Strangers in the Night

The neighbor called the other day to let us know that they have seen a cougar hang out at their place (eating all their chickens). So going to the barn at night or walking the dogs isn't my favorite thing to do. Last night I took Macy out to potty before bed about 11:00. Before I could even get the door closed, Macy was flying off the deck, into the dark yard. My first thought was SKUNK. As I went screaming behind her yelling "NO NO NO", all I could hear was the crunching of falling leaves and lots of it. She came back fairly quickly (I was too chicken to leave the deck) and fortunately she did not smell like a skunk (had that been the case the puppies would have been weaned last night) ;-). Once Macy was on the deck I listened to see if I could hear anything- there was more leaves rustling, some scratching, and what I thought was a low growl. I decided it was probably just my imagination, but to be sure I got the flashlight and checked it out. As I scanned the yard, I didn't see anything obvious, then I went to the tree's. There they were- 8 eyes staring back at me.

My flashlight was not powerful enough to identify the suspect, so I came in and got my husbands spotlight (10,000,000 + candle power). Come to find out I have a Coon Hound- not a Labrador Retriever! One mama and 3 babies raccoons peered down at us from the branches of the Oak tree. Macy and I watched them for a while, then decided that they had been scared enough and went to bed. I've always said, "If there's trouble, Macy will find it."

The puppies are little porkers. I call a few of the males Brutus. Their necks are like the Michelin Man. Everyone weighed in over 2 pounds today. By the end of the week I think most of them will have their eyes open. A few are starting to pull themselves up and not just drag themselves across the box. If you see dark red marks on the puppies, don't worry- it's nail polish. It helps me keep track of each one. Not too long now until they will start playing with each other instead of just sleeping on each other.

Movers and Shakers

Lip Smackin' Good

When Macy goes into the whelping box, it's like someone is ringing a dinner bell to call everyone in for supper...These puppies love to eat! Even my Veterinarian today said "Well, they aren't missing any meals." Today was the first "weigh-in" since birth and each puppy has gained about 1/2 pound. This is good for Macy too as she is prone to mastitis. At this age, the puppies day consists of eating, and sleeping, eating and sleeping, whining, eating and sleeping.

It's amazing how much they change in a few days. They all have big beautiful heads and thick "otter" tails (a characteristic of a lab as described in the AKC Standard). Macy is being a very good mom. She doesn't like to leave them for too long. She rarely leaves the box, even though the door is wide open- she just loves to be with the babes. I am still sleeping on the floor next to the box- better safe then sorry. I am just looking forward to that massage I will treat myself to in a few weeks!

After my litter of 9 yellows, it's fun to have a little color in the box.

An early delivery

The stork came early to our house, and brought 9 beautiful babies!

Macy had been uncomfortable all day, but wasn't showing any signs of labor- just going potty more then normal and panting. I knew that we were at the start of something, but when she got into the whelping box at 9:00 and starting pushing, I thought "are we really having puppies?" 13 hours later everyone was here. We have 4 black boys, 1 black girl, 3 chocolate boys, and 1 chocolate girl. They all were a little over a pound and love to eat!

Macy is being a great mom. She doesn't like to leave them, but will if she thinks food is involved. ;-) All the other dogs know that "something" is up in the house. It will be a fun 8 weeks watching these guys grow up!

Puppy #1

Introducing Macy

This is Macy, or as we call her "Roonis"! I keep asking myself if "I've lost my mind in having another litter of puppies so soon. The answer must be YES! ;-) Truth be told, we have been waiting a long time to breed Macy, and after finding the perfect match ( a very handsome boy from Canada), we decided to just go for it.

Puppies are due the 1st, although I think it may happen a day or two sooner. Macy is HUGE. Hard to believe, but even bigger then Ryder. Talk about a "baby bump"...She is carrying her puppies very low. Her normal waistline is about 30-33 inches. Right now her waistline is almost 45 inches. Macy seems very content on having her puppies in the house and loves her big padded pillow.

Keep your fingers crossed from an easy delivery and healthy pups!

"The Baby Bump"

One last romp...

Can you believe it? These puppies will be 8 weeks old Friday. It's true what they say- "Time flies when you're having fun!" Today was our last romp around together. Tomorrow they change in their "code" names for real names like Stella, Abby, Hoss, Max, and Gracie. On our romp we followed leaves, found and ate half of a pear, played keep-away with a small apple, chased each other, attacked tree branches, and tried to "get" the wind chime. It was fun, entertaining, and maybe, just maybe a little sad. I have come to know each of these puppies so well. I have studied them, held them, scolded them, praised them, taught them, and loved them. I could name each one in a line-up (let's hope I never have to). ;-) I am totally ready for them to be off into the world, but when I saw Ryder plop herself down and turn over onto her back to play- it pulled on my little heart strings! In Cash's words from the start of this journey 9 weeks ago- "You're a good mama dog Ryder!"

While one journey ends, another begins. Stay tuned as Macy, our chocolate girl gets ready to have puppies in December 1st!

On the Farm

More cute pictures of the gang. The just keep getting cuter...and braver. It is so fun to take them for their walks and watch them explore the great outdoors. I have them until the end of the week, then they will be off to bigger and better things. People ask me if it's hard to see them leave- I say it's bittersweet! Sure, we love these guys! But by the time they are 8 weeks old- Ryder and I are READY for a break. Not to mention that the families that these puppies go to live with are the "cream of the crop"- heck, I would go live with them if I could! ;-)

In this group of photo's I tried to label that I could identify. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart!

TBM

LHF

TTM & HF
TBM

TBM- Trouble Maker!

TTM

RHF- "Stand Off with Uncle Bubba"

NMF

LHF

NMM & BF

???

NMM

I also took some video footage- but be warned- it is not easy following nine puppies. It may cause motion sickness.