X-ray beats the snow storm.

When I first heard about the coming snow storm I rescheduled Heidi's pre-whelping x-ray from Thursday to Friday.  Then on Wednesday morning the vet's office staff called to warn me that they would be closed on Thursday and would I please call Friday morning before starting out to get there.  Well, since we have such a long driveway and wasn't sure we would be plowed in time I asked if they could squeeze me in Wednesday afternoon.  Wow, they called me right back with a 3:30 PM appointment.  I have a great repro vet.

So off we go to the vet's office.  And the x-ray shows 6 puppies...we are thrilled.

Mama Heidi chillin and watching the Olympics from the sofa.

Westminster Dog Show

News just in:

Roy receives an Award of Merit at the Westminster Kennel Club show.

Roy also finished 2013 as the #2 German Shorthair in All-Breed rankings and #4 in Breed Rankings*.  An awesome year for a stunning dog.

* Stats from Canine Chronicle

Approximately 16 days to go....

 

Her belly already hits the snow. 

 If we get much more snow she will have trouble negotiating the yard. 

 

I'm getting so excited.

Just got back from the vet's office. More good news - this ultrasound revealed 6 or 7 strong heartbeats. There could be more hiding under Heidi's ribs where the ultrasound can't reach.   So after leaving the vet I headed right to the feed store to get puppy food so Heidi can get more protein for the last 4 weeks. I'm getting so excited.

Heidi at 5 weeks

 

Heidi at 5 weeks...no waist left and a nice pot belly. 4 weeks to go.

Feeding Momma and Satin Balls

Over the past week Heidi has been demanding more and more food and water.  At first I thought she needed to go out to pee when she was waking me before 5 AM (not good.)  But when I added a late night snack/meal she started sleeping later.  As of two days ago she is getting two extra meals a day - lunch & the late night snack.  Her extra meals are better than 1/2 cup of kibble plus a Satin Ball.  Breakfast and dinner are approximately 1 1/2 cups each plus she get a Nu-Vet Plus tablet with her dinner.  So all together she is eating 4 cups a day plus 2 Satin Balls. 

What is a Satin Ball?  Often used to add weight to very thin show dogs this mixture is also a great additive for pregnant bitches.  Below is the recipe.

10 pounds ground beef
10 ounces uncooked oatmeal
6 raw egg yolks
10 ounces wheat germ
10 ounces molasses

Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Roll into two-inch balls and freeze.

I cut this down to 1/3 of the recipe as it is so much easier to handle, but then you have to make them more frequently.