Heart Break

It is such sadness that I post today, not the joyous news that we anticipated sharing with you all.

Trio had a normal whelping Friday/Saturday am, producing 10 puppies.  Sadly 5 of these were born dead and we were unable to revive them.  Five puppies born alive, 2 boys and 3 girls.  Four of which were much smaller than the one larger girl, all appeared to be strong and suckled well as soon as they were born.  This was something that we were relieved about as the colostrum is so important to them and we had hoped that this was a positive sign.  Due to the size of these pups we felt it best not to break the news until we felt that all was going in the right direction, which it was at the time.  Trio was fine and happy for us to supervise feeding making sure that each of them fed.  During Friday afternoon the first puppy showed signs of weakening (Mr Blue), he was followed by one girl (Miss Red) and the  remaining boy ( Mr Green). Mrs Yellow was the larger of the little ones and was feeding well, so it was looking more positive for her.

During Friday night, we lost first Mr Blue, and in the early hours Miss Red.  By Saturday morning Mrs Yellow was weakening, and we were now concerned for her too.  We lost Mr Green mid morning and by lunch time we had lost Mrs Yellow.

We have one remaining puppy, Miss Purple who is almost double the size of the other puppies - we are too frightened to feel optimistic at this stage but do hope that she stays with us.

As you can imagine we are utterly devastated, it has been a heart breaking few days, and sheer exhaustion doesn't help with the emotions.  We have shed many tears, and still are and everything is very raw at the moment.

Trio is doing well, poor girl does look for the pups at times and we have found some friends for Miss Purple so she doesn't feel too lonely.  She has been an absolute star, not at all bothered when I've spent hours in the box alongside the pups ensured that they have been latched on and suckling.  Every bone and muscle in my body is reminding me of this at the moment.

I'm so sorry for all of the expectant puppy owners, for the friendships that would have been forged over the ensuing years of sharing a Trio baby. 

It was felt important to inform all of the potential puppy owners prior to posting this, they need to be informed before this becomes public knowledge.

Update this evening;

Trio much more settled, pup feeding independently.
Thank you so much for the lovely messages, sorry for the tears to those who I have spoken to.