About 2 months ago the neighbors white lab was caught in the act on our property with one of our great pyranese puppies. We watched for signs of pregnancy and started keeping our girls put up to lessen the chances of one or both getting knocked up when he or they went on adventures. We didn’t notice anything and I assumed we were in the clear this heat cycle.
A week ago Thursday was my last day doing chores for a bit since I had surgery Friday and was put on bedrest for a week. We do chores every other day typically but our animals are set up well enough that they can go awhile without our assistance barring any disasters. Connor did everything while I was cooped up in the bedroom crocheting baby hats. He cooked, cleaned, kept the kids alive, ran errands, cleared snow, etc. He was able to make it out mid week to feed, water, and socialize with the animals a bit. The puppies were glad to see him and he noticed nothing out of the ordinary.
Yesterday, Saturday, we ran to the library to pick up a few books for homeschooling and honestly just to get out of the house for a bit. I noticed when we were leaving that the dogs didnt come out of the barn to see us off. They usually do anytime they hear us out. I told Connor we would check when we got home and off we went. When we arrived home a few hours later they were still holed up in the barn. He went to check on them while I checked the chickens.
He came in to me egg hunting and informed me Cotton was pregnant. Her nipples were huge and belly seemed slightly bigger. Ugh! No! Like we have time for puppies. I don’t even know anything about puppies younger than 12 weeks. I messaged Winnie’s breeder whom I have kept in contact with these last 4 years. I sent, “The neighbors dog knocked up our great Pyrenees…I’m going to need all the information on having puppies because I have absolutely no clue what we’re doing…I’m pissed.”. I was pissed. Not only do we not have the time for puppies but the responsibility of finding them good homes was instantly weighing on me.
We finished up the chores and I started emotionally texting that friend. You know, the friend that can back you off a cliff on the bad days but also get your head pulled out of your butt when needed. I don’t know what I would do without her and I really hope the circus that is our lives pays her back with some entertainment value. While I was texting her and describing how Cotton’s belly looked I realized it looked very similar to how our cats stomachs look AFTER they have given birth. I sent Connor out to check. I knew I couldn’t handle finding any dead puppies and my frustration at the idea of having puppies was still unchecked.
There were 6. He found 6 puppies curled up under their momma in the barn. Each one was alive and well fed. Nature doesn’t cease to amaze me. Having a baby takes such a toll on humans but a dog can have 6 babies and just naturally know what to do for them. It’s amazing. Connor brought them all into the mudroom (thank God he build a mudroom this fall!) and my anger and frustration instantly melted. They were/are/may always be the cutest things I have seen in a very long time.
I thought the kids would be in awe of them and while they are excited about the puppies they seemed to just accept that this was the next project were taking on. I guess with how hectic our life has been they are just used to being along for the ride. It could be worse right?
At first I thought they looked like fat white hotdogs, but after my mom mentioned potatoes with legs that’s all I can see. We even did a “potato for scale” photo shoot. My heart melts every time I hear their little squeaks.
