Day 18 - Preferential Treatment at the Milk Bar!!!

This morning, after I had done the Big Clean which involves putting all pups into the pupmobile and laundry basket for the more active, Daisy May and Blaze 3 (Button) were the first awake!!! I decided to pop them in with Teasle for an advance feed. As there were only 2, the usual sea of wriggling bodies did not distract from the feeding process.  Gaynor had explained about the stages of feeding, and I had certainly seen the frantic paddling they give poor Teasle's abdomen, but had not really seen the stage where they go stiff and actually hear the gulping as they actually get the milk. However, this time I did and it was lovely.  You can just see on the photo how their little front legs are so stiff and back legs stick out at the back, together with their beautiful otter tails twitching.  Nature is, indeed, wonderful :D

Day 18 - the Puppy Pen - escapees

So here we are, the 3rd weekend with puppies and things continue to become more and more exciting.  We have a true adventurer - Big Curly.  He has been at the towel barricade so often over the last few days, and over it at least once (when it had fallen down). Up on his feet, he is quite determined and possibly a psychologist. This evening, he was at the barrier and making such a noise, yipping and trilling that I picked him up and brought him out onto the kitchen floor. He had a good wander round, sat up like a proper dog and then, when his mum had wandered off, bored, found my feet.

I picked him up and after a short sit on my knee, he wriggled until he was snuggled beautifully into my neck and fell fast asleep; and, of course, I stayed like that for some time!!! So, tell me, was I training him, stopping him getting out and then encouraging him, or was he training me to pick him up when he is really noisy??? I don't know what they are telling each other, as their ears also seem to be opening up - but shortly thereafter, our second intrepid explorer, Blaze, set off and got the same result - ending up with me, a pup either side of my neck - they are all so very lovely!!! This was Blaze's second adventure of the day.  Earlier, there had been a tremendous din coming from the pen; howling, yipping and trilling. I set off to find out who it was. Teasle was in there, seeming quite unconcerned. I eventually located the noise at the back of the pen where a puppy (turning out to be Blaze) had got himself rolled up in the newspaper and, it seemed, couldn't get out :D I unravelled him and he set off for the milk bar immediately!

All the pups are growing and crawling and becoming more and more content when picked up and cuddled. The noise level is growing and character is starting to show.  There is not one that isn't amazingly cute and lovely to cuddle.  Each morning is quite exciting, discovering new developments :)

Day 17 in and out of the Puppy Pen

Saying Good Morning to the pups before setting off for training; I was totally distracted as all their eyes are now open.  Little Girl / Daisy May is looking particularly beautiful and I was thinking about her all morning which turned out, as usual, to be a fun training session at Mistigri Gundogs with Gaynor.  There was Simon with Zoe, Guy with Westley, myself with Molly, Gaynor brought Blitz out and joining us for the first time was Chris with Willow. They held up very nicely to the wit and repartee too ;) A mixture of marks from launchers and bumper boys added to blinds with launcher distractions tested us all, especially Molly, who gets very excited every week when the launchers come out and there is competition, especially new competition :) However, all the dogs worked very well and it was a lovely morning followed by a scrumptious lunch provided by Guy :>D

On my return I had a few little jobs to do before sorting out the pups again. I had to stop adventurous Big Curly from getting himself lost by climbing over the towel barrier and then I removed them to the conservatory while cleaning the pen out.

Here they settled down for a nice zuzz...  You can just see the open eyes there :)

Daisy May and Little Blaze became restless first so I popped just the two of them in with Teasle for an advance feed, leaving the others fast asleep in the 'pupmobile'.  A little later, Curly Girl and Little Curly became restless. Picking them up, they became quite calm and I popped them into the pen where they settled down together and Little Curly had Curly Girl in a full Nelson for about half an hour before they decided it was time to top up!!  Ten minutes or so later, the others joined them and then they all slept for a few hours before the next round.

...and finally for 29th October...

Well, I have just been in to look at the team in their new puppy - pen tent.

Chunky Chappie was the only one awake and was busy trying to climb over the towel barrier set to keep the pups in and let Teasle in and out. Teasle came in and he followed her in, gazing upwards lovingly at her milk bar. He sat back on his back legs, used a pig rail for a bit of leverage and managed to get latched on for a very short time.  It was interesting to watch her eventually push him with her nose to the puppy pile and silently tell him to go to sleep!!!  He actually complied!!!!

Time for Teasle

Teasle is being a very good mum. She is a little anxious today as things have changed a bit. Not only were her brood attacked with scissors and pink medicine, she has a new sleeping set up. She is keeping a close eye, but there is always  room for a cuddle with a mate...

Perhaps a little closer...

Ah!! that's better :D

They are 2 weeks old - and a day!!!

I have already had complaints that I have missed a couple of days blogging - many apologies - only excuses work and puppies!! So what have you missed??/ Well, the pups turned 2 weeks yesterday. Chunky Monkey has been up on her legs and walking, albeit unsteadily.  I was cuddling her and got a good sucking on my thumb followed by a licked face, but mainly was blown away when I looked at her and saw her eyes looking back at me :D  A quick check revealed eyes peering out from Curly Girl and Blaze 3 (Button).

Today was worming and toenail cutting. Well, that was fun. It did take 2 pairs of hands (thank goodness Heather came home) and some were calm, - others wriggled, squeaked and howled...yes, howled!!! The sharp bits removed, it is hoped that those opening eyes will not get scratched as they fight over the milk bar. For the worming, weighing was also involved. All went well until the last one - Big Curly, who had woken up being alone and that was also a 2 person job - one to note the weight - 1kg - and one to catch him as he tried a triple backflip off the scale pan...don't worry, I caught him.

The others weigh in at: Little Blaze - 800g; Blaze 3- 900g; Chunky Chappie has returned, weighing in at 1100g; Blaze - 900g; Curly Girl was the same, at 900g while Chunky Monkey topped the charts at 1160g; Wavy Boy is a good 1150g overtaking Chunky Chappie and outweighing him at 1150g; Little Curly remains a cutie at 800g; Little Girl only just behind at 800g.

They mainly took their medicine well so that will keep them healthy and the weight should start to really pile on again.  A repeat performance in 2 weeks time should be quite tricky. I will have to arrange for one of the offspring to be here to help again!!

Here you see Blaze 3 in his favourite position. He likes to feed this way too :)

Cuddling up together for a nice afternoon zuzzzzz

Day 13 in the Whelping Box - 'puppy blues'

Day 13 dawned in the whelping box with the pups looking to have grown immensley over night and Teasle looking very tired.  I don't know if dogs get the puppy blues but she did seem fed up.  She seemed to be feeding the pups all morning!!!  Their little legs have all grown much stronger and they are closer to walking than crawling as they were before.  They are certainly using those feet to great effect on poor Teasle's tummy!!! The pup's eyes are not yet open although they look to be getting closer with a hint of eyelid where once there was simply furry forehead - maybe tomorrow when they will be 12 days old?

Teasle, however, has been eating well  and seems to have cheered up through the day.  She has sat with us less today than the previous few days but did spend a couple of hours at our feet this evening before returning to the hungry mouths where she is right now.

Another pup - Smooth Boy (I think) made it out of the pupmobile, so cleaning the box is now a 2 person job - one to do and one to watch.  I turned around and there he was on the floor, wondering which way to go (happily -  so I caught him easily - something else that is going to change :) ) It is actually probably time to get out a higher sided laundry basket or two to contain them.

It is especially nice when they all cuddle up and snooze - they chunter and growl and squeak - and sometimes get picked up for a cuddle :)

Day 12 in the Whelping Box

Here we are then, looking forward to the pup's eyes opening and the ensuing chaos as the pups become escapologists. That should be by the end of the week.

The next excitement will be starting to wean the pups on Chudley's starter meal (they will then move on to Chudley's Puppy Food). That will be at 3 1/2 weeks, shortly before the pup's future families come to visit them.  It is amazing to think the changes that will happen over the next two weeks!!!

If you are a future family who would really love to care for one of these gorgeous puppies, please do contact me via my website: KCChocolates.co.uk  or email me here:  KarAlenStars

Day 12 - Wavy Boy

Last but not least; here is Wavy Boy, another little lad who has a little wavy hair on his back but is not as curly as the others.  You can see he is a sleepy little boy and a real little sweetie.

Day 12 - Smooth Boy

Smooth Boy and Wavy Boy are the new 'Noms de Guerre' of Chunky Chappie and Little Boy. This became neccessary since Chunky Monkey overtook Chunky Chappie and Little Boy caught up in size.  Smooth Boy simply has a smoother coat.  He is another lovely boy!

Day 12 - Little Blaze

Little Blaze has just a tiny spot of white on his chest, not really qualifying as a blaze, but helps me tell the difference.  He is another calm little pup who enjoys a good long snooze...as you can see :-D

Day 12 - Blaze 3

Blaze 3 has a little strip of 3 blazes. He is very cute and is  quiet and cuddly.  He is often seen asleep on his own, but other times he will be in the middle of the pup pile.

So sweet, remained asleep throughout the photo shoot!!

Day 12 - What the Blazes????

I have been trying to find reference to a story I was told about the Royal Labradors having a white blaze on their chests. Now, as far as I know, the Royal Family haven't cottoned on to Chocolate Labradors, but should they come to their senses, one of our 'Blazes' would be perfect :)

Blaze has the largest blaze on his chest. He was a feisty young man from the start but still will snuggle up nicely for a cuddle, at least he did today once Alistair had spotted him having climbed out of the 'pupmobile' and set off across the conservatory floor. At least, still being blind, he was quickly recaptured and forced to have a fuss. He didn't complain!

Look at those sweet little paws!!!...and no, I'm not strangling him, just holding his head up :)

Day 12 - Little Curly

Now little Curly is just a little smaller than Big Curly but has a similar wavy coat. I have said before that I am unsure where this has come from. Teasle does have waves at the back of her neck and  down by her tail so maybe it was that?

Mmmmm... what a nice stretch :)

Day 12 - Big Curly

Here is Big Curly. Another calm dog, he is quite a big chap, but settles down for a cuddle and sleeps gently when held.
I have my ideas as to who might be his companion but it is not up to me to make the decisions so I am keeping quiet. ;)

 Look at those gorgeous little feet!!!!

Day 12 - Curly Girl

Curly girl is bigger than Daisy May and smaller than Chunky Monkey (which one isn't??). She is quiet and settles down very nicely when picked up - straight off to sleep :) She is rather gorgeous.

Day 12 - Chunky Monkey

Here is Chunky Monkey, the biggest pup in the litter - I always know when I pick her up. She is feisty and wriggles when picked up, but once cuddled in to my chest and stroked she calms down and goes to sleep. I do need two hands though, unlike some of the others. I am sure that will change soon - and even 2 hands will be insufficient :)

See how she pushes up on very strong legs.  I don't think it will be long before she is up and at 'em ;)

Day 12 - Little Girl - Daisy May

Here is the smallest of the bunch; she is very strong and very cute. Maybe she will be dainty like her mum??
Nicknamed 'Daisy May', she snuggles down very nicely in my hand and cuddles up peacefully.

Day 12 in the Whelping Box

Well, today has been a busy day. Teasle is fit and well and eating quite heartily - for her- she is normally an elegant eater as opposed to our Molly who inhales her food rather than eating it!  The pups still have closed eyes - being early it may take a few more days, but we got a taste when I took the 'pupmobile' into the sunny conservatory for photos. Fortunately, Alistair spotted 'Blaze' making a break for it across the floor!!

There you have a very contented pile of puppies.

Day 11 in and out of the whelping box

After a lovely evening out, I wasn't certain as to whether I would have the energy for training. However, having risen, fed the dogs and changed the 'sheets' in the whelping box; Molly looked so hopeful that we went.  I wasn't expecting too much of her as she had missed out on  training for 10 days, mainly having 'lead walks'. I was late setting off as I had been procrastinating for some while. Consequently, there was no time for our customary pre-training walk so she was raring to go.  Pulling a little at heel,; nevertheless, she performed very well.  Managing most retrieves although one eluded her and Simon's Zoe - much to his reflief - he really doesn't like being eye-wiped by a chocolate :D She did hunt up the area well before (unusually for her) failing to find the dummy.  Later she did a fabulous retrieve; sadly swapping partridges before returning.  Personally I think she was pickung the nicest for me - oddly enough, Gaynor and the others had other ideas :D

Back at home, Teasle was eating her second breakfast very well while Alistair and Heather cleaned up the box for her.  The puppies continue to grow very well and sleep quite nicley for quite long periods and doind all the natural things that puppies do - amongst the cuter things are the dreaming - yipping, cheeping, growling and purring whilst twithcing away.  They settle when being held close and stroked.  These pups will certainly be well handled. The box has to be moved once or twice a day to get into the freezer so I don't think they will suffer from motion sickness :) I will try to get a current photo by the end of the day and post it separately.

Me and my mum - day 9

Ah I love this one. No idea who it is - but sooo very cute :)

...and still Day 9!

Just wanting a fuss and still looking good :) I love that dog xxx

...still day 9

Teasle listening for the puppies but looking good!

Day 9 in the whelping box.

The pups are getting more mobile now - got a good box to put them in while I had a good scrub at the whelping box. A nice piece of vet bed did the trick, they tried for a moment or two and then just snuggled down!
There was caus efor great rejoicing in the household today when Teasle did and almost proper poo!!!!  This may not seem much to many, but the poor lamb has suffered since she whelped... quite usual, but it is nice to see her really getting back on form.

1 week old and thinking of leaving home??

While the other feed; these two are either reading the new homes ads or just fast asleep. Don't worry, they joined the others eventually :)

Day 8 in the Whelping Box and Teasle's Looking Good

Day 8 in the Whelping Box

Well, it's early but today Teasle is better than eve but like to come and sit with us. She is eating better but does like to be hand fed dried food every now and then. We had a very pleasant 10 minutes out in the sun in the garden with her sitting and being fed and then lying down for a tummy tickle. That is when you realise you have been missing them. Even with Molly and Tosh, it's lovely to see Teasle being my dog again.  Her coat is lovely and her eyes are very bright - bright enough to wangle kit kat off Alistair!!! She keeps a weather ear on the pups and is in there now.  I just can't believe how big the pups are already. Chunky Girl is quite huge - larger than some of the boys - and Little Girl isn't so obvious. She does like to do an inverted feed. Over the top, barrel roll and down to the teat.  If you look carefully on this photo you will see a patch of bare skin - that is Little Girl feeding. I just missed a photo of Chunky Girl upside down after a feed...looks like it just might be her for me ;)

Video of day 7 in the whelping box...

I can't believe the pups are now 1 week old!!! Mum is still doing very well as are the pups. These lovely videos taken by Zoe on her i-phone make me consider buying one myself - they are so good and so much easier than using the camcorder!!!! I of course am slowing down, even had a brief snooze yesterday afternoon!!! However, just watching the pups makes it all worthwhile - even getting up to a disaster!!!  Mind you, this must be the lull before the storm.  Teasle is doing all the work (apart from cleaning up of course) and the pups are quite peaceful.  Their eyes will be opening over the next few days and once they become more mobile I think we shall have some fun!!! That's when I will be falling asleep in the chair - or anywhere really. May have to pin a note to my coat when I go for a walk..."Please return to.... or phone....!!!" Not that anyone will come and get me - but they will be able to have a really good chuckle :)

Video of day 7 in the Whelping Box

Introducing Chunky Girl

As you can see; Chunky Girl is a feisty little girl. Obviously wanting to get back to the milk bar here, once there she is ready to join the pile and quite capable of maitaining her place there!!

Introducing Blaze 3

Blaze 3 has 3 little white marks on his chest. Another very sweet and contented boy - he has also been christened 'Button' (i'm sure Jensen won't mind). He is one of the smaller boys but growing rapidly.

Introducing Blaze!

Introducing Blaze. Now he has a little story - he arrived rather rapidly ahead of his afterbirth and the cord ripped a little close to the unbilicus.  Having applied pressure for half an hour, we eventually had a mercy dash to the vets where it was tied off and we were told cotton would do another time :) He wriggled and squiggled on the way and continues to be a real feisty boy!!! A great little pup, he holds a special place in our hearts.

Introducing Little Curly and Big Curly together

It became quite tricky to pick out the pups from all the photos so I went back to get the last couple on file.  They were all fast asleep so I decided to take them where they were. Here are the two curly boys. Little Curly to the left ( they are gettinng to be a similar size!!!) Big Curly taking centre stage. They are both very contented pups.  What a peaceful view :)

Introducing Titch

Titch is, of course, our smallest boy although he, too, is getting more difficult to spot as he grows so quickly. Another contented young man, he is very very sweet and does like to be stroked.

Introducing Little Girl

Another real cutie, Little Girl, who is becoming a little Daisy May, is our smallest - maybe taking after her mum?  Not having the brawn of the other she is often to be found behind mum, tucking under her front leg to feed from a teat the others rarely find!!! She settles in the hand quickly for a cuddle but does like to be near mum, feeding little and often :)

Introducing Little Blaze

I am sure I heard somewhere that Royal labradors have a white blaze on their chest.  Be that as it may; We have three rather distinguished pups with a white blaze on their chest.  Here is Little Blaze, who, oddly enough, has a small white blaze on his chest.  Easily fooled here by Zoe's finger for a while, being very content he just went off to sleep!!!!

Introducing Curly Girl

Difficult to distinguish between Curly Girl and Little Curly from above (Little Curly being a boy, it is quite simple if one looks), Curly girl has a wavy coat.  Teasle does have a couple of wavy areas on the top of her back and on her back by her tail, so maybe that is where this has come from.  Apparently it's really good for duck hunting and was apparent at birth.  She is a little cutie and very content although she lets you know when she wants to get back to the box :) A really good squirmer, best to hold firmly and put her back!!

Introducing Chunky Chappie

Introducing Chunky Chappie.  He is the largest of the boys although it is becoming more difficult to pick him out.  Smooth coated, ChCh is very contented and lies quite contentedly in the bipeds arms when we want to give them a cuddle.  He is usually in the middle of the pile and certainly doesn't let anypup get in the way of his dinner. It is going to be fun when they are eating solids!!!

Day 6 in and out of the whelping box

So here we are, day 6.  Teasle is doing really well as a re the pups.  They are much more contented between the feeds and she is more relaxed and comes out to be with us, for fuss and for food. She is getting hungrier and started with her scrambled eggs and later ate Tosh's Sneyds glocosamine and chondroitin food from my hand - she is also partial to the marrow bone biscuits - but at least it is heading back towards  dog food.  When in the garden she is not so eager to get back - enjoying a sniff around the kennel and a roll on the grass, finished off with a tummy tickle.  Whilst yesterday she was investigating the hedges much to my consternation; today she returned when called. At the same time, the pups are more content when handled so today we managed to take a large number of photos.  I am going to do a series of blogs introducing each one to you - I may be some time, so please be patient :)

Day 5 dawns in the whelping box

Today's 6.30 rising was very welcome as the utility room was clean. Teasle had made it through the night ... Yeah!! :) Having hopped out of bed to find us yesterday, this morning, she looked at me; I unplugged the pups and she then hopped out happily to go outside. Keen to say hi to Molly in the kennel, Teasle did as required, rolled around, had a tummy tickle and followed me back in for breakfast. Today was scrambled eggs and rice - in the hope that it would 'firm things up' ;) she wolfed down her normal bowl ful and then a bowl full of rice on its own. Then had a good long drink before she got back into the box. The puppies are all growing fast and very content.They are all feeding well - I noticed during the tummy tickle that one of her nipples - usually barely a tatoo, has come up a little but isn't really working. No matter, she seems to feed them in batches of about 5 anyway. As Teasle still appeared a little hungry I thought out the best thing for her energy levels and made her buttered toast and honey as a little snack - in her bed of course although the crumbs are the very devil to clean up!! However, she rather enjoyed it. Good natural food so that's fine. Later on, after another sojourn outside she was resting in the box when I decided it was lunch time for her. I started to get the rice out, and whoosh!!! - there she was waiting while I opened the tuna tin to put on it. Another huge meal wolfed down, so the appetite is keener than ever before and she is definitely fine!!! More photos later :)

Day 4 in the whelping box

Well, Teasle and her little pack are doing well. Teasle is becoming adept at the lick and flip using her nose to manouevre pups into the feeding position. She is eating and drinking much better and even getting out of the box of her own volition to go out, to come and find us nearby in the dining room, and when she heard the others being fed (that didn't last long; she quickly remembered that her food is special and served in bed :) ). When outside she takes time for a fuss, a scratch and a tummy tickle as well as the usual ablutions before deciding she had better get back. If she hears a noise, however, her ears quickly prick up - definitely on point duty. Molly also seems to be more aware since they had a brief kiss this morning andshe later saw off the neighbours - unusually for her - its usually the family she barks at!!!

The pups are feeding well and are much quieter, just the occasional contented noise. there are obvious times of feeding and resting. Squawky pups can be calmed with a gentle nose stroke, and if you pick up two at a time they don't cry as they do one at a time!!! They are growing apace and getting cuter every single day.

...and I am exhausted!!! It is definitely worth it!!!

Day 3 in the Whelping Box

Here we are at day 3. Last evening I was a little concerned because Teasle was still reluctant to eat and drink and was starting to seem to want to sit apart from the pups in the box. She was still extremely reluctant to leave them for food or to go out, but I phoned Gaynor the Guru to check it out. Apparently, adding a touch of milk to the water encourages them and it certainly helped with Teasle. Ronnie explained that the mums have milk on demand for the first couple of days and then only let the milk down when there are several feeding. That seems to be the case today as they were doing shifts of five at a time earlier, with 5 sleeping under the paper by Teasle's head! A really good mum, she can delicately and sometimes not so delicately push her nose under a pup's tummy and flick it so that it lands in the right position to feed!!!! Thinkgs are looking up as she did accidentally hop out when she saw me sorting the food out and then remembered and hopped back in. One unanticipated complication that is apparently quite common ((for those of that are thinking this sounds like a jolly good idea) is a mum very reluctant to go out and, to put it delicately, 'a tummy problem'!! So, having woken at 5 am and then deciding I may as well come down; I found a delightful job awaiting, repeated a few times during the day. Teasle is, however, taking nourishment in the form of flour and oatmeal coated and fried chicken and liver as well as canned tuna; given alternately with rice in a small dish in her bed, followed by milk coloured water. The pups are growing and becoming little individuals already: we have 'curly girl', little girl and big girl then chunky chappie, big curly, little curly, blaze, blaze 3 and little blaze. I just have to identify the last one, who, anyway, none of the above (I think) and is probably 'litt'l'un' though by no means weak or tiny. Ah well, another cup of tea and back to the whelping box for trots outside, new paper and fuss for Teasle.

Oh, and someone else is feeling jealous.... Molly would like it to be known that she is also beautiful and a very good girl and only on Heather's knee because Heather invited her up!!!!

www.KCchocolates.co.uk Visit to see more...
Wednesday was a fun day. Planning for our lovely, petite, calm chocolate Labrador Teasle - the one who came 3rd in a working test whene she was 5 weeks pregnant - to whelp next Tuesday, the 19th October; we nipped over to see Gaynor to borrow the whelping box, I decided Teasle might like a trip out since she hasn't been going far recently. I joked about the bumpy road, thinking it wasn't the same as for humans. Gaynor did explain that a car joutney does sometime precipitate labour in dogs too. Well, we got the box back and cleanedit down then nipped off for some food, came home and looked at Teasle who appeared to be even more cuddly than usual. Later in the evening, she also seemed to be panting, not heavily, but panting and wanting company. Thinking back, yes, she was a bit restless but eventually settled down squashed in a bed with Molly. Naturally, Gaynor had been explaining what to look out for - panting and ripping paper. I phoned up and gave a heavy breathing demonstration for Gaynor and Ronnie who thought it sounded quite contained and maybe she wasn't ready. I decided I was just overexcited and tried to put Teasle to bed. She just came and cried at the door and I did give in a few times before I realisedshe might be fussing because I was giving in. Consequently, after making sure all the whelping equipment was to hand; I put out the lights and went to sleep in the bedroom above the utility room so that I could at least hear her if she cried or ripped paper and not wake Alistair if I got up to her. At 0430 I heard her crying and also quite a high pitched noise. I shot out of bed and ran downstairs clutching my clothes which I put on over my PJs when I got to the kitchen. I forgot my glasses and my phone!! There at the utility room door was a very worried looking Teasle who shot through and into her bed in the dining room before I could do anything. There was still noise in the utlilty room where a little dog pup (all cleaned and sorted despite Teasle's concern) lay yelling...and no ripped paper! I had to get a lead to persuade Teasle back into the whelping box and she tried to sit in my lap there - yes, I had to perch on the edge and give her lots of cuddles . A second puppy arrived soon afterwards and Teasle, again, dealt with it but still wouldn't lay down. It was around this time I decided that I just didn't have enough hands, couldn't see as well as I would like and called Alistair who brought my glasses and phone and put the kettle...Good Man!!! We then both tried unsuccessfully to persuade Teasle to lie down and I started to worry that pup 1 was cold. At 5am I gave in and called Gaynor who said we should make Teasle lie down (it took two!!)and she duly arrived half an hour later. Pups came quite fast and furious. She stood up for one and there wasn't even time for us to catch it!! Another, with a lovely white blaze on his chest, also came vertically at about 9.15 with his afterbirth high up and it ripped too close to his umbilicus. After half an hour of applying pressure Alistair and I did a mercy dash to the vet who tied a ligature and explained that we could do that with cotton if there was another problem. There wasn't and after a walk around the garden, the pup we could still feel, number 10, arrived at about 11.30.
The idea of logging each pup went right out of the window, and just looking at them it was easy to see that they were a good size so I didn't weigh them. It is lovely to see them feeding and Teasle turning into a really good mum. She isn't too keen to leave them - even for food, water or to relieve herself!! She watches carefully when we move her pups, especially for a bit of a cuddle, but is very calm and content. She isn't even concerned when Molly and Tosh, our other 2 labs, or Baggins, our rather huge cat, pass by!

Tales from the ante-natal ward

Well, 7 weeks ago Teasle and I set off to collect Gaynor before visiting Ged & Jean Leeson and their lovely stud dog 'Xan'. I won't go into details but the deed was done, with added interest as Teasle is quite dainty – it's amazing what a gal can learn ;)

So here we are, with Teasle growing very fast. Never a big eater; during the first few weeks she ate very little, requiring some hand feeding and extras like liver, tuna, rice and other little delicacies. Oddly enough, she seemed to find these quite edible. After 4 weeks, her nipples were growing and she was already beginning to round out – despite still eating very little, not as much as she normally does. By 5 weeks, she was definitely rounding up and yet managed to come 3^rd in the beginners section of a fun day working test: Look, there she is in the middle – boy look at her mum's grin!!!!

She was a joy to watch, working so calmly and gently – she's always like that!! She is just so willing