Misty has Delivered!

It seems every birth story is different in some way....but this is one was so unlike the others, I thought I would share it as it happened so you will appreciate our wonderful news as much as do!

The day started out as I might expect so close to a due date.   Misty refused her kibble, was restless, hiding when she had the chance, asking to go outside, only to run right back so she could scratch vigorously behind a chair.  I put up with this for only so long before I confined her in the whelping room.  But she moaned so pitifully I had to let her out every now and then   Misty is not normally a complainer.  It was hard to listen to her groan.   

I spent the day keeping an eye on Misty while I sewed a cover for her whelping box.  By the time dinner came around Misty was quietly accepting her fate as she hid in the back of her Crate in the Whelping room.  With all the commotion of dinner dishes and taking care of the kids, it wasn't until 8pm that I was able to check on Misty again.   As I crouched over to peer into her the back of the large plastic crate, I was surprised to see she was in the midst of hard labor.   The puppy was clearly full down in the birth canal, but the bag of water was not yet showing..  I watched through several minutes of hard pushing fully expecting a puppy to pop out at any time.  How disappointing it was when the contractions paused and the puppy slid back inside.  

I let everyone in the house know that Misty was in active labor and we needed to be left alone.   I was not going to leave Misty's side, now.  I got my paperwork ready to start timing contractions.....but it seemed they were one after another.  Occasionally Misty's body would take a break and she would close her eyes.  But it seemed to drag on and on with no progress.  Around 10 am, she seemed thoroughly exhausted, lying on her side, her stomach contracting one after another and no puppy..

This is not the way it usually happens.  With continued straining the bag of water should be forced out within 15 minutes.  Misty looked tired....but was not distressed.  Nonetheless, I was beginning to fear things would take a turn for the worse if I didn't act soon.   I called the Emergency Veterinary Clinic. We arrived at the office at 10:30 pm.. 

During the initial exam the veterinary was concerned to learn of Misty's hours of pushing and we could still see a puppy was partly in the birth canal.  I asked if the puppy was dead.  The veterinaries reaction upon examining Misty was not particularly reassuring.   We discussed that it was likely a C-section would be necessary.   All the potential costs and procedures were laid out.  It seemed dismal.  But I gave the green light to do whatever they needed to keep Misty safe.  He took Misty to the back room to take some X-rays.  

While we waited, my husband and I discussed the $$$ amounts for the procedure.  We talked about Misty's possible C-section  and possibly losing one or more puppies and then having to tell the kids.  These were disconcerting topics.  Heartbreaking really.   It made me very weepy.   I tried to be strong.   I started to look for a silver lining.   The money is well spent considering that we have had many healthy puppies in the past, and we would still go home with our beloved pet, Misty.   When you breed puppies over several years, you have to expect there will be an emergency at some point.  You have to accept the good with the bad.  This seemed to be our time.   

I pulled together my courage in time for the doctors return.  I was not encouraged by the news that X-rays revealed that there were only 2 puppies inside and one of them was blocking the birth of the other.   The Veterinarian had tried to help the puppy along, but he could not dislodge it.  His only option now was to prepare Misty for a C-section.

At that point I was resigned for the worst.   I sat in the waiting room imagining what was happening in the back, with Misty being cut open for her C section.  I didn't expect the veterinary to come back quite so soon but all of a sudden, there he was.   He said that one puppy was delivered....but it was still struggling to breathe.  "OK", I thought, "let's pray he lives!"  Then the vet left us.   I was still hoping for something positive, but resigned for the worst..  I imagined we had lost a puppy, but at least one puppy was hanging on to life.

As I sat and waited it was hard to think straight.  My body was weary and my mind was confused.  Soon my imaginations were interrupted once more.   The Vet Technician appeared and announced that we had a boy and a girl!  What?!?   A boy AND a girl!  I thought we only had two puppies and one had died!   No.  The Tech explained that when the doctor tried to dislodge the puppy, even though it didn't budge, something went right.  Because right after he left to discuss the C section with us, Misty delivered the puppy on her own!  The Vet Tech described how overjoyed she was that as she wiped away the mucous, she saw the puppy gasp for air!  He was alive!   That is when the doctor came back to tell us we had a puppy.  I wish he had made it clear that it was our first first puppy and that he had NOT done the C section....but I suppose in the end all went well and that is what matters.    And of course, after that first puppy came out, Misty's second puppy delivered much more easily.

So in the end, Misty's Emergency visit came out with the best possible outcome.    Misty delivered her puppies naturally.   She did not have a C section.  Both puppies are fat and nursing well!   And yes, we still have the ER bill....but it is less than half the cost of the C section.  It is a small price to pay for a healthy Mama and puppies.    God is Good!   My prayers were answered!

UPDATE:
Misty is home now enjoying her little babies and just like all good Moms she seems to have forgotten what it took to get here.  She stays with them day and night, nursing, cleaning and adoring them.  At this point she will not leave their side....except every now and then she has a burst of excited energy in which she runs around to different people in the house looking us with a sparkle in her eyes, and grinning from ear to ear as if to say, "Come take a look!   I have BABIES!"

Left, Apricot girl Schnoodle.  Right Apricot boy Schnoodle.

Misty cleaning up her pups early this morning.

Getting the Nursery ready!

I was looking at the calendar today and started to get butterflies when I realized we are almost within a week of Misty's due date. I  need to start charting Misty's temperature regularly so I have no surprises.

Somehow I feel like Misty is going to be late like Dixie was for her last litter.  I am putting more confidence in the date given by her second breeding.  But I still have to get all the whelping supplies ready now.  The list of supplies is very long....old sheets, towels, thermometer, syringe, scale, scissors, string, etc.

I am also reading up on all the whelping information to be sure I am well prepared for the unexpected.  It is always important for me to reeducate myself every time we get close to a whelping.   It has been over a year since I last prepared!

One of the exciting things I did this summer to make our puppy space better was to redecorate the office/puppy room.   The old room still had the dingy carpet from the house when it was first built.  It needed replacing 12 years ago!  It has been long overdo for me to rip out the old carpet and put in a waterproof flooring.  I thought about real wood....but spending all that money for puppies to pee on it, did not sound like a good choice.   I researched and researched and discovered a new product called Allure Floating Vinyl Plank Flooring (sold by Home Depot).  It is made of vinyl but comes in planks and is made to look like wood.  It was given very high ratings by people with dogs.  I liked that!  But another big selling point is that it is super easy for someone with no experience (like me) to install.  It literally only took one afternoon to put in!  ....The only draw back as I can see, is it does look a bit fake next to my real hardwood in the foyer.  But I put a Seagrass Area Rug on it to give some warmth and I really don't notice it anymore.   I am thrilled with the results.  Of course, the area rug will be removed during the 2 months when are puppies are using the room.   But it makes the room feel cozy for the rest of the year.

Here is the room BEFORE the redecorating.  .

Our dingy old office needed a puppy friendly facelift!

Here is the room AFTER the redecorating......

Repainted, new flooring, a new rug...white paint freshens up the book case and desk.  Both desks were bought for a steal on Craigslist!

Since I only have a few litters a year, my room has to fulfill a dual purpose.  This is our computer room, homework room, library, office.   And when we have puppies it transforms into the nursery.

I already put an extra large crate in the back corner of the room for Misty to nest in.  Dogs seek out quiet corners to have their litters...Hopefully this spot isn't too bright for her.   She also would love to hide in the office closet.  I don't plan to have her whelp in either of these spaces.  I find a baby pool works best as a whelping box.  But at least if Misty hides in the crate or closet , she will be in the right room.

During the last week, I will enclose Misty in the office room if I have to leave the house and especially during the night.  If she happened to have her puppies without my knowing....at least there would be no damage to carpets or bedding in the office. The worst thing of all would be for her to whelp under my daughters bed....and so far she's been climbing under there a lot.  

I am so glad to have a fresh space for my puppy nursery!  And there is plenty of room for the puppy pens too.  I just won't put those up until the puppies have arrived.

Updating the Waiting List for Misty's Litter

Are you on the Waiting List for Misty's Litter? 
Please check to see if you are on the Waiting List by looking at the Waiting List page.  If you are on the list, now is the time to email me again to confirm that you are still interested in purchasing a puppy.

www.GrowingPuppies@yahoo.com

Some people have been on this list for a very LONG time....so it really is important to know if they still want a puppy.    There are some people who gave me the name of a family member for the Waiting List.   Those people need to make sure that family member who wants to buy the puppy contacts me directly.   I  will not keep anyone on the Waiting list who does not contact me directly.  I will not sell to third parties.   I will be interviewing each person by phone before I sell them a puppy.

One of our Schnoodle babies photographed by Lori Elizabeth photography.

To remain on the Waiting list I need the following information in an email:   
Name:
Address:
Phone number:   (I will interview by phone the first 7 people)
Puppy Gender:  (let me know if you are open to the other gender if your first choice is not available.)
Do you wish to stay on the list if a puppy is not available?  

I will be making phone interviews for the first 7 people who contact me on the Waiting List.  If you are first on the list and do not email me, I will try to reach you, but will go to the next person if I am unable to reach you.

Please do not email me at this time if you are not listed on the Waiting list page for Misty's litter.   I will not be able to respond because I will be busy with the current litter customers.   

I will post a note when I am ready to open the Waiting List for the next litter.   Please wait until the announcement. 

One of our newborn Schnoodles

 

Updating the Waiting List:

Over the next several weeks I will make BOLD the names of the people on the Waiting List that have contacted me.   I will remove the names of those people who ask to be removed.   If I do not hear from you I will not BOLD your name or remove your name until the litter is born and I have received all the deposits.  Then I will need to remove your name if you have not contacted me.

People on the Waiting List can check the List every Saturday for revisions.  I won't update the list every day, only once a week.

My main goal in this procedure is to be fair to all those who have been waiting, and to be efficient in the process.  Thank you for sharing in the excitement of our Schnoodle litter!

Misty Pregnancy Confirmed.... Due date Oct 2.

Misty's belly is visible just below her fringes.

I wanted to give an update on Misty's breeding status.  She is definitely pregnant!  It took me a while to confirm this pregnancy since she didn't show any early signs of pregnancy, like avoiding food or sleeping excessively.  She pretty much seemed like her regular self until this past week when she started to show.  And now she is definitely showing a rather round belly.   Because of Misty's long fur, it's a little hard to see her puppy bump when she's standing up.   But her pregnant state is much more noticeable when she is lying on her side.

Misty's due date is still Oct 2.  It will be coming up soon!   The the puppies will be growing very quickly over the next few weeks.   So look for updates as we approach the end of September.   I always like to be ready a week before that due date since puppies may arrive as early as 7 days before the actual due date.

 My daughter has already made a list of puppy names.   We are definitely getting excited!

Dixie is getting a haircut sometime this week.  Her long fur can't even hide those puppies!

Coco update....

Cute as a button....Sure wish we could have some puppies!

Sweet little Coco does not have any exciting puppy news to share.  Coco has not been bred....and is not expecting puppies yet.    Of course, I am rather disappointed that it has not yet happened.  But all we can do is be patient.

I was hoping that Misty being in heat would encourage Coco to come into heat as well.  I started observing Coco very carefully every day to see if she was coming into heat.  Then one day one of my kids noticed something.  They called me over and sure enough Coco had a spot of blood.   I was so excited.  It should have been the first day of her heat.  So I watched and watched her for other signs during the days that followed.  I even put her in a diaper.   There was absolutely nothing else.

Toy Schnauzers never lose the 'puppy look'!

Normally taking a dog to the stud on Day 10 is optimum for breeding...but I was getting nervous that something was off with Coco's cycle.   So I made a decision to take her on Day 6.  I drove 2.5 hours to visit my friend Carol, who owns an Apricot Poodle stud and is also a very experienced breeder .   I left Coco there for a whole week.  Coco got along great with the stud poodle.  But there was absolutely no 'romantic' interest on Coco's part.  Carol always supervised there interactions....and watched Coco closely as well.  She too could see no other signs of heat in Coco, except that her stud was interested in her.  After a week, Coco would have none of it, so I decided to bring her home.

We don't quite know why Coco hasn't come into heat yet.  I will take her to the vet to have her checked to see what he says.   Coco definitely had a sign....but perhaps she never ovulated.  It has been almost a year since Coco's very first heat, and I certainly would have thought she'd have a litter by now.  So I am very disappointed.  But everything happens for a reason.  So I try to be patient.

In the mean time, I fully believe that God helps those who help themselves.  So over the past year, I have been actively pursuing the purchase of a Red poodle puppy for a stud dog.  I found several breeders around the country who were good prospects but the last few litters that we were waiting for did not produce a male! 

Finally the right puppy was born in August.  He is a deep Mahogany Red Color...He was well worth the wait!  He is very well bred, has Champions in his pedigree, was bred for red, with reds dominating his lineage.   So he will throw good color to his puppies.  He will grow to the right size for both Coco and Misty.   Although I was ready to buy him myself, a close friend of mine who breeds her beautiful female poodle was also willing to purchase him.  That is a better arrangement for me, another dog in this house would be a lot!  My friend has only two dogs, so it will be better for her.  This puppy will be a member of her family and well loved.  My friend lives close by so getting the dogs together will be easy.  Yah!   Hopefully now we are better able to catch Coco even if she has another silent heat!

Coco's puppies will be so amazing!  I have such a hard time being patient for this litter.  It will be good to have the distraction of the new little poodle puppy coming our way.  I will share photos of the red fellow next month.

Liam's Summer Adventure

Here is the latest about Liam sent from Liam's mom:

Liam finished his Canine Good Citizen class and is going to take the test at the end of the summer.   His barking has gotten much better over time with training. 

 This fall, we're hoping to have him start volunteering for helping children gain confidence in reading at local schools and libraries, but I think Liam is still to energetic to sit still for that long! 

I also wanted to send some pictures of Liam's summer adventures.   We recently came back from a trip to Cape Cod. 

 

Liam went on a whale watch!  

Liam also loved playing fetch and digging on the beach. 

 

 Liam can swim, but he prefers only going up to his knees in the waves.  I don't blame him though, the ocean is cold up here!  Overall, he seems to be a beach bum just like his mom and dad.

Funny fact:  after his bath, Liam has to be bundled up like a burrito, and then snuggle with his brother, Jasper (which is the cutest thing ever).   

Bundled like a Burrito!

Cuddling up with Jasper.   Best buddies!

We can't wait to hear about the next litter!      

Yours,  Erin.