DH was terrific too--he made us a nice breakfast when all was really done and then went back to bed. I took a nice nap later on too--I earned it!

Tapas looks great--not even messy--and she bounces down the road on her walks like nothing ever happened--what a dog!

[BG and Gavin]

Awesome tribute Ginny!  We need a close-up pic of little Starlit.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nice idea, Ginny!!

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

It is always such an amazing event to me.  It doesnt matter how many times I go through it it is still miraculous.  I guess if there ever comes a time when it is no longer amazing to me then it is time to quite. What a thrill it must have been for you.  Good luck.  

I', sending mine home today, 7 of the 9 and thenthe other two in a few days. :(

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

What a lovely way to honor Starlit...with a new life.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thank you Ginny...so thoughtful.

[F, Calla & Luca]

How nice to name the puppy after Starlit.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I looked all the pups over today and weighed them right after reading about Starlit--when i saw the little star of whiteon that small black pup, which I had not seen since he was born, it seemed like the right name--last litter, two people kept the names of the pups--maybe that will happen again with him...

[Bonnie and Kona]

Ginny, That is a thoughtful and loving tribute to Starlit. Thank you.

[Ginny Nightingale]

The black pup with the tiny white star on his chest will be known as Starlit in memory of the lovely doodle we just lost....The new owners will re-name him most likely--but for 8 weeks, Starlit's memory will live on.

[Pat and Traveler]

What fun!  Good job, Tapas and YOU!