puppy – Jema Golden Retrievers

Deja’s Puppies Have Arrived!

Long day but all are doing well!

What a day (or last few days)!

Bottom line… Deja had seven puppies (4 girls/3 boys). Puppies and Mama are do great…So far so good!

Hanging out together shortly after birth

Statistics:

Blue Boy: 11.4 oz

Green Boy: 12.6 oz

Orange Boy: 10.0 oz

Pink Girl: 14.2 oz

Red Girl 11.8 oz

Purple Girl: 12.6 oz

Yellow Girl: 14.6 oz

As many of you know, Deja was scheduled for a C-section. I had her due date as 4/24 realizing there is a 24 hour window on each side (so due date would be 4/23-4/25). There was a small possibility her due date might have been today, 4/23 (so that 3-day window would have been 3/22-3/24). To make sure her due date wasn’t actually today, she had her progesterone level tested yesterday early morning and her C-section would have possibly been done yesterday. Both her progesterone level and the much less scientific approach of taking her temp proved her due date was NOT today so doing a C-section yesterday was out of the question. I know this probably sounds confusing but… the very last thing to develop in puppies are their lungs (and the ability to breathe on their own). Taking even a day too soon could cause problems with puppies not being able to breathe hence not being able to sustain life.

Vigorous puppies all vying for a space at the milk bar!

So… we went home to repeat yesterday… today! The big difference, Deja’s temperature this morning was 96.8! That is a huge temperature drop signifying her drop in progesterone… Means puppies within the next 24 hours (or so). And yes, her progesterone level done at 0800 definitely indicated she was going into early stages of labor! Pups were ready to be born!

Now it would be terrible to put Deja through labor and then also the surgery of a C-section! Sometimes, that can’t be avoided but like I thought, her due date WAS 4/24 (63 days post ovulation!) While my hunch was correct, I am very happy my reproductive vet MADE SURE and based that C-section on those progesterone levels!

Helping Deja clean little “red girl” so she doesn’t upset the others at the milk bar.

My vet is fantastic! Her philosophy with her C-sections is “8 minutes from the moment of anesthesia to getting those pups out”! Why is this important? Anesthesia given to Deja passes through the placenta’s and will also sedate puppies. When anesthesia given at the last possible moment, Deja is comfortable for her surgery and those pups are out before becoming sedated. I tell ya… this is the first C-section I’ve ever had done where pups were NOT sedated! They revived quickly with hearty crying (a really good sign in newborn pups!) Pups were cared for (umbilicus cords tied off, dried off, suctioned)… all done simaltaneously while Deja was sewn up and given a chance to wake up. Before we left the vet clinic, all pups had a chance to get that first milk rich in colostrum. Then, back home with Momma, still a bit groggy, while pups rode home on a heating pad in our “warming box”.

Deja is awake now and has cleaned all of her new babies. My other dogs have all reacted to the puppy squeaks wondering WHAT is in with Deja?? The other dogs are separated with Deja giving mom and pups plenty of privacy so Deja can focus on her new babies. Weights and collars put on once we got home and are used to monitor weight gain/health of each individual puppy.

Call it a “hunch” but I had a LOT of reasons to do this C-section with Deja. One of my biggest concerns was in “losing” puppy/puppies during whelping. As it turns out, Deja has several very large, fluid-filled cycsts on the OUTSIDE of her uterus. It was difficult getting that last puppy out around these cysts as they enveloped this puppy. My vet ended up having to make Deja’s incision just a bit longer/bigger to get this puppy out. This, no doubt, was the reason we “lost” a couple of puppies from her last litter? It is highly unlikely this particular puppy would have survived a natural delivery! (The plan for Deja will be to have these cysts surgically removed once Deja’s hormones return to normal sometime at the end of August of this year.) I am so grateful we did the C-section not only to save that last puppy but to also get a direct view of Deja’s reproductve system so that she might be treated for this problem in the near future!

Welcome to the world precious babies!!

Getting Ready…

How I plan on differentiating puppies in not one but two litters. (Gearing up for “puppy breathe”!)

Sorting through my “dog stuff” and just not thrilled with my “puppy collars”. My old collars have survived several litters and are just looking a bit ragged now so… I ordered new newborn and then “slightly bigger” collars for pups-to-be at birth and as they grow. Now I hope I don’t jinx anything by planning ahead but these collars are coming from the UK; ordering them now and they should hopefully arrive none too soon before pups are born?

That said… I’m pretty sure both of my girls ARE pregnant. Am a bit disappointed my ultrasound appointment (that officially confirms pregnancy) is later than I would have liked but my vet has been incredibly busy probably now more than ever with “curb-side” appointments due to Covid and mandates. It just takes extra time to communicate to owners after seeing their dogs.

These will be the “solid color” collars for one litter. I got my choice to pick out colors (I didn’t buy nor need THIRTY collars!) These will be the “older collars”; the newborn collars have a “breakaway clasp”)

But back to the collars… I need collars to differentiate the puppies from both litters. While there may be some differences between litters especially at first, I don’t want to take the chance of mixing up pups! So I ordered a second set of puppy collars that are “different” (to be able to tell which puppy belongs to which mom). This will be especially important later when mom’s and pup’s are all out together.

These collars will be for the other litter. We collar puppies at birth to monitor weight gain and to be able to identify at a glance. Again, newborn collars will be a “breakaway”clasp; these will be once pups are a bit older.

Both moms are now on prenatal vitamins. It won’t hurt them if they happen to NOT be pregnant but if they are, just something to help them help their babies. Deja, as a veteran mom, is already “showing”. If she happens to NOT be pregnant, she needs to go on a diet ASAP! Both girls have “flank flips”. It is a subtle sign that their bellies are getting bigger. And the “weight” is not over their rib cage where you might normally expect to tell if a dog is putting on weight. Their weight gain is in their tummies. It’s very subtle but I definitely see these “flips”.

A meme I saw the other day. Just SO TRUE! I’m every puppy’s “first” mom before they go to their forever homes at eight weeks of age!

So out of thirty color choices, we will have say, Blue (boy or girl) and then Blue Pawprint (boy or girl). I will have newborn and then older puppy sized collars for both litters. As for the color assigned to each pup, these are randomly assigned at birth. We use the collar colors to differentiate not only pups from each litter but also how each pup is growing (weight) and then later, as they are seen/identified at my vets. We use the collar colors to evaluate pups as they grow and interact with each other. My constant comment when I have pups is “which pup is that?” The collars differentiate them. This is NOT something breeders necessarily need to do in other breeds when they have pups with different colors and/or markings but with Goldens… they ALL are gold!

I hope everyone is enjoying our upcoming spring weather. The iris’ are coming up green. The crocus’ are blooming. Spring is right around the corner!

“Beacon”

Daily Life For Puppy, “Beacon”

Little “Beacon” is loving life in Durango, CO with his new owner. LOVE getting updates on puppies! Beacon is from the CH Rooster x Charlie litter. He is about 10 weeks old in these photos…

Beacon is learning “stay” (and being quite successful!) SUCH A SMART PUPPY!

CH Rooster x Charlie Puppies

I’m so proud of these puppies out of Miss Charlie and my boy, Rooster

Time seems to have flown by (especially since I’m not the one caring for the puppies)! The Rooster x Charlie puppies will be 7-weeks old next Monday (4/22/19); I can hardly wait to see them all one more time before they all start heading off to their new homes.

Puppies were born March 4th: 5 boys and 4 girls.

I did get to go see puppies when they were two weeks old. Darling, darling babies!

Charlie with her babies… All NINE of them!

Puppies did a lot of growing in just a few short weeks. Out to “play with puppies” again on April 3rd when they were 4.5 weeks old:

Learning to drink from the big dog water bowl

At this age, pups play hard then nap. I had three napping with me feeling their little heartbeats. Such a special day!

And before you know it… Puppies are 6 weeks old! These are VERY pretty puppies but I may be just a tad biased? I’m so excited for the new owners who also have been out to meet all the babies. Pups will go to their new homes in just a little over a week now. Fortunately, I’m going to see them one more time before they leave their Momma and first home. And take more photos, of course!

Gratitude

Gaddy, the Duck Dog! I couldn’t be prouder of the handsome hunting companion he is growing up to be!!

On this week of Thanksgiving as we count our blessings, I am truly grateful to have received photos from the CH Rooster x Trevi litter born just over a year ago (10/30/17). Thank you, Sandy, for bringing your lovely girl to my boy, Rooster, for this litter!

Now truly, there is nothing better than seeing a Golden Retriever do what s/he was bred to do… To be a gentleman’s (or woman’s) hunting companion of upland game and of course… to be a “retriever”!

Gaddy looks like he is a swimmer too! Good boy, Gaddy!

Breeding can pass on genetics of conformation and ability but it truly takes dedication and hard work of each and every owner to bring out the best in his or her dog(s). Jon and Jennifer have done this with their dogs! And, well, like the saying goes… A picture tells a thousand words!

Patience and perserverance… Kudos to Jon & Jennifer for all they do for their two Goldens!

Thank you Jon and Jennifer for including me in “Gaddy’s” journey on becoming the hunting dog you envisioned. I am SURE there have been up’s and down’s in his training. Still, it is through your commitment in sharing this sport with your dogs, that Gaddy is progressing to be a “duck dog”! It is that dedication and perserversance that will make Gaddy an outstanding hunting companion. Of that, I have no doubt!

LOVE Jennifer’s pretty smile! And those two dogs… they are not taking their eyes off of those ducks! These are two very lucky dogs indeed!!

“Eddy”

I LOVE hearing stories about “my” puppies!

I love getting photos of “my” puppies in their new homes. And I love to hear how well they are doing; how much that puppy is loved. I recently received news about “Eddy” and how well he did on a family trip… I just had to share a few photos.

Eddy playing in the water and exploring rock climbing

Great photo of Eddy and his boy. I’m sure they will have many adventures together!

I’m very fortunate to stay-in-touch with many of my “puppy people” hearing about their adventures as their puppy grows into a dog. Seeing them grow up brings back many memories of the time they were with me. That time always seems to go by very fast. Looking back… SUCH great memories of “how I spent my summer!”

It’s The Little Things

Life With A 3-Month Old Puppy!

Puppy Vee has all sorts of toys she can play with but what does she prefer? Shredding newspaper used to wrap some recent purchases. Boxes are a favorite thing to gnaw on too; she can spend quite some time gnawing on the corners of a box that I let her chew (especially if I don’t have the need for the box in the future; why not let her chew on it?)

Another favorite “toy” is empty water bottles (caps removed). Many pet stores sell fuzzy wrapped water bottle that make a “crinkling” sound when chewed on by dogs. My water bottles lack the fuzzy toy material but then again, they are free! Safe, easy toys for a teething puppy to play with keeps her occupied until our next trip outside trying to get her house-broken.

House-breaking… She is doing very good in this area probably because she is only allowed in a small area of the house unless strictly supervised. Take your eyes off puppy for one moment and we are liable to have an “accident”. Some in my family are better at constantly monitoring puppy then others… hence the limited access to the house at least for now.

Now if I could only get her to understand I do NOT want her to jump up on me (in her excitement to see me)! I have several “rips” in my bathrobe where she jumped up on and gripped tightly causing a tear. Well… It was time for a new bathrobe anyways!

Ahh… a tired puppy is a good puppy! But sleeping under my desk… She is NOT going to fit in this space for very much longer!

Puppy Evaluations

Puppies Off To Their New Homes…

Puppy evaluations… otherwise known as “eenie, meenie, miney, moe”! Puppies were stacked on the grooming table last night (7/29/18) by my friend and fellow Golden Retriever club member, Terri, while we all went over “parts”. What we are looking at is how does each puppy, on his or her own, compare to the Golden Retriever standard on exactly WHAT a Golden Retriever should look like! (The standard for the Golden Retriever was part of your “puppy packet”; it has the absolute specifics of what I’m talking about here. It can also be found on the AKC and GRCA web site.)

It was after work (for Terri) when we did the evaluations. Pups were out in the backyard running around as we evaluated one puppy at a time. And we watched as the storm clouds were moving in too! Pups all brought inside just before the rain and hail started and the evaluations continued inside. Pups were getting hungry (we all were) so I’m afraid some of my photos were only so-so. Today, I re-stacked pups on the grooming table to re-shoot all of them in much better light.

Mark is on his way to the airport to pick up Sherry. Once I confirm with Sherry, I will be able to let everyone know for sure who is getting what puppy. And I will email you the health info I have from MY vet for you to keep for your records/give to YOUR vet on your puppy.

I am sure I’ve said this many times but it bears saying again… These puppies ALL are incredibly beautiful puppies and very consistent with each other in “type” and “substance”. They have been from the start! I am VERY PROUD of each and every one of these puppies!

Black Boy.jpg — Black Boy (now known as “Trek”)

Blue Boy.jpg — Blue Boy (now known as “Ziggy”)

Green Boy.jpg — Green Boy (now known as “Finn”)

Purple Boy.jpg — Purple Boy (now known as “Eddy”)

Red Girl.jpg — Red Girl (now known as “Vee”)

Lime Girl.jpg — Lime Girl (now known as “Charley”)

Pink Girl.jpg — Pink Girl (now known as “Gracie”)

Orange Girl.jpg — Orange Girl (now known as “Westie”)

August 30, 2018

Where did the time go? Oh… crazy busy time with folks coming to pick up their new babies. Puppies getting situated in their new homes, vet visits, and house-breaking/training started. And just like that, my house is back to “normal”! Puppy pen taken down and dining table back in its place.

It occurs to me that while the folks getting their puppies KNOW all of this, others who may be following my blog do not. Sitting in my “drafts folder” is this entry yet unpublished! So for the folks who may want to see how these pups “stacked” up for the evaluation, here they are. These puppies came at a time in my life when I needed a bit of joy and joyful they were! Some litters are just like that!

Puppy Growing Up!

This Puppy Doesn’t Look Like A Puppy Any Longer!

I was sent this photo of a Rooster x Trevi puppy (born October 27, 2017). LOVE seeing puppies growing up with their new families! THANK YOU to Sandy for keeping me updated. I see so much of Rooster in this puppy.

What A Week!

Happy/sad time as pups leave to their new homes ready for new adventures!

What an amazing week this has been! LOTS happening every day!

First, we had a fantastic visit with Sherry from California as she came out to see ALL the puppies and ended up going home with “Black Boy/Trek”. THANK YOU Sherry for all your help with the puppies entertaining/socializing them every day and helping me give everyone baths. Puppies had strict orders to STAY CLEAN for their new families which, for the most part, they did! It was great to talk “all things dog” with someone I very much respect in the dog world. You kept saying how it was a vacation for you, Sherry, but it was really a vacation for me! I can’t wait to watch Trek, grow up… I/we are so excited about his future!

“Trek”… STUNNING boy!! Love him to pieces!!

On Friday, we celebrated Rooster’s (CH Gaitway-Jema’s Kiss And Tell, BISS, CGC) 6th birthday. He is such a special boy; he means the world to me! His accomplishments IN the ring pale by comparison to the assistance he so readily gives as a Mobility Assistant Service Dog… He just KNOWS when I need his help!

On Friday, Orange Girl (now known as “Westie”) went to her new home. While this starts the beginning of the puppies going to their new homes, I can’t help but feel a tad sad until I see the smiles from the new families. This may be an end to “the puppies” for me but it is just the beginning of their new wonderful lives with their new families! I’ve no doubt they will hit the ground running ready to take on this new adventure! CONGRATULATIONS to all on your new family companions!!

Saturday was the big “going home” day and now… I’m exhausted! We have one more puppy that is leaving tomorrow and then… I will just have my puppy left. It will feel SO STRANGE just feeding ONE PUPPY after “Zoey” leaves!

Black Boy is now known as “Trek”
Orange Girl is now known as “Westie”
Green Boy is now known as “Finn”
Blue Boy is now known as “Ziggy”
Purple Boy is now known as “Eddy”
Pink Girl is now known as “Gracie”
Lime Green Girl is now known as “Charley”
Yellow Girl is now known as “Zoey”
Red Girl is now known as “Vee”

For anyone who has not seen the vid of the puppies playing on the pool cover, they had a BLAST! Talk about getting their “sea legs”! Bouncing around, it was like a Bouncy House for puppies! All of the pups quickly thought this was great fun; another surface mastered by all!

Sunday, August 5, 2018… The blog entry that never ends (LOL!)

I fell asleep at 8:30 p.m. and was up by 4:30 a.m. this morning… Where is the COFFEE! Going through a few more of the photos taken last week and wanted to share:

Puppies play hard with each other but now need to learn you aren’t another puppy for them to climb all over! Gently “correcting” this behavior now will ease your puppy’s transition into your home!

It is easy to forget the pupies are like babies… they “explore” everything with their mouths!

And I “taught” them how to “dig”! If you have an area you can “give” to the pups to dig, they would be so happy! Think of it like a sandbox for a child. It will help them NOT dig where they shouldn’t if they have their own “spot” to “play”.

Our little “water feature” on our back patio where EVERYONE uses as a recirculating drinking bowl! At least none of the pups thought to actually climb into the fountain (I half expected some might try to do that, LOL!)

We LOVE all of our puppies! Thank you, Andrew, for all of your help loving on the puppies!

Thank you to everyone who has followed the puppy journey here on my blog/web site! I hope to continue to add more photos as the pups grow up and to share their stories of their lives with their new families. It has been a wonderful summer experience for us… a lot of fun, a lot of work, and a lot of memories!! Congrats again to the new owners of my precious babies!