They have finally landed!

Suffice to say this may not be the most erudite entry, for we are tired and yes, a little emotional (Banrock Station). Ilo has had her pups! It was the longest drawn out affair which kept us all on tenterhooks right until the end. She has been digging and steady panting for over a week, so I have been watching her like a hawk and sleeping with her the past 5 nights.  This morning after a restless night and periods of what I can only call 'glassiness' and 'faraway stares' she settled down on the Cambodian silk cushion to receive Tellington Touch massage (to help with body awareness and reassurance) from Karen and I. Lapping this up, we were getting contractions but no action so a brisk trot was prescribed for madam and sure enough on return to the whelping box two girl pups promptly arrived. Even though I was prepared for cream and white pups it was still a shock to see a light bag!

The two first born girlies

Then we had a good two and a half hour wait before the remaining four pups came in more sensible half hour slots, with just enough time to check, prep and move onto the next.  Ilo did all the work with minimal intervention from us and with a great deal of dignity. She also sat firmly throughout each delivery which made presentation checking almost impossible and enabled her to devour too many placentas. Ah well, so much for that recommendation. Doubtless I will know all about it tomorrow ;-).

Capturing he indignity of arrival

Throughout, my whelping assistant Karen was fab, calm and really helpful - and takes superb pics! Not only that but Liz Mowatt was on standby on the phone all day with helpful tips supplemented by Carol Stuckey and Suzanne Crowhurst and her friend Barbara. The vets wanted regular updates and got them, and all was progressing well as the next two finally made an appearance - the two twin boys with rich tan markings. swiftly followed by the final two girls.

Remarkably serene, but tired with her brood

Ilo settled in with her babes and dozed off with pups feeding greedily. Checking that she was empty was less successful - as I mistook the enlarged uterus for more whelps (Sam the scan was right on the money this time) so decided a trip to vets would ensure no late night surprises. One x-ray later and a shot of oxytocin we were on our way.

A lovely calm experience, and Ilo is proving to be a most proficient Mum, more pics courtesy of Karen on the Muohta page.