Shoulda' Pushed Away From the Milk Bar One Slurp Sooner

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#4

Starting to Walk

Not a lot new to report but I am starting to appreciate how entertaining the boys are going to be in the coming weeks.


They eat heartily, sleep deeply, and now they are starting to move around the box as quickly as their muscles and balance will allow them. Two minutes of attempts to get up on all fours, and then they nap so that they can make another valiant attempt when next they awake. They are doing all of this as a unit ---- their aren't any wallflowers in this bunch. A short video showing today's struggle to walk follows.

New Video and Pictures

A new video and pictures follow.  I continue to spend most of the evening and night with my boys, but am able to spend more time away from them during the day. They are working hard at strengthening their leg muscles, and I am even hearing the occasional little bark. 

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#2 Gets a Kiss from Mom

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# 4

Eating, Sleeping and Growing

My boys are now one week old and they have doubled their birth weights:

• #1 - 890 grams (1 pound, 15 ounces)
• #2 - 840 grams (1 pound, 13 ounces)
• #3 - 940 grams ( 2 pounds, 1 ounce)
• #4 - 820 grams (1 pound, 13 ounces)

The pups muscle development continues, with the beginnings of shoulders and hocks.

Not a lot of action over the weekend.  As a result, I was able to get out for my longest walk since the birth --- an amazing 45 minutes.

Over the next few days, the pups will begin to stand up, although there will be more collapsing than standing for several more days.  If they are like the last litter, eyes will begin opening mid-week (around day 11).

I can confirm that three of the pups are tri-colors.  Still not sure about #4, although he does have a pronounced tan butt just like his dear old Dad.

Following is a picture of the boys sleeping this a.m. We'll try to get a video to post tomorrow.

#4, #2, #3 and #1

Sleepy Friday

It has been a sleepy day so far.  I'm making the pups work a little bit harder to get to me, and I am now cutting nursing time.  They are learning about eating on my schedule, not theirs. As a result, the boys are tired after eating, and sleep soundly and deeply between my visits.  It is also helping me get some rest. 

There were a couple of full scale tantrums overnight.  No. 2 and No. 3 were quite upset that they had to do some crawling to get to me.  So I gave them a kiss on the snout and removed myself from the box until they calmed down.  A mother's training is so important.  There will be more temper tantrums, but gradually they will understand that good behaviour gets better results.

To make it up to them this morning I let them feed to their hearts content, and then snuggled with them for more than an hour.  They are also realizing that Pack Leader is not me.  Their sniffers are getting very good at distinguishing between where they are, relative to the all day diner.

A few pictures from this morning follow.

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# 4 and #2

L to R (#1,#2,#4 and #3 on the bottom)

Day 5 - Getting Faster

Since my last post we've had an exciting 24 hours. First an earthquake (rare in these parts) and then a tornado (also rare) just north and west. The boys slept through it all.

They have had two rounds of ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) so far, and Pack Leader will continue with this early evening routine until their eyes and ears open. I watch every move very carefully. So far, minimal reaction to everything but the "cold damp towel" --- they aren't big fans of that 3 second experience.

Since we haven't been able to get many good pictures of #4 yet, following is one of him sleeping on one of my hind legs last night.

To finish this post a short video of my return to the box this morning. I sure get their attention, and they are moving much faster to get to me. They also have started kneading. Sorry for the occasional blurring --- the auto focus on the pack leader's camera struggles with the contrast of black and white in low light conditions.

Growing Stronger (and Bigger)

When I come into the box now, I make sure to change the routine.  I'm trying to encourage more crawling before they get to the 24/7 diner.

After I came in from this mornings walk I lay down with my back to the puppies.  #2 was the only one with significant attitude, bawling loudly about having to crawl all the way around to my front.  #1 was very efficient on finding and getting directly to a nipple, with #3 and #4 close behind.

The pups are now able to hold their front paws up to the nipple, but don't quite have the coordination yet to knead.  That will come soon enough.  And at that stage Pack Leader better keep those little razor nails trimmed (please and thank you).

I've noticed more strength developing in my boys hind quarters, and their necks are also getting bigger and stronger (from suckling).

Day 4 weights:

• #1 - 590 grams (up 40% since birth)
• #2 - 550 grams (up 40%)
• #3 - 600 grams (up 40%)
• #4 - 540 grams (up 32%)

I'm feeding them too well.

# 4, # 1 and # 3 Nursing (# 2 is hidden below)

# 3, # 2, # 4 and #1 Napping

# 2 and # 4

# 1

# 3

#2, #4 and #1

Day 3

My puppies continue to grow. We had a very good night and more of the same today.

I can leave the box a little more now, and they are always excited to see me back. My return gets them moving from one end of the box to the other.

Pack Leader was able to trim nails of two boys this afternoon --- he didn't use the same words he used with the first litter, so that is a good sign. Hopefully, the other two will get their nails done soon too --- the one downside of not making myself available 24/7 is that they are more aggressive nursers when I get back. This is an important part of their development --- getting them moving and training them to eat when they have the opportunity is an important part of a mother border collie's job.

I let Silken observe the puppies from an adequate distance today.

Editors note: Don't take everything Cait says literally. She might have been out of the box for 30 minutes so far today.

Day 2

After their exciting first day my boys have given Mom a little break. They gave me the gift of more sleeping time, and I was able to go out for a short back yard walk just before dinner. I'm getting fed three times a day now, and that is definitely a bonus.

The boys are able to move a little faster, and all four were pushing up on their hind legs to nurse today.

All of the pups put on weight over the first 24 hours:

• #1 was up 20 grams to 440
• #2 was up 30 grams to 420
• #3 was up 40 grams to 470
• #4 was up 20 grams to 430

First shot is of puppy #1, with #2 on the right and #3 below. 

Puppy # 1

Puppy #2

Puppy #3

Puppy #4

Unfortunately this was the only shot of #4 today that was in focus.  I'll make sure that the Pack Leader makes up for that tomorrow.  Have a good night everybody.  We're going to turn in early.

Faolin came home today with a couple of blistered pads and the same old attitude.  She hasn't told me about her adventure ... yet.

One Day Old

My pups had a good night. I am still a little uncomfortable, but feeling better by the hour. My appetite has returned with a vengeance and I am getting my figure back. Following is a short video of the pups nursing first thing this morning. Sorry that the picture isn't brighter --- Pack leader has assured me that he will make the necessary adjustments for the next video.

First Pictures (and another Faolin story)

David here again.  My apologies for not posting pictures earlier today, but it has been a heavy couple of days. 

As posted earlier, Faolin and Silken went to stay with friends in Kingston on Thursday and Faolin decided to do a runner last night.  Fortunately prodigal Faolin was tracked down this afternoon almost 15 kilometres west, and about half way to the Amherst Island ferry, negotiating several busy roads and highways along the way.  So working with my friend Gayla, I spent most of the day (between looking after pups and Cait) organizing flyers and making contacts to track Faolin down.

One of my university roommates is the hero of the day.  He is a senior Ontario Provincial Police officer and spent his day off handing out and posting flyers.  It was his work that developed the lead to track Faolin down.  I am forever thankful to Brian, and his wife Liese, Gayla and a number of her friends for the extraordinary efforts to track my "challenging" border collie down.

Enough about that.  Just wanted to explain the delay and celebrate Christmas early.

Now on to the important business.  My other excuse is that it is next to impossible to get good new born puppy pictures.  They are exceptionally wiggly, so these are the best of many attempts.

Cait and Her Boys

Puppy # 1 (aka "Harry Potter")

He is almost all black, with a little white flash on his forehead. Like all the pups, he has white paws and tail tip. His weight after first nursing was 420 grams (14 3/4 ounces). 

Puppy # 2

The smallest pup, had a little bit of a slow start but has made up for it all day at Cait's diner.  He weighed in at 390 grams (13 3/4 ounces).  I only have one decent photo of him so far (with #3 on the left below) because I didn't want to interfere with either his nursing or sleeping time.  He has a white irregular collar (like Benny from the first litter) and an olympic torch blaze (like his Mom and Jade from the first litter). 

Puppy #3

The biggest puppy weighed in at 430 grams (15 ounces).  He has a white triangle on the top of his neck (that could move as he grows), brindled cheeks, and perhaps Trim's famous eyebrows.  It will take several days to see the extent of the tan and brown tri-coloring. 

  

Puppy # 4 

The loudest and most food driven pup on day 1.  He has both a white head (with the exception of the ears and part black top) and a white irregular collar.   So far, haven't been able to pick up any tan, although there could be some on the back legs.  He looks a lot like my Silken.  He weighed in at 410 grams (14 1/2 ounces).

That's all for tonight.  We'll try to get a little day 2 nursing video tomorrow morning.

4 Boys - Pictures to follow - born between 8:15 and 8:20

David here.  This will be my one post.

Cesarean section again.  Our vets Michelle and Lex kept us on a tight leash given what happened with the first litter. It was a good thing they did.  5 minutes after stage II contractions started there was significant green discharge --- suggesting a rupture in one of the sacs.  We flew down the road to our vets and Cait was on the operating table at 8:10 a.m.  Turned out the ruptured sac was Puppy #2 and fortunately we were able to save him and he is doing just fine.

Cait and the pups are all doing well.  The boys are nursing for the second time. A couple of real big ones again, and all with very different markings.

Nothing to Report Yet

Still in the first stage.

Discomfort and Power Sleeping

Everything is progressing as it should.  About every thirty minutes I do some nesting and move around a little, and then sleep.  David is getting me outside every 2 - 3 hours for a bathroom break --- I do my business, and then head immediately back to the door to get to my chosen nest. 

The pack leader is going to try to get some sleep between my nesting activity.  Next report will be first thing in the morning, or when the puppies arrrive, whichever comes first.

Hanging Out in the Pack Leader's Bedroom Closet

Moved in about 45 minutes ago and am doing a little redecorating --- a little bit of paper here, a little bit of old clothing there.  I'm still sleeping most of the time.  If it is like last time, I'm about 12 hours away from starting labor.  Could be a long night ahead of us.

Hmmmm

I'm not very hungry this morning and my temperature has dropped by 0.5 degrees.  Haven't felt compelled to start a nest yet, but I have been checking out locations - I know I'm going to end up in the puppy room but you need to have a back-up just in case.

Day 60

Only a short update (need to eat and get my sleep).

My temperature is holding steady but I think the puppies are beginning to drop a little.  Was out for a good walk this evening. 

Pack leader is now home for the duration.  Tomorrow night we run Silken and Faolin up to Gayla's place.  They are going to be visiting with Gayla until the puppies are a couple of days old.

Haven't started a nest yet but I can throw that together in a matter of minutes.

Still thinking that June 20th (Father Trim's Day) will be the day.

Congratulations Meg

Meg was entered in her first agility competition today in Ottawa.  I am so proud --- my little girl won for her height class, 22 inches tall, and earned her first "Q" towards her agility title.  Bartender, liver treats all around! Special thanks to Peter and Gail Cunningham for helping to bring the best out of Meg.

Cooling off in Lake Ontario

Went to the island for a walk and a swim.  Even though it hasn't been that hot lately, it was great to cool off.  I spent a lot of time just standing in the water.

Silken, Faolin and Maggie did some sheep work.  After Silken and David had carefully shed off a group that included the guard Llama, Anna, and sent them to the other end of the pasture it was Maggie's turn to do a little work.  First order of business for her was to put everybody back together, with particular emphasis on the Llama.  Maggie lives at a beef farm, and seems to prefer working big stock.  A couple of pictures follow, one of Maggie taking a stand command, and one of a little bit fast "come-bye".  Maggie sure gets Anna's attention --- gotta like that.

"Stand"

"Come-bye"

After the sheep training, we headed down to the water.  Note who has the stick in this picture --- that is me on the right, Silken out front on the left and Maggie behind.  Faolin was swimming laps when this picture was taken, otherwise I likely wouldn't have the stick (given how obsessive Faolin is about fetch).

Cait

Maggie

It was a great day, and even though it was minimal exercise for me, I am tired and am looking forward to eating dinner and getting several days of good sleep.  Then it will be power naps between puppy feeding. 

June 12 - Day 56

Sounds like I am describing a siege --- I am.  Twice a day temperature taking started this morning.  Enough said.

I am slowing down.  Went for a walk yesterday evening through the backyard trail and David snapped this picture of me.  Other than a brief respite in the stream, I stuck at the pack leader's heel for the entire walk.  I'm carrying more weight, and my appetite is bottomless. 

I have been spending a lot of time grooming.  The big shed is underway, and I'm thinning hair on my belly to get ready for nursing puppies.

As promised I have organized some pictures of the first litter of puppies.  They are now just short of 2 1/4 years old, and I am really proud of all of them.

I have already posted a picture of Jade (aka #1 and T-bone) playing fetch.  Following is one of my favourite puppy pictures of her that I haven't posted before -- it is with her owner's grandson Carter.  She is really close with Carter's little sister Taylor as well.

Jade (nine weeks old)

Puppy #2, Maggie (aka Sticky) is the puppy I see the most.  We've become great friends.  She is a social butterfly inside the house, and all work outside.  The recent picture shows her serious "what job do want me to do" side.

Maggie (eight weeks old)

Maggie (this spring)

I don't have any recent photos of my boy Benny (aka #3 and Belly Boy) but will post what I have. 

Benny (eight weeks old)

Benny (nine months old)

Have you noticed a theme in these puppy pictures yet?  Might be a little "projecting" on my part. I'll add one more to the theme.  Following are two puppy pictures of Meg (aka #4, and Millie Jr.), lying beside her namesake Millie.

Meg (seven weeks old)

Yes, I fondly remember sleeping puppies.  In fact, I'm thought transferring these images to the next bunch as I write (I'm a border collie and mult-tasking is second nature). 

Finally, a couple of pictures of Meg as an active agility and herding dog.

Meg (2009)

So, a week and a day to go (if everything is compulsively on schedule).  We're heading to the island tomorrow and I'll see whether there are any decent pictures of me to post.  I've already been informed that herding won't be part of the schedule for me.  I'll try to post again when my temperature has dropped and we know that puppies are getting ready to enter this world.  Might even take a moment to provide details on the nest building activity (if I have the time) later in the week.