A Puppy Is Born: She's An "Only"

Blogging the Birth of a Puppy

She is an “only.” We thought the Day 54 x-rays showed two big puppies with the possible shadow of a third. Eight days later on Day 62 we saw only her. Her back was to us with head tucked. There floating off the film was a perfect anterior skull case brightly boxed on the breath of dark background, then a straight spine gracefully laced down to the shadow of hips. A gossamer ribcage arched around the thoracic, like folded wings.

This “only” puppy is a bit of a shock to me because Momma Tutti became so round in the last three weeks. I was sure she had at least three in there. She waddled when she walked and had to be coaxed to go more than just around the block. I began to feed her twice a day. Tutti ate all she was given. Healthy appetite. (Voracious appetite if truth be told.)

My husband Brad & I have been watchful as the pregnancy progressed to its terminus. Tutti just turned 8 years April 26 and this will be her last litter. Momma Tutti is healthy, happy, bright and active. But the sands of time -- les sables du temps -- slip through that tiny waist of the hourglass for us all and its passage cannot be denied. She may look young but whelping is hard on Scotties. This is her last litter. Her first two had been by Caesarian section so this had to be as well.

Scotties can have a difficult time whelping, especially these short-backed show bitches. (Read: Tutti) Scotties are big dogs – except for those legs. The whelps are big-headed and big-shouldered. They can get stuck in the birth canal.

Phoebe was born by C-section at 9:00am. She’s 8 1/8 ounces. When Dr. Otero brought her in on a big fluffy towel, she looked so tiny and lonely. She is vigorous and squeaks for Momma’s milk. The umbilical cord is fresh and supple. A brindle bitch.

Tutti wanted to be home.

So here we are. Tutti is panting from surgical discomfort but holding still for the nursing.

A brindle bitch. I can't be happier.