It's A Girl! It's a Girl! It's A Boy!

Yup, three adorable little pups were born this morning, two girls and a boy.

Lady was all distressed all day yesterday. She was exhibiting signs of stage 2 labor and I promptly called my friend Christy to come over. It was a stressful night. Christy and I were awake until about 1:30 in the morning in anticipation of the coming of the pups. We were so excited.

I had been reading up on the whelping of a Maltese and I was very sure that I am ready to assist in the delivery.

At 8:30 in the morning, Christy heard some grunts from Lady's cage and I went to check up on her. I heard some vigorous licking coming from under the covers and I thought that it was one of the signs of labor. But as I got close, I noticed a funky smell emanating from under the blankets. With a little trepidation, I lifted the covers and saw Lady hunched over and obviously licking at something. All hell broke loose after that, at least for me. I started squealing and Christy took over. I tried to call Grant but Christy needed me. It took an eternity for her to tie the umbilical cord. I had to cut it. I couldn't and I was frozen. Christy said I folded like a cheap card table. Her hero had clay feet. She thinks I am solid as a rock, and there I was, spooked at the sight of blood from a small dog. I took a deep breath and finally cut the umbilical cord. I felt the snip, and it took all of my will power not to faint. I was sniffling, not crying, but I had the sniffles just the same.

It was a good thing Grant came shortly and helped deliver the last two pups. I couldn't and wouldn't have been able to. I went to the patio and declared that I am not coming in until everything is cleaned up. That putrid smell was making me gag. And the dog was bloodier the second and third time around. There was no way I could have handled it. I just killed my fish Bob. How can I do this?

The storm has passed and all is well. all three pups are healthy and suckling like crazy. The mother is exhausted but is finally eating and drinking water.

More to follow on the pups and I will post pictures as soon as I can.