5.14.2008 - Between work, going to New Mexico for a dog show and taking care of the whole crew, there hasn't been much time for a proper update. One word: FAT! These puppies are big chunky kids and they are all growing quickly. Heidi is a good Mom but she misses social time with her buddies so we have been letting her have more breaks the last four or five days. We've been able to see twinkles in the corners of their eyes. Here are a few new photos.

5.5.2008 - Heidi's puppies were Weimarized today. They had tails and dews removed at the vet. Some of the babies held their full tails stick-straight all the way to the tip! Overall whelping went as well as can be expected. The first three were breach and out of the sac which means it was very uncomfortable for Heidi to deliver them. She was a trooper through the whole thing and let us help her out. Hazel and Jubilee kept vigil outside the door the whole day. Hazel would try and box the door open when we were going in and out. We're hoping the birth of these new additions does not cause her to come back into milk (we just got her weaned!).

5.3.2008 - Heidi decided to make up for Hazel's middle of the week, middle of the night whelping. She started going into active labor after a good nights' rest, 10 am Saturday morning. Between kids, she was snacking on pretzels right along with us. Of course, there's more to the story but I am going to bed ! Click here for photos.

4.27.2008 - We took this new photo of Heidi (right) sitting in the "chair" in our living room. She is obviously uncomfortable. She waddles around and moans and groans, letting us know just how miserable she is. She does seem to find a great deal of energy at mealtime, however. She also finds grub time for Hazel's puppies yields some tasty leftovers.

4.21.2008 - Heidi is rapidly gaining in girth, though she is not as big as Hazel at 45 days into her pregnancy ! She is carrying the puppies high and wide up under her ribs. Her appetite continues to be ravenous. Heidi has been a little more moody now that her size is increasing. I (Amy) returned to my own bed after sleeping in the room with Hazel's puppies for the last three weeks. She was so emotional about it, she kicked Anna Mae to the foot of the bed, crawled under the covers and slept with her nose in my ear !

4.9.2008 - Heidi was declared pregnant on April 5th. The vet found around five puppies with the ultrasound, though there are probably one or two more in there. Heidi has been hiding her pregnancy very well. She is finally starting to show in the belly region this week. Heidi's personality has also been very serene and calm the last few weeks, except if it is dinnertime.

3.8.2008 - Heidi was inseminated with frozen assets from Streak on Wednesday, March 5. We have about 30 days until we can give Heidi a pregnancy sonogram to find out if there are babies on board! The surgery and insemination were textbook. Please keep your fingers crossed for us !