09/08/2026
Well, an eventful night was had! At Evans Shepherds, our puppies generally weigh between 8-12 oz at birth. Of course, many factors play into their birth weights, including how many pups are in the litter, which female is carrying the litter, etc.
That being said...I'm going to say that Adi outdid herself, and even that would be an understatement!
Yesterday around 1pm, Adi whelped a HUGE 19oz male. This is the size of a TWO WEEK OLD PUPPY! I watched and waited for #2 to arrive. Hours went by, and I finally decided to take her in to check in status of puppies and to get a count. At the south side of Steakhouse, #2 arrived healthy in the back seat with whelp pads being fully utilized!
When arriving at the vet, Xray showed that this litter would be only have 3 puppies; the 3rd still being held hostage; large, and breech. Three puppies is bonkers since Adi usually has 7-8 puppies. Anyways, we did some waiting and proactive medical assistance, but puppy was still taking it's sweet time.
Around midnight, we decided to start pushing oxytocin. Vet said after 3 doses in 30 minute intervals, we would need to prepare for c section.
First dose was given, and labor started up but wasn't progressing enough. Round two was a repeat of the first. Vet said that they could dose #3, but would be more likely to cause complications during surgery, so we had to consider that risk. I had a conversation with Jesus and I told the vet I was going to take Adi on a walk around the building to see if that shook anything loose.
After about 5 minutes of walking and worshipping, we came back inside. Vet had surgery estimate ready and we compared notes to Sissy's c section a month ago (TO THE DAY!). There were $1200 charges discrepancies I was being quoted compared to Sissy's, so the tech went to discuss with the vet to make some adjustments to the estimate.
As I waited, I had a pretty good conversation with Jesus and Adi. I simply asked him to allow me to experience what it feels like to be advocated for as much as I advocate for my animals and kids. Simply? Maybe not simply. For him, sure. For me, it was a pretty profound conversation.
Within about 5 minutes, before the tech returned with the updated estimate, I checked Adi, and puppy was starting to present! I told tech that I could feel a tail and toes. I asked the tech if she'd help me stand Adi up on hind legs to let gravity assist in the last eviction. She said sure, but she had to ask vet first...🙄 Yeah, I get it, but still...
Tech went back to talk with vet and I stood Adi up on my own and assisted her. In reality, as soon as I stood her up, she had about 3 big pushes and puppy was out! ALIVE! BIG!
So we now have three BIG CHONKERS and all have homes lined up already. When declaring that God gives us more than we can expect and hope for, and praying Romans 8:28 in the exam room, I couldn't help but smile and bask in His goodness the whole way home with 3 fat puppies, a healthy mama, and a less violated budget!
When He says He cares for the sparrows, that means puppies too. But more importantly, His children. Because He really is a good Father. 🥰
