The Wickedest Whippet becomes a Mum and I am pretty exhausted...

Sassy, aka the EBJ, started having puppies at 1:45am.

I was woken by her wanting to go for a wee and wanting a drink. I was rather annoyed because I thought it meant she wouldn't be having puppies anytime soon. I went back to sleep only to be woken almost immediately by Sassy scrabbling about underneath my dressing table!

Now the job truly begins...

1.53am: She's lying quiet now, her breathing heavy but calm. I'd say she's resigned. There have been several periods of heaving getting longer each time. Sometimes she just lies there accompanying each massive heave with a deep grunt like sigh. Other times she stands or semi squats trying to expunge the pup. There is much licking and cleaning.

2:18am: Water breaks.

She's doing so well and I am so proud of her and oh how I feel for her but there is one thing I am eternally grateful for; Thank God the natural imperative to clean up everything, and I mean everything, has not remained in force to the same extent in humans as it is with other species…

The heaves come in spates and seem to get deeper, her agitation increases then she calms. Then it starts over and she cleans. Occasionally the depth of the push is accompanied by a strangulated bark -almost surprised.

2:37am: There is a tiny lull, then the contractions start again accompanied by much heavier panting...

I stroke her as there is not much else I can do. She either doesn't mind or couldn't care less her mind on more important matters...

I wish it would be born. I begin to worry what if it's mal-presented?  What of it's stuck? Please let it go alright...

2:47am: I talk calmly to her though I feel anything but. Good girl, there's a good lass all over soon. What a good mummy whippet! As she heaves again, she stands up and turns about, constantly turning about, never comfortable and I so want it to be over for her, to get this first one out. There is silence.

Then the heavy panting and skyward gazing start all over again.

Come on Whippet! Come on the Mummy Whippet....

2:58am: I go to leave her to fetch some more blankets and some water and when I return she's out of her box on her way to find me. Clearly there is no way I'm going to be able to leave her to take the boys to school, though by that time I sincerely hope it's all over.

3:12am: Still no pup...

There’s nothing for it now I must call the vet.  I get through and a sleepy voice asks me what the problem is I explain all the time stroking the dog. The nurse says she’ll get the vet to call in tem minutes…ten minutes has never felt so long…

3:29am: Berludy long 10 minutes that…I tell the vet what’s happening and as I do I note a pair of feet. The vet says to grab them and hold on – way more tricky in practice that! Have you ever tried? Every time the dog heaves the feet pop out and then I try to grab them but they are slippery little blighters and she’s wondering what the heck I’m doing so is constantly peering over her shoulder at me and then moving to get a better look and I’m trying to give the vet a running commentary. I swear he’s laughing at me. Isn’t it typical though? You call in the Cavalry and then it’s not needed. The vet signs off with a cheery: “Well it should be over by breakfast…” Great!

First puppy born 3:51am

Second puppy born 4:04am

Two little girls; the first almost all black with a white nose and a real squeaker, the second a blue grey with pretty white nose and stripe. Both similar in size. Both squeak! A lot!!

There is a simple wonder about birth, it being so commonplace but a miracle every time.

I am going to be very, very, tired at the end of this. Poor boys the excitement of puppies and the dread of a seriously grumpy mum!

Third puppy's water broke at 5:01am. Born at 5:16am. A little blue grey boy, a bit smaller than his sisters but feisty!

Fourth puppy immediately on its way at 5:25am hopefully born very soon...5:27am number four makes an appearance. This one is really quite big.

Number five born at 5:41am.

I am not sure where we are I think we have two more girls...