...my Ilo is going to have a litter. Friends and fellow breeders will know that I have been planning this since early 2007, but Ilo had other ideas and in spite of considerable advice from other breeders and reproduction experts, she spurned the amorous attentions of 3 home grown studs and one Swedish import. Her choice was the handsome Dane, now living in North Suffolk! A very appropriate one too, I feel, stunning, fab nature, such ease of movement, and Sami relatives quite recently admitted to register in Sweden.
In mid-May, progesterone testing indicated the time was right so we travelled up to Carol Stuckey's home. Carol was superb, experienced in breeding, yet very laid back (good for my nerves!) and we introduced the dogs that first evening. They obviously liked each other immediately but as usual Ilo followed her normal pattern of behaviour and steadfastly rejected all advances from the gorgeous Heikki. How could she refuse him, I wondered? So playful and gentle and positively coquettish he was in his approaches - perhaps it was never to be.
We decided to leave them alone to get better acquainted as their play was most promising, but both kept returning to us. Ovulation day came and went and more sweet courtship continued, with Ilo remaining just tantalisingly out of range. And continued. and continued. It was obvious from their reactions they wanted no help from us so with periods of separation and keeping a beady eye on the paddock we left them to it. By now I was beginning to think nothing would occur and that Carol and I may just as well just enjoy a good social get-together.
However, Heikki had other and rather cunning plans. He was increasingly impatient with all the teasing, and the following day vented his frustrations by sitting down right in front of her and barking repeatedly very close to her nose. If he were speaking English, surely it would have translated as 'Now pack this in right now. You are leading me a right merry dance and its going to happen you know!' Amused as we were by his antics, we decided once again to withdraw and have a spot of lunch while peering into the paddock in between mouthfuls.
He was obviously hitting the target as Ilo was giving her customary squeaks, which were getting progressively closer together. We had just reached for the cheese board when the squeaks joined up, so we dashed outside to steady the pair. Both were looking mighty pleased with themselves in a turned tie, especially I fancied, Heikki, who gave me a 'I just had to cut off one of her exists by using this shed - ingenious, huh?' look.
I was shaking with emotion and joy. after so long, and so many attempts, I honestly never thought she would be a willing participant in an unassisted mating. After a good long tie, I guided Ilo back to the shade to rest. She looked up at me all the way, woo-woo-wooing with pleasure!
Two more succussful matings later on successive days meant Carol and I had to celebrate. Which involved lots of buying and cooking of nice goodies, all washed down with a few bubbles, topped by large quantities of Lindt. A final post-ovulation test showed the dogs had impeccable timing so then it was time for the long journey home and an even longer wait for the scan.
This time however, there really was no doubt. By day 30 after the middle mating, Ilo had ballooned and was far less keen on hunting down the bunnies on the allotment, focussing her energies instead on eating peas, asparagus and cabbages. I kept up her varied diet and walked her like crazy to keep up her stamina. She still played willingly with her dog friends but with less vigour than normal.
Scan day (day 39) arrived and so very kindly did Susanne Crowhurst as I had carelessly written off my car the previous week. It was lovely to have the company to and particularly from the by now notorious Clackett Lane services - scene of many previous and empty scans. Sam was late, we were champing at the bit. I knew Ilo was in whelp, I was fearing a football team plus reserves were inside but even so I almost keeled over in shock when Sam said she could see (at least) six pups. Fantastic. Great job Heikki and Ilo. and the added bonus of seeing Susanne's pups on the way home. What a lovely day!
Ilo really seems to be enjoying her pregnancy. Her scrounging has reached a new record and I am busy getting Rye mackerel and ox-heart to top dress her morning and evening meal, plus sourcing local eggs and cottage cheese for lunch. I have never seen her this content and watching the changes in her body on a daily basis are fascinating and what a coat! Maybe not the time of year to dress for the Arctic, but boy, is she blooming! Her behaviour has changed too. We have become even closer which bodes well for any assistance required at the birth.
In mid-May, progesterone testing indicated the time was right so we travelled up to Carol Stuckey's home. Carol was superb, experienced in breeding, yet very laid back (good for my nerves!) and we introduced the dogs that first evening. They obviously liked each other immediately but as usual Ilo followed her normal pattern of behaviour and steadfastly rejected all advances from the gorgeous Heikki. How could she refuse him, I wondered? So playful and gentle and positively coquettish he was in his approaches - perhaps it was never to be.
We decided to leave them alone to get better acquainted as their play was most promising, but both kept returning to us. Ovulation day came and went and more sweet courtship continued, with Ilo remaining just tantalisingly out of range. And continued. and continued. It was obvious from their reactions they wanted no help from us so with periods of separation and keeping a beady eye on the paddock we left them to it. By now I was beginning to think nothing would occur and that Carol and I may just as well just enjoy a good social get-together.
However, Heikki had other and rather cunning plans. He was increasingly impatient with all the teasing, and the following day vented his frustrations by sitting down right in front of her and barking repeatedly very close to her nose. If he were speaking English, surely it would have translated as 'Now pack this in right now. You are leading me a right merry dance and its going to happen you know!' Amused as we were by his antics, we decided once again to withdraw and have a spot of lunch while peering into the paddock in between mouthfuls.
He was obviously hitting the target as Ilo was giving her customary squeaks, which were getting progressively closer together. We had just reached for the cheese board when the squeaks joined up, so we dashed outside to steady the pair. Both were looking mighty pleased with themselves in a turned tie, especially I fancied, Heikki, who gave me a 'I just had to cut off one of her exists by using this shed - ingenious, huh?' look.
I was shaking with emotion and joy. after so long, and so many attempts, I honestly never thought she would be a willing participant in an unassisted mating. After a good long tie, I guided Ilo back to the shade to rest. She looked up at me all the way, woo-woo-wooing with pleasure!
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| Heikki using the shed to good effect |
This time however, there really was no doubt. By day 30 after the middle mating, Ilo had ballooned and was far less keen on hunting down the bunnies on the allotment, focussing her energies instead on eating peas, asparagus and cabbages. I kept up her varied diet and walked her like crazy to keep up her stamina. She still played willingly with her dog friends but with less vigour than normal.
Scan day (day 39) arrived and so very kindly did Susanne Crowhurst as I had carelessly written off my car the previous week. It was lovely to have the company to and particularly from the by now notorious Clackett Lane services - scene of many previous and empty scans. Sam was late, we were champing at the bit. I knew Ilo was in whelp, I was fearing a football team plus reserves were inside but even so I almost keeled over in shock when Sam said she could see (at least) six pups. Fantastic. Great job Heikki and Ilo. and the added bonus of seeing Susanne's pups on the way home. What a lovely day!
Ilo really seems to be enjoying her pregnancy. Her scrounging has reached a new record and I am busy getting Rye mackerel and ox-heart to top dress her morning and evening meal, plus sourcing local eggs and cottage cheese for lunch. I have never seen her this content and watching the changes in her body on a daily basis are fascinating and what a coat! Maybe not the time of year to dress for the Arctic, but boy, is she blooming! Her behaviour has changed too. We have become even closer which bodes well for any assistance required at the birth.
