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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

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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 which seem to last for hours, it is easy to feel the puppies moving around. The link below shows a very brief of a Golden Retriever in the womb.
 http://natgeotv.com/za/in-the-womb-animals/videos/golden_retriever?shared=true//videos/12166787/golden-retriever?cmp=user_post


Heidi’s whelping box is ready and waiting however she is beginning to seek out her own area in the yard to have her babies. We have more than foot of snow on the ground so it appears she is planning to build an igloo for her babies. Pregnant moms begin to nest about this time in their pregnancy and they always seem to prefer a dirty hole in the ground instead of a spotlessly clean whelping box!

As we head into the homestretch we are looking forward to the big event with great anticipation.

Stay tuned …..


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