First Puppy Pictures!!

We are so excited to have another beautiful litter from Hilo and Cleveland :))  Here are the first photos of the litter.  I hope you enjoy watching them grow and change in the coming weeks.  The photos of the male puppies are framed in blue and the females in pink :)  We like to have something to call the puppies until we know their "forever names".....and we have named this litter after birds :))  You will see the names on each photo....and hopefully it will help you to identify the puppies each time we post new pictures.  The puppies will be allocated after the 6 week vaccinations and vet check.  After you know which puppy will join your family.....please let us know if you have a name picked so we can start using it.  I would like to thank all of you for your kind words about the loss of one of our puppies.  We really appreciate your support.

In memory of "Falcon"......

 

 

 

Meet the boys.....

 

 

 

 

Meet the girls.....

 

 



 

Welcome Puppies :)))

This is a short note to announce that we have 7 healthy puppies that are now happily nursing!  After a long labor - Hilo delivered the first at 9:25 pm....and the last around 2:30 am!  There are 5 boys and 2 girls in shades of apricot and red.....and several have beautiful white markings on their chests as well.  Hilo has had a bit of a sponge bath, some chicken broth and a little soft food and will hopefully now be able to get some much needed rest :))  I know everyone is anxious to see photos.....but I will have to post them tomorrow.  Congratulations!!!

Temp drop :))

Late lastnight Hilo's temp was 98.6 degrees.  She slept in the kennel as usual and I tossed and turned while watching her on my video baby monitor :))  I never had one of those for my kids......but it is sure handy for the dogs/puppies!!  This morning......the temp  was 98.1 degrees; so this is the drop we have been waiting for.  It is exciting......but leads into some more wait time as the early labor period can go on for many hours.  Hilo is stretched out on the floor trying to keep cool, and seems to be having a harder time getting comfortable.  She is starting to have periods of heavier breathing.....which will eventually transition into a lot of panting and more evident contractions.  The whelping area and supplies are all ready to go and the camera battery is charged :))  I will be sure to post as soon as there is more news. 

Still Waiting......

Hi :))  Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are still waiting for the puppies to arrive.  Hilo is quite big....and getting more uncomfortable; so I hope it won't be much longer.  We know our dates are close......but this is not an exact science and nature has an agenda of its own ;)  We have been taking Hilo's temperature several times a day to watch for a drop below 98 degrees.  Once that happens we know that she will go into labor and start whelping within about 12 hours.  So far - no temp drop.....but I stay at home in order to watch her behavior closely as it is possible to miss the drop.  She has been eating today, but spends most of her time stretched out on the hardwood floor to keep cool.  I took these pictures this afternoon to give you an idea of how her belly looks!  I can feel the babies squirming around and trying to get in the right position to be born.  Hilo is shaved down as this will make it easier for her to whelp and nurse the puppies.  Having been overdue with both of my kids......I can imagine that she is as anxious as we are for things to start to happen....lol.  I promise to keep you updated, and will post and/or e-mail as soon as there is news to share.  Be sure to check the blog....and you are always welcome to e-mail me directly at christaandmike@shaw.ca