A whole lot of eating and sleeping is happening.  The pups are growing visibly each day!  So what’s new?  They have their dew claws removed, and their noses, lips, and eyelids are turning black.  Their eyes will start opening in about a week.  Mama is doing great with her babies.   In addition to her calcium supplement and regular vitamin, she eats her food with added grilled chicken, roast beef, or eggs.

Our family room is warmed with the gentle sound of puppy sighs.  Mama makes sure everyone is situated before settling in for a well-deserved rest.  She mothers her new babies with pride and satisfaction.  Adapting a favorite saying of mine: ♥If you think my paws are full, you should see my heart!♥

What a day!  Mama decided to go ahead and deliver on her due date, which was today.  Her water broke about 5:30 am, with the first puppy arriving at about 6:15 am.  From there she had puppies every 30-60 minutes.  She delivered 6 girls and 2 boys, all healthy and vigorous.  She is enjoying nursing them and sleeping.  They are all tuckered out, and I am also a little tired.  I will bathe her tomorrow and post some pictures of her with her little ones.  Good night!

Days Five, Six, Seven, and Eight:  Getting ready includes Mama feeling comfortable in the whelping pen.  She spends time in here every day and sleeps here at night now.  The puppies will spend their first few weeks in the whelping pen as well!

Mama seems her usual cheerful self.  She has a healthy appetite and is active, though not as agile as usual!

Days Three and Four:  Mama’s belly continues to expand.  She gets extra cuddles and belly scratches that feel heavenly!

Day Two:  One advantage around here to being “Great with Pup” is that you get extra protein-packed goodies. Mama is enjoying her hardboiled fresh egg, shell and all.  If you haven’t had chickens or bought fresh eggs you might not be aware that very fresh eggs are almost impossible to peel when hardboiled.  You have to let them sit in the fridge for a week or so before hardboiling.  It works out great that the shell is nutritious, so no need for peeling, and I can hardboil the eggs fresh!

Here is some information taken from PetMD regarding feeding eggs to your pet:

“So what about one of nature’s “perfect foods,” the egg? There is evidence to support eggshells as an excellent source of calcium and protein for your pet. For strong bones and teeth, crush the eggshells and sprinkle about a half teaspoon into your pet’s regular kibble.

The egg is also a great source of protein; it helps build muscle, strengthen the hair, and repair tissue. Hardboiled is the most foolproof and straightforward method for feeding eggs to your pet, since there is no need for extra non-stick ingredients (i.e., butter, oil, or margarine for scrambling). The cooked egg can be cut into heart chunks, or diced and mixed into the usual kibble. The egg can even be given as is — after it has cooled thoroughly.

Again, if you are at all concerned about your pet’s ability to handle a whole unbroken egg, you can tap the egg against a counter top, tapping the egg on all sides until the shell is cracked all over. Then your dog or cat will be able to bite right into the egg, shell and all.”

Growing up my family would do the 12 days of Christmas in secret for another family.  It was a highlight of Christmas and added to the anticipation.  When we have a mommy Bichon expecting we experience a lot of anticipation.  Here is a glimpse into what happens during the days leading up to delivery.  This precious mom is due around October 10th, so this will be like the 12 days to Delivery!

Day One: Mama is still feeling well!  She is active and playful and has a healthy appetite.  We watch out for her going up and down stairs or trying to make leaps she is used to doing, but might not be a good idea right now. She runs a little hotter than usual, so she likes the cool wood floor and the leather couch.

Sicily Rose is as unique as her name.  Her favorite activities are being held in Daddy’s arms, playing fetch with tennis balls, relaxing in her pool, and motorcycling!  This California Bichon loves to be on the go whether it is in her own personalized stroller, riding shotgun in the car, or cruising on the Harley!  She rides harnessed to Mom, complete with her own goggles.  If you’re ever driving in Concord, California, and you see a Biker Bichon, it is Sicily Rose!

These little boys had a fabulous time playing in some dirt…..

Bath-time afterwards was not as much fun, but they sure transformed!

I read a beautiful article in the Wall Street Journal this morning by Karl Rove about the passing of his Border Collie, Nan.  The link is here:  http://on.wsj.com/1MVKHTk  (I don’t know if it works without a subscription.)  I found it very touching, and it reminded me of many families I have worked with who have lost a beloved pet, as well as my own canine friend from my youth.  My loyal, loving Cocker Spaniel, Tammy, passed away of old age when I was away at college.  She had been my companion since I was a little girl.  She liked running around our 3 acres during the day, and I loved having her sleep with me at night.  Although she was the family pet, there was an understanding that she was really my dog.  I never called her “Tammy,” I had several nicknames for her- she would come to any of them- and I don’t think she ever knew her name was Tammy.  Being away for awhile before she passed sheltered me from the reality of her decline and passing. In all my memories of her she is happy and healthy.  I will always treasure the friendship we had.

For those grieving the loss of a furry friend, the following poem might bring solace.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
-Author Unknown