New pups right around the corner

New life ahead is right around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited. The dogs sat with very obvious awareness that things were shifting around here. Walls got scrubbed, floors got scoured, nursery panels got constructed, whelping boxes got unpacked and before you knew it our nurseries came to life. Fresh towels filled our cupboard, whelping pads and blankets got laid out, drawers of all my baby birthing essentials got double triple checked and the dogs buzzed with excitement around me. Ok well maybe not so much the mamas but the other 3 certainly filled the air for the rest of them.

Meiko has definitely decided that she’s fully baked and is ready to meet her babes. She’s been resting a lot this week storing up any extra energy she possibly can. Her meals increased a bit more and lunch got added. Not a lot of space left in there for much food. She continues to grow and it’s clear that she’s at least going to match her normal 9-10 pups this round as well. Lots of love and gentle pats are given with encouraging words sent her ways always.

She lays off to the side in the sunshine out of the way of my triple threat train that burns past (Tonka, Neema and Anya). She watches as I go in and out of the house multiple times on multiple different days with another pile of blankets or another handful of supplies of some sort. Her eyes move, her tummy stays put.  

Fri. is her due date so pups should show up within a day or 2 within this time frame. Eyes will be on her of course constantly. I will start to take and track her temperature this week. There will be a drop in her temperature 48 hrs. before birth and then another continuing drop 24 hrs. before birth. This is when I don’t leave her side until all pups have arrived safe and sound on the other side. My outside helpers will support the process and be there for me and the other dogs as I cannot leave a laboring and birthing mama alone. Everything hopefully will go perfectly as her past litters have been flawless but backup to help with the other dogs is always a must have.

Eager antsy families have been asking me a bit here and there about the process, how it works and what goes into what I do here. I am more than happy to share when I can. I pass along details, stories and processes. A common silence often occurs...“I had no idea” It’s hard to grasp everything that I do here but really, I don’t think anyone can really to the extent that it takes unless they are immersed in the thick of it. I reassure my families that the process to me is one that is like creating art to others. I see things that others may not. Joys in areas, passion in cracks, excitement in intense moments to create these little bundles of perfection. Perfect beings in a little furry package that have the opportunity to change lives.

Isla is also packing it on recently, getting wider, lower and flaunting around her belly very proud to be a mama. She loves what she does and I have no doubt she knows what’s ahead and can’t wait to meet her squealing wiggly pile of love. She as well looks to have 9 or 10 pups to bless families with.

These ‘Beach’ babies will have the perfect sandy coloring of mama and papa combined with a spread of lightness and probably darker in between. She’s got 11 more days of baking before we all get to meet this phenomenal litter.

Leia trails the pack with her cute as a button little self that is not so little anymore. She has zero waist line left and her whole body is thicker by the day. Her tummy is starting to really gain shape and as she rocks back onto her haunches, she proudly displays her tummy as it pops forward. She had 7 pups last litter so we’ll see if she matches or exceeds that this time. It’s hard to guess puppy count at this point as she still has 17 days left and this is where a massive amount of the growth happens. So, as we welcome Cricket, Firefly, Bumblebee and more we’ll see how many more little bugs we get to say hello to. I know a few eager families are awaiting word for pups above what are spoken for already so hang tight everyone!

Tonka, Neema and Anya got moved out of the main doghouse where only the mamas now get to reside. “Off to ‘camp’ kids!” They are adjusting well to ‘camp’ and love their new space. Tonka knows, loves and remembers this routine well. He’s such a good boy. They all still get to play with the other dogs during the day, they just sleep in the secondary house while new pups take up the main space. Crazy kids!

Tonka had a date this week with his girlfriend Magnolia that resides at  Royal Golden Kennel in Idaho WA. He was a very happy boy and success was had. Magnolia is a daughter of a mama that used to be part of my program here before she retired. Debi has done exceptional with her program and every pup she produces as been gorgeous. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a pup either in this area (she will help with transporting though) or a little later in the year. These pups will be born Aug. 2nd  Follow her page with new Magnolia/Tonka pup news!

Reminder for the Yearly Reunion everyone! July 12th noon – 3pm. Haller Park in Arlington. Reunion Location “Will you still be there? Will this still take place with all the pups you have to care for?” YES! This will absolutely without a doubt take place. Puppy sitters will be back home taking care of my pack while I am gone. I wouldn’t dare miss this grand event. SO many families have gotten in touch with me letting me know that they are indeed coming and very much are looking forward to be reunited with siblings. I can’t wait to see you all, see ‘my’ babies’ once again, share stories and have a chance to catch up. Here's a few photos from some of our past 'Sea of White' Reunions.

The week ahead will be kept quiet and calm for the mamas preparing for births ahead. I as well will bask in these quieter slower days and soak up every moment of rest I can before my days kick into overdrive mode.

As these Meiko ‘Spice’ pups arrive I will be in contact with families with puppy availability and get this first litter assigned within a couple of days of arrival.

Be well everyone! Send all the best of tiny furry vibes our way as we all await new life.