The house is now mostly quiet and all but one puppy has gone to their new homes and families. It's bitter sweet but rewarding at the same time to see the happy faces when they picked up their pups. We too are happy because we're keeping this little guy and have named him Putter. He's loving the one on one time with his mom and dad playing and wrestling in the yard. He's a funny little guy and he's stolen our hearts already.

We were very surprised to wake up Saturday morning to find puppy number 7!  This little flashy brindle male (pictured above) was a very pleasant surprise!  Mommy and pups are all doing wonderful.  The puppies had their first check up Wednesday while they had their tails docked and dew claws removed.  All are looking good!

After about twelve hours of labor Leslie whelmed her first pup Friday night, 4/19. Four hours later we were looking at six healthy pups. Four boys and two girls all brindle and fawn a mix of markings. When we woke up Saturday morning we were surprised to find one more pup amongst the dog pile! Another beautiful healthy brindle male had joined the pack! Mom and pups are doing great. Eating tons and scooting all over the whelping box. More pictures to follow.

Leslie is finally in labor!! Details to come!!

It has come to the time I affectionately call the "milk cow" phase. Leslie is getting bigger every day. She's producing milk now and the puppies are starting to drop lower in her belly. I felt one move tonight for the first time! It's like a light flutter beneath my fingers and so exciting! I can't wait to see how many pups will grace us with their presence in a week or two.

Took Leslie back to the vet today for her follow up. Vet says everything looks great! She's put on four pounds in two weeks (that's good for dogs) and he still believes its going to be a small litter because she's not too big and he can't feel many more pups. That's fine by me because I'd rather have a small healthy litter than weak larger litter. I guess we will know for sure in two weeks exactly how many we're expecting!!! Stay tuned

It's official! Leslie IS expecting pups! Vet felt three pups the size of ping pong balls. Were so excited! One month down about five more weeks to go!!! She will start gaining more and more weight now and start filling out in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

At about the four week mark it's time for Lou's first check up. The vet will check and see if she actually is pregnant then of course check her overall health to make sure and the puppies will be alright. I'm excited to see what he says! We changed both dogs to puppy food because it is high in protein. Leslie cannot get enough! She's sleepy a lot (not that's that new and exciting) and eating lot so I'm taking that as a good sign. Keep your fingers crossed!

So part of the breeding process is dealing with two very anxious dogs. Gibson won't eat and spends day and night sniffing everything and everyone. Leslie spends day and night rubbingalong the couch trying to get her diaper off.

I know I've mentioned before that the health of our dogs and puppies is the most important. We do not over breed our dogs because we do not want a litter that neither Leslie nor us can manage. We're having to keep Gib and Lou separate except for the actual breeding and I have to say they are enjoying alone time with us too. Oh well they only have to be apart for about a week.

Happy Vallentine's Day! It's a day full o love and joy and showing your family how much you love and appreciate them. The breeding process has officially begun so in approximately 62 days (if it takes) we should have puppies. It'll be about a month before we know if she's pregnant. Keep your fingers crossed!!