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!

[Phoebe's Mom]

You are amazing, Tapas is awesome...what a wild ride.  Looking forward to seeing those photos.

[Ginny Nightingale]

It sure does feel good to know how to do this--I used to get so worried--of course, I owe the newly found confidence to Tapas--she was a trooper and so easy. It is not always such a smooth ride. 

Pictures tomorrow when there is sunlight again--

[Bonnie and Kona]

Ginny, What an exciting time you had. It sounds like Tapas is made for having puppies! Of course, I am hoping to see photos when you can catch your breath. ;o)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations, I think you are officially a breeder in your own right by now. Seems like you'll be busy.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Ginny you're amazing!  Nice work! Glad that everyone is okay!!!  Pictures?