One day old

Fern decided that 4 puppies were enough for her to cope with for her first litter and we are pleased to report that they are all doing very well.  We were very surprised when she only had 4 but we are grateful that they are all healthy.  The dog that we mated her with was a chocolate labrador so again we were surprised that there were no chocolate puppies - she must have given chocolate up for Lent ! 
Fern went for a quick 2 minute break this morning and her Mum and Grandma had a sniff around her just to make sure all was well - she soon dashed back  to her new little family though.  

Birth announcement !

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of 4 black puppies (2 dogs and 2 bitches).  They were born at approximately one-hourly intervals and all look to be healthy.  I had forgotten about the little mewing noise that they all make as they try to get to the milk and skid and roll upside down as she cleans them.  Fern seems a bit bewildered about it all but is being a very good Mum.  Not sure if there are any more on the way - watch this space ...............
(My next post will be tomorrow, Thursday)

TODAY'S THE DAY

Isn't nature amazing.  Exactly 63 days since conception, she is starting labour.  It's a pity human births aren't as predictable.
If everything goes well, we should have some good news by the end of the day.  Will keep you posted.

A bit of reassurance from Mother

Enjoying the peace and quiet

Fern is like a beached whale at the moment laying stretched out in the sun wondering why she's put on so much weight over the past few weeks.  Its just as well she has no idea what's in store in a couple of days time and she should make the most of the peace and quiet.

Nothing too strenuous

Its a beautiful Spring morning here and the daffodils are at their best as we set out for a gentle walk. Fern still has plenty of energy but I didn't like to go too far so we just had a gentle stroll up the fields and she had a good sniff around to see if any foxes had been out visiting last night.  I noticed the "sticky buds" on the horse chestnut trees are just beginning to burst out as well as the cherry blossom in the lane.

10 days to go

As far as I can remember she doesn't seem to have put as much weight on as our previous dogs so going to the gym and working out regularly must have made the difference, particularly as she is now on 3 meals a day.
Her Mum had 9 puppies so bets are now being taken as to how many she will produce.  

Smile for the camera

We went for a lovely walk on Sunday onto the top land with all the dogs and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather we've been having.  The eldest two dogs enjoyed cooling off in a pond which has developed over the last few years and Fern was desperate to follow them but we decided it might not be such a good idea in her condition so had to discourage her from going in.
She seems unperturbed by her expanding girth as she continues to explore the woods and fields pursuing all the fox and rabbit smells.

Looking back

 I thought it would be interesting to have a look back and see Willow (Fern's Mum)  with her puppies.
The first photograph was taken when the puppies were about a week old and at this stage the only distintive difference between them was the very pale cream puppy.  By the time they are 6 weeks old their little individual characters are beginning to show.

Looks very promising

Today 2nd March 2012 I am almost convinced that puppies might be on the way.  Whilst out gardening with her I noticed that her undercarriage looks more weighty and I have it on good authority that she hasn't been getting extra food yet.