Bigger and bigger

Stella is at day 52 of the 62-64 day gestation period for puppies. She has gotten large and even a bit awkward and uncomfortable in the last few days. Michael and I took the opportunity to get her out for one last hike on Friday. She was an excellent hiking companion. The only difference we noticed in her attitude was when we stopped to admire a view or catch our breath, she would take the opportunity to stop and rest. When we got back to the car she crashed. She hardly wanted to get up to go inside when we got home. Needless to say we are no longer taking Stella on hikes or our weekly long runs (she was left behind for our 8 miler on Saturday).

Everyday she looks more and more like she swallowed a watermelon. She has been breathing heavy, lying close to our feet and groaning and sighing regularly. We have pulled the first of the whelping supplies out of storage and our gearing up for the big day!

Surprise!

Stella has come through for us this week. We had just about given up all hope of having puppies, when Stella's belly started to swell a few days ago. We bred Stella in March to a lovely male (Joey), but due to life craziness (multiple exams, papers, Michael's accident and packing to go to Japan) our breeding timing was off and all of the experts (mostly the reproductive vet) felt we had "missed" this time around due to poor timing.

All that is out the window as we were all happily wrong. Today our vet confirmed via ultrasound that Stella has got 4 or more pups in the oven. We are currently taking guesses as to number, color and sex of the litter. If you got one let us know!

Puppies are due in May, just 3 short weeks from now. We'll keep everyone posted as events unfold. See below for pictures of the pleased parents.


JOEY - KELLEYGREEN'S MEET JOE BLACK


STELLA - CINDER'S STELLAR CHOICE

Cindy