Puppies on the way

Our girl Galena finally came into heat right near the end of June. I had expected it to happen by the middle of the month and that breeding would all be taken care of by the time we left on our week-long camping trip, but as it worked out, she came into heat just prior to our departure, ovulated in the middle of our trip, and was bred the night we got back. Of course she wasn’t with us – she lives with her Guardian family Martin and Carole – who faithfully took her for her progesterone test and then for the breeding appointment. Big thanks and hat’s off to them, and to Linda of Canadian Doodle Puppies whose stud, Spirit, we used a second time and who organized the actual mating.

                               

Galena ovulated on Monday 1 July so her official due date is Monday 2 September. Seeing as she whelped her first litter 3 days before her official due date, I’m expecting puppies around Friday 30 August. We have an ultrasound booked for Tuesday 6 August to get a confirmation of pregnancy and a preliminary puppy count. She had 6 in her first litter, which they say is often smaller than subsequent litters, so I’m hoping for 7 or maybe even 8 this time. But I’ll be happy with 5 or 6 as well.

We hope you are all having a great summer with your families! Be safe and remember to keep the activity level low on those hot, muggy days, and provide plenty of water for you dogs.