Reflections on the first week...

The puppies are doing very well! Cute little hamster-things! The first day Dixie gave me a scare...she didn't move from her whelping spot for about 12 hrs after the birth. She looked like she was glued to her spot.  We couldn't coax her toward the food or water.  I read my books through, and couldn't find any reason that she should be experiencing any postnatal problems...so I tried not to worry.  Finally, late that day, she jumped up and ran outside for a whole minute. Then hurried back to the brood as fast as she could run! She had no physical problems....she  was just that serious about watching her brood!

Now that the puppies are a week old I am definitely breathing a sigh of relief...I think Dixie is feeling more relaxed too.  My vet told me that if you can get through the first 48 hours without any visible signs of trouble, then the puppies are usually going to be just fine.  Dixie is now leaving her puppies for longer lengths of time.  The puppies are eating more and therefore, sleeping for longer stretches.  Dixie doesn't leave until the pups have fallen asleep on a full stomach, and then they seem to sleep quite nicely until her return.

The puppies are presently in 'the nursery' a large guest bathroom in our basement.  Its the quietest place in the house.  This is not so important for the puppies, but more for Dixie's peace-of-mind.  Her protective instincts are so acute right now, that she gets very uptight if the children hover about too much.  I do make a point to run down and look the pups over a few times throughout the day.  I also pick them up and check them over head to toe.  I need to keep close eye on their progress to make sure they continue to grow well.  This is also very important for the puppy development.  The human touch from the earliest days will have lasting effects in their personalities throughout their life.