Getting Close to a Week

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Well we are still short of 2 days to get to a week but wow what an almost week it has been. You can see the colour in the cream one bleeding through. These pups are beautiful but hey I can't say I dislike the looks of any of them in the litters - so unique and fun!

Click on Photo for Larger ViewThis is my day: First thing in the morning when I wake up, after Dennis does the all night duty, I weigh the pups. I then change out all their bedding and start washing. I vacuum the pen areas and remake them with fresh bedding. I also hold and touch the pups to make sure they get used to human touch. We are now doing about 6 loads a day and I have a huge machine. We change out as necessary.

Then I eat. Inbetween I fit in grooming here and there, baths etc.

Each feeding I make sure all pups are on all moms. Sounds easy but it isn't. There is always someone hiding etc The first week or so I observe the feedings to make sure everyone stays on so this means I constantly go from xpen to xpen. I wish they had doors.

I also massage the moms, brush them up and clean up discharge. As they have loose bowels (normal after whelping) I am cleaning bums and blow drying many times a day. They have discharge for a few weeks. I keep this area clean.

We also feed the moms and if a pup loses weight I supplement. Note, I said I do this.

Throughout the day you are cleaning, making sure pups are feeding - about every hour and a half to 2 hours at this stage.

I fit in a shower when I can. I just finished one today. I try to eat - most times sitting in an xpen or while I do the blogs. I wish I had a portable but I don't and I can't update on the ipad or I could and leave the photos out. The guys get their showers first thing. I am too busy.

Each afternoon I do a stimulation programs with all the pups. See my file on this.

During the day you are changing out water many times a day (girls get spring water with ice), food etc. Nathan makes the food for the dogs. I groom, clean, bathe etc.

Of course hugs are necessary and outside they each go several times a day to do their business as outside does wonders for their headspace. Of course with that comes cleaning bottoms, blow drying and guess what there is another feeding.

I am sure I forgot a lot as I just do it. But the blog and photos get fit in when I can.

I do not think anyone does what I do with the day to day blogs, photos etc. I do it as that is what I would want. But it is a lot of work.

If I do not get to a blog, its cause I am doing. For instance I sat in Spice's litter and hand fed her as antibiotics upsets her tummy. I also climbed in with Panda and fed her and did the same with Roxie.

Even doing photos is a lot at this point. As they get older it gets easier then when they start eating food it gets to be a lot of work again. If you do it right its a LOT of work. WE do it right.

Comments

[ruth]

Read the info on stimulation program. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ruth