The Puppy Room. (update)

 The pups have a corner where they stay cuddled with each other.  Of course, Momma Lucie is never far away.  Today, Aug. 13th, it is nice and cool so a window is open for fresh air and some sunshine.  

This pen area will be reconfigured numerous times to accommodate the pups growth and development until they are big enough to venture to their outdoor play areas.  That is truly when the fun begins!  :+)

Also, I might add, that TODAY every pup has opened its eyes  and it is just too cute to see those peepers looking back at me.  :+). After I took this pic, I opted to remove the blue 'bunting' around the inside of their pen as they were constantly scrambling behind them.  When they become more mobile, it is time to switch things up.  

We are TWO WEEKS OLD! Lucie x Diesel Litter

 Well here they all are at two weeks!  They have been moved to the Puppy Room and are quite content there.  Lots of sunshine comes into the room with the large windows streaming some Vitamin D on them.  Of course, I do have shades if and when it gets too hot.  The air conditioner is also there when needed AND a fan above them to move the air constantly.  :+)

Some of the pups are just beginning to open their eyes, while others are not quite ready yet as the pics will show.  Definitely, by three weeks of age, both the ears and the eyes will all be open and that is when things get more interesting for them and me.  :+)

Momma Lucie does her very best to keep them happy and content.  It is quite challenging to keep TEN pups full but she is doing a remarkable job.  

Little Blue Boy looks like a baby Pirate with his one eye peeking at you.

Green Boy is one of the heftier pups in the litter.  

Yellow Boy is a close contender as well!

Red Boy is not far behind either.  Poor Lucie!!

The tiniest sweetie in the litter.  Still holds his own though!

Little Rosie has the biggest splash of white on her face.

Teal Girl has her big splashes of while on her feet.

Such pretty markings on Pink Girl.

Brown Boy is Green Boy's bookend!

Orange Boy reminds me of a yummy caramel and vanilla ice cream swirl.  :+)

If you know of a good dog owner looking for a great candidate for a canine companion, please feel free to have them contact me at:  joycetabor@gmail.com or call 207-676-5579.  I am NOT a text fan!!  Sorry!

Also remember visits to see Lucie and the pups begin when they are four weeks of age PROVIDING I have an application and deposit!  No 'Lookie Lou' visitors please.  You must schedule an appointment in advance.  No Saturdays unless after 5 pm, but any other day should work well.  :+). Joyce

LUCIE X DIESEL LITTER IS ONE WEEK OLD!

 I can't believe a week has passed!  Lucie is taking good care of her ten babies.  She cleans and nurses them very often like a good mom should.  I wish she would eat more but she eats when she wants to and is producing milk - can't complain.  :+)

The pups are active and vocal.  Momma knows what they need and when, I just supervise at this time. The pups will not open their eyes until they are 10 days or so.  They seem very content at this time which I am thankful for!

I am preparing the puppy room for when it is time to transfer them there.  It will take a few more days, but should be ready when they are.  I like to do it before they are two weeks old.  It is important for them to get some vitamin D from the sunny windows but need to keep them from 'baking' too.  Air conditioners are in place and nice shades when necessary.

As you can see below, the majority of the pups have white markings on them.  It is called an Abstract Pattern and is my favorite.  :+)

'

First look at the babies! (AVAILABILITY)

 The best way for me to take pics was to do it 'in piles' as these little buggers like to move about and I don't want any to wiggle off my desk!

As the weeks progress, there will always be individuals of each pup.  Please note there is a tiny identifying collar on each pup in a different color.  This color will follow them in collars of different sizes until they go home.

Only Black Collar Male is a solid, ALL the other pups have white markings on their head, chest, feet and/or muzzle.  It is called an Abstract Pattern.  :+). These are multiple pictures of the group in slightly different poses to enjoy.  

I take pics every week until pups go home on Mondays - sometimes early, sometimes later dependent on my schedule.

Lucie is doing well and is a caring momma.

VISITATIONS are welcomed, by appointment, once the pups are FOUR weeks of age!  It is always a short visit - no longer than 1/2 hour as they are still very young at that time and need their rest.  :+)

Lucie and her brood.

Always be ready for option #2!!

 Sometimes you just need to follow your gut!

After another night of no sleep for Lucie or me, I sort of felt the need to speak to my vet.  So, I put out an email to the office late last night.  Promptly at 8 am, my phone rang.  After our conversation, they asked me to bring Lucie in.  I had suspected, it might be a good idea for a c-section and after a check up, blood draw, ultra sound, etc., my vet agreed.  So, we were going to be included in today's schedule but I had to wait - NO PROBLEM!

At almost noon time, Lucie went in for her surgery.  I waited and waited.  Eventually, I was asked if I wanted to see the pups being resuscitated, cleaned, weighed, suctioned, temperature tested and 'sanitized'. It was a wonderful experience.  About six techs were assisting Dr. Kelleher as they found their vocal cords!!  TEN, not eleven, darling pups were welcomed into the world - Sooo happy the pups and TIRED momma are doing well.

I will do my best to post pics tomorrow.  This momma needs some sleep too.  :+) 

What inside Lucie's belly looks like. I think 'spaghetti and meatballs!!!

 There is a lot packed in here!   :+)

I have LUCIE!

Around noontime,  I met up with Lucie's guardians at my vet for her x-ray.  It did not take long at all for my vet to return with the results - she thinks 10 or 11 pups are stuffed in poor Lucie's belly!!!  Oh golly that is a lot of pups!

I placed very pregnant Lucie in my car after a tearful 'goodbye' from her family and very gingerly drove home.  

I put Lucie in my fenced front yard as I placed my three doodles into the puppy room where they could see and smell Lucie as I brought her into the house.  After the initial barking and what not, all settled down. Eventually, I let one girl out for the sniffing ritual.  Then the second female and finally the third.  All went very well but it does take a good hour or so to have all feel comfortable.

Lucie is now part of the household and loves checking out the farm, yard, smelling the chickens and pigs and thoroughly enjoying the fresh air and surroundings.  She has investigated most of the house as well!

Lucie in our kitchen.  Her belly is so round!

OBVIOUSLY, I have puppies available!  It will be a couple of days before she whelps and, of course, I will post pics.  Now, we wait.  :+)