Regalgoldens Golden Retrievers

"Mush" is a hit with all the Puppies including Bella! It’s now approaching four weeks since these little darlings were born.  They are growing by the hour it seems, and are very gentle, easy going with loving dispositions. Each and every puppy is just so beautiful but with parents like Bella and Hudson, how can they not be blessed with good looks? The highlight of this week was mealtime “mush”:  a healthy concoction of oatmeal, goat’s milk and vitamins. What a hit! Without the need of an invitation, Mr. Black was the very first to dig in. The others followed his lead - some a little apprehensively, perhaps since this substance wasn’t delivered by the usual milk truck.  Since that first day, Bella must have taught them some manners as they are no longer inclined to climb into the bowl. They are now a very cultured group, taking their spot at the “table”, eating politely and recruiting their siblings to help them get cleaned up after the feast.  The added bonus ...

It’s been another exciting week for Hudson and Bella’s puppies! Their eyes are fully open now and they are intently trying to comprehend the world around them. They are all walking and venturing out of the whelping box at every opportunity. Mr. Purple wins the prize for being the first one to escape. The whelping box is much larger now that a section has been added, providing everyone with a much-needed lounging area. The puppies are growing rapidly and it’s amazing to watch the transformation daily as they become more mobile and their personalities begin to emerge. They are beginning to play with each other and are spending more time awake each day. They are also interacting more with our family as we are greeted with nine wagging tails and tiny faces that peer up at us. The puppies are all so soft and gentle and they lap up every ounce of affection they receive. It’s impossible to resist picking up and cuddling each and every one. Mr. Blue, Mr. Green and Miss Lavender are certai...

Mr. Purple loves to snuggle It’s remarkable how quickly Bella’s puppies have grown, with some of them tripling their birth weight. They are just beginning to maneuver themselves around with the assistance of their hind legs. Some stagger around like closing time at a speak easy - they take several wobbly steps on all fours before they collapse into a heap. Bella is spending more time out of the whelping box, but her babies are always top of mind. Whenever she hears a squeak, she runs back to check on them. For reasons not apparent to us, Bella has been scouting out a new den for her babies. When she goes outside, she immediately runs to the corner of the house and begins digging. The hole is about 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep! Bella now has enlisted the aid of our younger dogs who think it’s great fun to dig! As Bella’s pups grow larger, so do their appetites! Occasionally Bella will throw us a backward glance when she enters the whelping box as if to ask, “What?  Didn’t I j...

Bella is such a fantastic mum! It seems hard to believe that a whole week has passed since Bella and Hudson’s little ones were born. Time has just flown by for us - perhaps not so much for Bella. She’s such an attentive mum, staying in the whelping box with her puppies, leaving them only briefly for the occasional bathroom break. The other day, we started out on a short walk with Bella in the yard. After about a minute, she darted back toward the door in a panic. Apparently we were not walking back fast enough for she kept running back and forth as if to imply: “Hurry up! My babies need me !”. We spend most of our days just sleeping and cuddling! Puppies are born without sight or hearing, however they are able to detect light. For now, their sense of smell is what guides them to mum! They crawl around using swimming-like movements, propelled mostly by their tiny forelimbs and a good deal of determination. Despite lacking their sight and their hearing, the puppies are defini...

The Big Day Arrived! Here are a couple of pictures from last night just after Bella completed the delivery approximately 4:30 am. The pups are feasting and resting as they should. Introducing Mr. Purple, Mr. Blue, Miss White, Miss Yellow, Mr. Black, Miss Lavender, Mr. Brown, Mr. Green and Mr. Crimson! All cozy while I clean up the whelping box! Bella with her 9 new babies!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to give you an update on Bella ... Bella enjoying the sun today! We welcome to the world Mr. Purple at 11:14 pm. Soon to follow was Mr. Blue at 11:28 pm. Then Miss White at midnight. Gosh, not long after was Miss Yellow at 12:11 am and Mr. Black at 12:23 am. Bella is taking a rest right now so we will check in later ..... Back again, Miss Lavender makes her appearance at 1:13 am followed by Mr. Brown. And just when we think we are done Mr. Green pops out! Time to clean up the whelping box ...... Just when everything is nice and clean, Mr. Crimson now makes his entrance ..... After cleaning up yet again, Miss Pink made her entrance unexpectedly at 3:41 am. Sadly, due to the length of Bella's labour, we lost the little princess and were not able to revive her. Well, I think that is it. Bella is fine and her nine puppies are nursing and resting. We will follow up with pictures tomorrow as it has been a long night!

What and exciting and adventuresome week we have had! We were greeted with several visitors – all turtles. Below is a picture of our most recent guest – Momma Turtle about 20 inches in length. Momma Turtle laying her eggs Bella, our sweet gentle girl has typically been the watchdog of the family. She would always stride around the perimeter of our property letting all would-be intruders know to stay away. She doesn’t even like animals on TV! However, this week she took on the role of protector. She planted herself in front of Momma Turtle and kept all the other dogs away by barking at them. Wow, what maternal instincts she has. Bella enjoying nap time in the sun after protecting Momma Turtle! Bella continues to blossom as her tummy has expanded to 36.25 inches or 92 cms. Heading into her final week of pregnancy, Bella is just as sweet and loving as ever, however there is definitely a waddle in her walk. Not sure how she managed it, but last night she climbed up on the bed...