I know I haven't written much this past week and apologize for that as I know that everyone is interested in how the pups are doing. Please do not be afraid to ask about the pups; it is nice to know that people care!
It has been such an up and down 2 weeks. Once the birth was done and Crufts was over I thought it would be plain sailing for the first two weeks. Usually the first two weeks are the easy ones for the breeder! Unfortunately the little girl had other ideas and she has had us on pins and needles. There were so many days that I just thought we should stop working with her or, even worse, bring her to the vet to be put to sleep. But, I just couldn't give up on her...I may regret that decision as I do not yet know if she will be normal or if she will even make it. I still do not understand why she is having trouble gaining weight.
I do not have rose-tinted glasses. I know I may regret sticking with this puppy. I know all the stories about pups who were kept alive and then had issues. I know that I should just let mother nature take her course. I know all of this; but I just couldn't do it.
This weekend she seems to have turned a corner and has gained a little weight. She is now a whopping 8 ounces. She is nursing off the puppy bottle much better and we are even hand feeding her mushed up puppy food. I remember with "One" (our singleton pup from 4 years ago) that we put him on puppy food very early and this helped him gain weight and thrive whereas he had previously been lagging. "One" was different though; he always showed an extreme drive to eat and this little girl is not as keen.
So that is where we are at right now. Slightly more positive but still cautious. I still am not sure that she will make it. But I have already made the decision that I will probably hold onto this pup for longer than the others and make sure she is normal before I place her. The last thing I want to do is give someone a pup that I am not sure about.
As for the other pups...well they are just scrumptious! Their eyes and ears are now open and they are just starting to wobble about and make little growls and barks. So cute!
Here are a few photos taken today by Dennis. He stayed home all day yesterday and today to feed the little girl every two hours while I went off to a local agility show. I will try and get more photos tomorrow of the two girls.
This is the "Fat Head" who had us all worried about Zen during the birth!
This is "Linford" named after a famous british runner.
12 comments:
OK I'll confess - I was one of the people who was afraid to ask!
So glad the little one's hanging in there - fingers crossed she'll grow up to be normal. "Fat head" looks like such a boy, even at this young age.
Hugs to all, and good wishes from all of us to Jayda's little cousins!
What a tough time for you. I had a similar pup in a litter of English Cockers and made the same decision as you, just couldn't let mother nature decide.
Hang in there!
sassie
I know exactly how you feel - I have been in your situation and although you can give all sorts of advice to people when you're looking in from the outside, when it's you going through it you just can't do it. Just hang in there and whatever the outcome you will have peace of mind that you tried your best for the little one.
Karen
Glad to hear that she's still hanging in there :o) And FatHead is absolutely STUNNING :o)
Congratulations on your first Swedish Agility Champion - Unique :o) Kisses from us all, especially Hob-b.
PS: One still has a tremenduous drive for food. And for life in general!!!!
Its so difficult until you have been through it yourself.
Ally
Really glad the little girl is still hanging in there. It must be so hard for you, but she is in the best possible hands! Keeping everything crossed for her.
Both Fat Head and Linford are SOOOOOOOO handsome!!!
Glad to see that all the little girl is hanging in and the others are doing well. Like Mary-Anne, I didn't want to upset you if things weren't going well.
Pat, Grady, Mav, Risk, & Clip
just lots of good and positive thoughts coming your way xxxxx
Thanks for the update - fingers crossed for the little one and have fun with the pups :)
Lorna x
oh ... i love the "big head" look , it is so cute and lovely
Oh they are gorgeous Bernadette. Hope they all stay well xxx
What a relief!i am so glad wee girlie is still going for it in her own little way. I have been worried about her over the weekend and opened this now with some dread (ie why blog has been quiet)I think she's a fighter. Stick with her! hx
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