ZZZZZZZZ Again

Hard to believe it's been nine days since the last entry. A great deal has happened, mainly in numbers -- ELEVEN (count 'em, 11) Garbo/Monkey puppies, split almost half and half--five blacks, six yellows; three each yellow girls, boys and black boys, two black girls. Born via section yesterday at Dr. Ana's. After the trip to Pittsburgh, arriving on Sat afternoon in Atlanta, Garbo had begun early stages of labor. So into the bedroom she came and she panted, and she panted, and she panted, pausing every now and then for a quiet nap. Each quiet nap I got up, shined a flashlight in to see if she either contracted or had a water break. NOPE....for forty-eight hours we loped along. I don't do well without sleep....who does??? Not even Garbo, although she remained her usual sweet and gentle self, but she just kept PANTING with no accompanying contractions or water breaks or nuttin. She looked like a large hippo and was obviously uncomfortable. By Sunday night, with a temp rise to 101.8F I consulted Dr. Ana via her cell. We decided to wait thru the night and if she hadn't produced by early Mon AM, away we would go to Alpharetta.

Didn't I get up at sixAM, pack the car and was on the way thru the Atlanta traffic at seven. Arrived in time to weigh Garbo in at three pounds lighter than the day of the x-ray....at which time Dr. Pam had declared there were six for sure, probably seven, maybe eight! HAH! Anyway, progesterone test showed they were ready for the outside, so the section was begun just after lunch. Dr. Ana provided a comfortable couch in the back room for me to rest while we await to begin the surgery. Didn't I sleep right thru it??? Yep, and I thought they were joking when they told me the number. All weighed in at a pound each except for one little 14 oz black boy....no wonder Garbs was dragging in the middle. She NEVER would have been able to safely produce all those pups by herself, so the decision to section was right on!

Anyway, they came home before traffic time and were ensconsed in the whelping box without any problem. Big problem with Garbo is that she doesn't have any milk to speak of just yet. SO wetnurse/granny is feeding them via bottle a half and half version of goat's milk and esbilac. Every six hours. ZZZZZZZZ

Anyway, had a blast judging in Pittsburgh. Honestly can say that was one of the best judging experiences I've had, period. What a wonderful club, how well organized, and how well conducted. Everyone could take a lesson from this group about how to have a back to back Specialty. Cudos to Liz and her crew.

Guess I could be considered consistent as I put up on Friday the same black dog I'd given the points to (his first, then) at a Specialty when he was a youngster! That finished him. On Thursday, Winner's Bitch was Linda Bednarski's gorgeous yellow girl and that finished HER Championship as well.....that makes six for me as far as picking a dog whom I like and then giving that dog enough points to finish its AKC Championship. Maybe I might actually know what a Labrador is supposed to look and move like? I saw lots of different heads, but was pleased with the neck and shoulder assemblies on most of the dogs. Some low tail sets, some coats blowing, some weird movement. I kept my eyes on the dogs and not on the other end of the lead and am sure I disappointed a few who were expecting better placements, but I was happy with my decisions. It was a hot time in PA, but fun. PS, the Pittsburgh airport is FABULOUS...if you ever get a chance to go thru there, enjoy what is certainly one of the best airports in existence. Those people know how to make an airport, believe me!

Now it's to the feeding regimen....good thing these tykes take to bottle nipples. I don't like having to tube unless it's an emergency and fortunately these pups are past masters at sucking already. Garbo's milk has begun to descend, but because of the demand, I'll probablyhave to keep up the supplementing until they are ready for weaning. Just a better chance to see what they're like individually. Am keeping a black girl out of this crew and maybe even a black boy unless some yellow critter sneaks in under the radar.

Off for a nap before the next feeding. ZZZZZZ...p.s., Georgia just doesn't know what's happening around here. She's accepted that the master bathroom has been converted into some strange configuration with a big box, but she's just not sure anyone consulted her about those little squealing funny looking things her mom holds and rubs. On the other hand, Buzz, the grey cat, is decidedly UNHAPPY with the latest development. He is insulted that we thought we needed yet some MORE critters to come here and take away his time. The look on his face as he raised his head and stared at me and then at them was just priceless. Buzz is a wonderful companion and I keep forgetting to consult with him, I guess....zzzzzzzp