Final Countdown!

Today is day 59 out of 63. Puppies could come anytime now! We closely monitor Magnolia's temperature and behavior. She has been bathed in chlorhexidine shampoo and had her belly trimmed. Some breeders like to shave the bellies but I prefer to leave a little fur so they puppies won't scratch her so easily. Scratches can get infected and that is how mastitis happens. Very common for nursing mothers (human and canine!), very painful and can be quite dangerous. We don't want it we can help it, once the pups start nursing that is something we keep a close watch on.

Enjoying a quiet moment, I could feel the pups moving.

We post so many pics of momma but we love our stud dog Hoekema Homestead's Tonka Time! Doesn't he have the best curly coat??? And of course, he is the biggest sweetheart. So lucky we can have access to his breeding skills......

If you are lucky, your puppies coat will look like Daddy!

In preparation for puppies we clean, disinfect and sanitize EVERYTHING around here! The whelping room was completey dismantled, new paint and every inch scrubbed with Kennel Sol, Bleach, Vinegar, Wyziwash and F-10 disinfectant.

I love the Wysiwash sprayer for all the wired crates, kennel and the yard!! I don't know I lived without it!

The room has been put back together and everything is in order. My work station has a scale, paperworrk ready for record keeping, ribbons for identifing each puppy, all the whelping tools at the ready. This will be their home base for the next 8 weeks, with multiple modifcations as they grow and their needs change. We will add crates, potty trays, toys, etc. They will sleep here the entire time, but eventually will have another area for play and curriculum. Mom will stay with them pretty constantly for the first few weeks but then she will sleep on the bed outside of the box where she can keep a close eye on them but get a little well deserved time to herself.

Please pray for us and keep your fingers crossed that everyone makes it out and to this side without drama! Oh, and a good solid wish for a daytime delivery would be fantastic!!!