A MINIMUM OF 12

Pieta got her xray today and they say she is "loaded".  There were little puppy skulls and spines all over - up under her ribs, low and high, near the back - everywhere.  It was difficult for the doctor to be sure of the exact count as there was fluid in Pieta's uterus and it had some folds in it.  All normal, just doesn't make the interpretation easy.  I've felt from her size and discomfort that this would be a big litter, just didn't know how much.  Once I got her on the scale, I saw she has gained 15 pounds.  That was a clue of what was to come. Most of the staff came through to look at the film - maybe they will have a pool of bets on the actual number which they want me to call in.  I've got a great vet who gives out her cell phone and is available day or night for any needs.  The room is just about ready to go - Dr. Metzler thinks it will be Oct 3 at the earliest. 

PREGNANT PIETA

THEY'RE MOVING!

Tonight, for the first time, I can feel movements in Pieta's belly.  I can't really feel any kicking yet, it's more like position changes.  It is really exciting.

On the food front, Pieta is eating a little better.  I'm changing what I offer - yesterday it was roast beef and a lot of jus and today it was pasta and back to the Taste of the Wild.  She still is turning up her nose at chicken - maybe she's tired of eating years of it!  She is liking her dog biccuits and more beef jerky. 

Mary Ellen called tonight - she things there will be 14 or 15 pupsters.  Maybe I should start a pool for predictions.........   We'll know before too long.  The hair on Pieta's sides now sticks straight out - pushed out by her expanding girth.  It has make me decide to get the whelping box up this weekend , just to be sure.

JULIA CHILD, I NEED HELP!

Pieta in another inch bigger  (6" so far).  Even though she is not eating so well, she is growing.  I roasted 4 chickens and she turned up her nose.  She was eating Taste of the Wild but no longer.  Last night I had some Pork Buns which she did like.  Tonight she ate cucumber from my salad and I toasted a roll for her.  But no other food.   Even if fed from a fork.  I'm going to cook some eggs and I'll doctor up some more rolls.  Basically, I open the refrigerator and start pulling out things to try.   But not dairy yet as she doesn't need any extra calcium at this time (that's for after whelping).  Send in your ideas - I'm about to open Mastering the Art of French Cooking and call on Julia.

JUST OVER TWO WEEKS TO GO

Pieta continues to grow and at times she is uncomfortable, so she often tries to adjust her position.  She likes being on the tile floor now instead of on a bed.  She's doing some occasional panting as well which looks like Lamaze practice.  Now I am feeding her three times a day as she can not eat the larger quantities at one time.  Today she decided she did not want any more chicken, (freshly cooked), so I'm on the search for the foods she will eat and that are also good for her and the pupsters.  I tried to listen for heartbeats but Pieta did not stay still long enough so I didn't push it.  I think that it should be possible to feel movements by the end of this week so I'll write about that.

BIGGER AND BIGGER

I'm measuring Pieta's abdominal girth in the same place and today she is 5" bigger around than when she was bred.  Her growth in the middle is even bigger.  I'm wondering how long she will still fit through the dog door.  We have our vet appointment for the xray on September 29.  The closer to the actual whelp date is better as there is more calcification on the skulls and spines so they are more visible.  This helps to give the most accurate count of puppies which can be helpful when whelping to know how many to expect.  I've ordered the have on hand medical supplies - I always think that if I have the back up I won't need it, where I might have to make a vet trip if I don't.  I try to do most everything at home so I don't have to take the puppies out shortly after birth.  Of course I would if I needed to, but I've always had the event go smoothly.  It's getting exciting...................

PIETA AS A PUPPY

Pieta was about 9 weeks old here.  She has beautiful jet black eyes and pigment.  She was a thinker puppy, she spent a lot of time watching before acting. We'll see if she has any pupsters like herself.