07/09/2024
Sorry I’ve been offline folks. Here’s a fun breakdown on my very first ABC litter!
Firstly, I can’t thank all the families enough who have chosen one of my puppies for their home. This litter, while unplanned right now, was planned (just, a few years down the road!).
When Suzie was caught, I was both guilt ridden and nervous for the onslaught of judgment that was about to come my way. I wasn’t emotionally, intellectually, or practically ready for this litter and I had some really, really tough decisions ahead of me. Legit breeders are not in fashion right now.
Well, suffice to say the universe offered several opportunities for me and it was almost as though this litter was willed into existence.
In the time Suzie was gestating, so much took place for me personally:
I managed to buy a new home, obtain health testing for Suzie, get her x rays done, plan an agility trial, find time to still compete, research and purchase all the necessary provisions for the litter, but also CONSULT with the folks whom I trusted and who have been down this path before.
I really want to acknowledge Jan Thinglestad, my friend from Montana, who was so supportive and offered me several resources on the days leading up to the pups birth.
On June 27th at noon, I came home from work to check on Suzie. She seemed fine. Nothing but a pregnant momma straining to move around.
I went back to work and at 4:30pm I arrived home to both baby “Albus” and Suzie, laying in their whelping pen. It’s happening!
I immediately called my best friend Randy Mackenzie, a seasoned veteran in the animal rearing game. In less than five minutes, Randy arrived and began coaching me on all the next steps.
As the litter continued to be born (Sirius, Myrtle, Molly, Ginny, Bella), Suzie was taking to it well. She would cut the cord, clean the pups, but, ultimately wasn’t sure what to do beyond this. Man, I felt so scared for her. I was scared too.
As we moved into the next few days of the whelping phase. It became clear that Suzie, while maternal, was NOT overly “into” the mom life. But, she was a rockstar throughout it all. She cleaned, fed and nurtured each one of those pups routinely.
As I weighed them each day for the first two weeks. Every single pup was gaining at an even average - a sign that each pup was rotationally getting access to their mother’s milk.
During this point in time, I honestly can’t remember much. It just felt like I was “in it” you know? Watching each one grow day by day. Developing their own barks, grunts, snorts, etc. I still don’t think I’ve properly “absorbed” it all.
As the weeks moved on and I became more comfortable with the pups health, I began to take them on safe adventures! Places that I could trust for weekend events. From Lloydminster to our very own trial, here in Fort McMurray. Each pup was so well socialized and handled. Again, I can’t thank everyone enough for being so compassionate. After all, who doesn’t love a puppy snuggle?
As the pups have all moved on into their new forever homes, I’m still at a loss for words.
It’s been so much time, energy, commitment and sacrifice. When you’re in it you’re in it. But when it’s done you really see how it’s taken its toll.
I’m so grateful for all of the updates I receive from all the new families. To be able to see them all grow up is one of the greatest feelings ever.
Beyond this folks, I don’t anticipate breeding again. If again, certainly not for quite a long time (years).
This is just my final message here to give you a brief recap of some of the events that have taken place these last three months. I will however be sharing updates on all the pups as I get them.
Thanks for reading this long post.
Cheers,
Dave
