Once I found out Hallie was most likely pregnant I began my research. I started with the go to Google search. One thing led to another and I ended up watching hundreds of videos, reading articles and other blogs, and visiting my local veterinarian for any tips. I highly recommend you do this if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Disclaimer: I have such a great love for my dogs but I wouldn't do it again if the opportunity presented itself. There are so many deserving dogs in shelters all over, whom desperately need homes. I wouldn't be irresponsible and bring new lives into this world. I was lucky to find amazing homes for the puppies I could not keep. I knew the families well and had references on file, backup re-homing plans, and adoption agreements. This may sound extreme but I was not about to allow these innocent creatures to end up somewhere I wasn't comfortable with.
Canine pregnancy only lasts a average of 63 days. I actually downloaded an app onto my IPhone to help me track the days and know what signs to look for. The exact app I had is no longer available but I did find the following:
I gave her a close haircut to make sure I didn't have to fuss with this later in her pregnancy and cause her any stress or have to fuss with grooming. I trimmed her cute tail and fluffy ponytail but I knew it was for the best, so that I could have a clear view of the birthing process. I took her into the vet for a basic checkup, I didn't have any previous medical records for her and I highly doubt she had received any of her shots. So I wanted to get the best advice on how to keep her healthy and well.
I only lived 5 minutes away from the closest vet, which was a major relief in case anything went wrong. I learned things like she was begin nesting as she gets closer to the date, which for us included pulling clothes and blankets out of the hamper to destroy, tearing up carpet (in our rental), and other mischievous things. I purchased supplements from our vet, and fed her a high quality diet.
After I learned the basics, I began purchasing the things I wanted on hand. I wanted her to whelp in a large plastic paddling pool that I put inside an old duvet. This was actually perfect because I didn't want added fabric/towels/blankets and could trap any puppies when the time came. I put it in the spare room so that she still wasn't roaming the house when we weren't home but that she could become comfortable and nest in the pool. I also had extra food, water, a fan (it was summer), and a quiet radio to provide as much comfort as possible...her own Lil doggy spa.
Early pregnancy Late pregnancy
I compiled a list of items to aid in the actual delivery:
-Lots of towels/ clean rags/ newspaper
-Thermometer
-Several pairs of gloves
-Bulb syringe for sucking out nose and throat
-Hemostats for clamping cord or natural fiber floss without wax and flavoring
-Sterile scissors
-I had organic vanilla ice cream for Hallie, for quick energy
-Styptic powder, for any bleeding umbilical cords
-Paper Towel & Garbage can
-A clock or timer to track the amount of time between pups
-Paper and pen to jot down birth time, weight, and description-- if desired
The day before delivery
Around what I had logged as day 60, I found her in her crate, panting and I knew it was time. I quickly cleared my day and moved her crate into the pool.
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