The Countdown Begins....

Day 58: Temperature this morning is 37.4 (Celsius), which is normal for Tap. But milk is beginning in back teats and her belly is sagging very nearly to the ground!

Case in Point (photos taken today)...

Tap says - "Enough with the Fat Pictures already!"

Does This Collar Make Me Look Fat?

Tap is getting enormous. To illustrate, I took these photos this morning (day 47). She was thrilled to have her picture taken, as you can see (obviously she is a vain girl).

Tap has never made it to the "traditional" day 63 to whelp. The last Chip litter was whelped on day 60 and the Mirk litter was whelped on day 59. I think I'd better get the puppy room ready sooner rather than later!

How many puppies? I didn't get an ultrasound done. They are pretty inaccurate as to determining litter size...But as a comparison:

Here is Tap on day 54 carrying the first Chip litter, which produced 5 puppies.

And here she is carrying Mirk's litter (6 puppies), pictured at day 41.

So, I am going to guess.....7 puppies. Anyone else up for a friendly wager?

Waiting for Spring...And puppies!

I've been asked for photos of Tap's increasing size....But I keep forgetting to bring out my camera! So, here is a funny video featuring Creekside Fen (2008 Tap x Chip) doing her silly flips. You can see how big Tap is getting too as she runs around.

On another more serious note, the same silly dog (Fen) is proving herself to be a excellent working dog. She is wonderful in the lambing pens - so calm and gentle (I can hardly believe it myself!) and if a ewe threatens her (while protecting her lamb), Fen calmly holds her ground. She is just wonderful!

On a less serious note, (Fen again!) She is also really proving to be dual talented...Her agility training is also progressing, she is fast and smart and a powerful jumper with a huge stride yet can turn so tight her tail hair almost gets wrapped around the jump stanchion! She is truly versatile and SO much fun!!!