Shadow had a long and at times difficult labour. She started at 10.30pm last night and it took 11 hours for all seven of her puppies to be born. She had particular difficult birth with Chekov and showed significant relief when he was out. As you know, we lost Crimble. She had been detached from her placenta too soon before birth and it was clear from Shadow’s response that things did not look good. However my Mistress tried all possible resuscitation techniques to get her going and despite everything from heart massage, vigorous rubbing and mouth to mouth resuscitation she was not able to be successful. She tried for 30 minutes and had to accept it wasn’t going to happen. I hope the little darling is now happily over the rainbow bridge in a field of green and endless sunshine.
The other six have all been checked by the vet and as far as can be told at this early stage, all is well. One of the boys has the most amazing kinked tail. It is a whole z bend all on its own. It’s too early to tell you very much about the markings. I do know that rather than being a polydactyl toe the one I mentioned has a double dew claw and will be having them removed on Monday.
The oddest thing so far is that Cuddles at 314g is over 100g lighter than the next nearest sibling. My Mistress is going to give her some special time and attention to try to bring her on a little. She is a full 180g lighter than her big brother Chekov.
Shadow had an x-ray at the vet to make sure she has had them all and I am pleased to say that all is well. She is very tired and asked me to pass on her thanks to all her supporters and she will tell me as much as she can later.
Alfie’s Diary – the Book is available at Amazon UK –https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00583ZGSA
You can find short stories to read at www.alfiedog.com
Congratulations to all involved, from Andy and myself as well as the extended Platt family…..
Congratulations to all concerned. Shadow must be relieved and now very chuffed about her family. Sorry about little Crimble. Terribly sad to have lost one in the midst of all the joy. I’m sure as Uncle Alfie you will help raise the youngsters and give them advice.
Congratulations on your new litter of puppies! Wishing you all the very best for 2014. Entle-greetings from Switzerland with Emmeli & Hedy (=agnate sibling of your new litter).