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Showing posts from February, 2013

Heidi and Hudson’s Litter Arrives – Day One

Welcome to the world!   Heidi and Hudson’s pups make their grand entrance! We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Heidi and Hudson’s puppies. It has been a whirlwind twenty-four hours. A trip to the vet revealed that Heidi was having very weak contractions and the puppies were ready to make their debut but her cervix was not open. At approximately 9:00 pm on Tuesday, February 26 th , Heidi gave birth to twelve adorable and vocal puppies via C-section - six boys and six girls! Dr. Rasa Levenstein   We would like to thank everyone at Graham Animal Hospital for their amazing compassion and dedication. Special thanks to Dr. Carol Graham and Dr. Rasa Levenstein for once again going above and beyond . The entire event occurred during a tremendous snow storm, however the puppies were snuggled together, keeping warm in our incubator during the lengthy trek back home. The puppies are doing well and mom is gettin

Heidi and Hudson - Day 55 days (pre-parturition)

  Heidi measuring 92 cms/ 36 inches with 8 days to go! As Heidi heads into the final days of her pregnancy, she is gradually slowing down. She still loves to venture outside with the pack for a quick romp in the snow, but is keeping more to herself, choosing instead to perch on the deck and watch everyone else play together.   Astonishingly, the pack is being very respectful of Heidi’s condition, taking care not to crowd her and even allowing her the courtesy of preferred lounging spots throughout the house. Heidi’s abdominal area now measures 92 cm/ 36 inches and she continues to have an amazing appetite. We are pleased that she is enjoying every meal we place in front of her as it is important for the puppies’ development. Golden Retriever Puppy Fetus - National Geographic --> At this point, the puppies’ coats of fur are fully developed and they will continue to gain in size in preparation for their birth. During Heidi’s evening belly rubs whi

Heidi and Hudson - 48 days (pre-parturition)

Heidi taking it a little easier these days! Heidi seems to be taking every day in stride. She continues to have an enormous appetite, polishing off every meal and still looking for more. A very athletic and slim girl under normal circumstances, Heidi seems a bit embarrassed with her weight gain and less than perfect figure as her waistline has expanded to 8 5 cm/ 33.5 inches. These days she would rather be lounging on a sofa than playing with her best friend Sierra and her evenings are mostly spent cuddling with us and receiving lots of belly rubs. Pre-natal period: It is an interesting fact that a dog's tactile perception develops before birth, therefore unborn puppies can detect touch when the mother is petted from the outside of the abdomen. This establishes the basis for puppies to tolerate being touched, when compared to puppies born to mothers that were not petted. Pregnant dogs that are exposed to stressful events tend to release hormones that can be detected by t

Heidi and Hudson Puppies – Day 37 (pre-parturition)

Heidi enjoying a Sunday afternoon by the fire. So far our Heidi seems to be sailing through her pregnancy. Usually around day 28, pregnant girls tend to go off their food somewhat. This is because growing puppies are pushing on the stomach creating the feeling of being full, but this lasts only a few days. Heidi however, hasn’t skipped a beat. Her appetite is ever increasing and she is showing no signs of slowing down! Heidi is more affectionate than ever, which seems impossible because she is such a lover. We both look forward to our daily cuddle time. We believe nutrition is important in canine development and even more so now. Over the next few weeks the puppies will begin to grow very rapidly.  National Geographic of an embryo at 25 days. Can you see the resemblance to the National Geographic image above?   At this stage, the puppies’ eyes and spinal cords have begun to develop and the face