Finkie Babies!

Shai

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They noticed earlier that one of the puppies was born with a bad leg - yesterday they found a stressed out Bubbles trying chewing through it, I think. They weren't able to save the puppy :(
I just...honestly I just feel sick reading that.
 

Equinox

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Same here. She did everything right, and then some... and this is what happens.

More good thoughts for Bubbles, the babies, and Katie of course. Last update on the two boys did report that they are doing well.
 

Finkie_Mom

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I think I've learned to just not say everyone's fine at this point. Trying supervised nursing (versus bottle feeding) and that has been going OK. Up every hour and a half (or earlier if pups are crying) to 2 hours (via alarm) to let her in with them. She's producing milk still and cleaning them well. Took off of work today (obviously) and I'm hoping I go back to a job on Monday. She's been eating bland diet in small, but frequent portions while on 4 different medications for a suspected infection (the reason the vets are thinking she had been so sick).

Wondering if there is a "cut off point" for if supervised nursing proves OK where I can leave her with them again. I sure hope so as I need to work and can't bring them to work with me (I work in a daycare with 2 year olds).

I know it's nature and all, but what happened last night was absolutely horrifying and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.
 

Aleron

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Finkie, so sorry you're going through this. It never seems fair when good breeders who care so much for their dogs and puppies have nothing but heartbreak after heartbreak.

How old are the pups now? I would definitely not trust the bitch with them unsupervised, even if things go ok with supervision. Having known people who had issues with bitches attacking their puppies or worse, it seems it's pretty likely to happen again if they are left unsupervised. Often, it happens again in subsequent litters too, although I think there are times it is due to an overly stressful situation. I really hate to say that but...I really think you are better off not leaving her alone with them :(
 

FG167

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I don't have anything knowledgeable to add but I am so sorry this has been so difficult. I'm sending good thoughts and vibes your way...and hugs!
 

Finkie_Mom

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Is there anyone who you trust that has tomorrow (or can take it) off that could come in? :(
I have the weekend off (my job is M-F full time), so I'm good until Monday. And at that point, I have no one that could come in as much as would be needed. I'm not sure what to do.

Finkie, so sorry you're going through this. It never seems fair when good breeders who care so much for their dogs and puppies have nothing but heartbreak after heartbreak.

How old are the pups now? I would definitely not trust the bitch with them unsupervised, even if things go ok with supervision. Having known people who had issues with bitches attacking their puppies or worse, it seems it's pretty likely to happen again if they are left unsupervised. Often, it happens again in subsequent litters too, although I think there are times it is due to an overly stressful situation. I really hate to say that but...I really think you are better off not leaving her alone with them :(
They are 6 days old now. I agree with you about not leaving them unsupervised - I think I was just hoping there could be a chance. I just don't know how I'm going to do this.
 

Julee

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I wish you were closer, I'd help if I could :( It's infuriating that this is happening to a good breeder while so many bad breeders have healthy litters without a hitch.
 

Toller_08

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I am so sorry you guys are having such a rough time. :(

Lots of good thoughts that things get better and stay better from here on out!
 

stardogs

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Nothing much to add, but you've got allllllllll the good vibes I can give you, Bubbles, and the pups. (((hugs)))
 

Moth

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I am so sorry about how sad and heartbreaking this has been for you and yours :(

I wish there was something I could say or do to make it a little easier to bear...

It just should not ever have to happen like this.

*Hugs to you and cuddles for stressed Bubbles and the poor babies*
 

Aleron

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They are 6 days old now. I agree with you about not leaving them unsupervised - I think I was just hoping there could be a chance. I just don't know how I'm going to do this.
It's going to get better! Their eyes are going to start opening in less an a week. They'll start getting up and moving around. After that, they will develop rapidly. The next week may be hard but after that, they can go longer between feedings and you can start teaching them to eat on their own. At first it will be messy and they will wear more than they eat but they get the hang of it pretty quickly. So, the main issue is what to do while you're at work for now.

Do you have a vet clinic that could take them and care for them while you are at work? Any chance there's any reproductive specialists around? A lot of them offer services for orphaned puppies, which your's aren't really but...

If you can work something like that out, I'd send them with a good homemade formula (I like Leerburg's http://leerburg.com/bottlefeeding.htm) because there are health issues associated with commercial formula.

Or do you have any breeder friends who are willing to help you out? Take the puppies or visit during the day?
 

Finkie_Mom

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Thank you all so much. Honestly, you guys are the best.

Things are seeming better. Supervised nursing is going just fine - it's like the incident with Boy 3 never happened. So at least that relieves the pressure a bit for now.

Aleron - I'm going to see who I can contact once I'm a bit more rested (as far as a vet clinic, family, etc.). I have some breeder friends around here, but they are too far away for me to really drop the pups off/pick them up before and after work. I know I CAN do this (well, I have to!), but it's just going to take lots of planning for sure. Thanks for your well thought out and helpful post!!!
 

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