Wednesday, July 8, 2009

A Chrissy Story..Her First Litter - Part 1

I knew she would be a good Momma, just judging by her personality and how she, at such a young age, cared for us. I was excited and at that time did not have a stud dog of my own. After weeks of researching, lots of phone calls and visits to see some local studs, I finally found one I knew was right. He was a bit smaller than Chrissy, but like in color and personality. I felt comfortable with the owner too, knowing I would have to leave Chrissy in her care for no less than 1 week.

We watched Chrissy closely. She was just over 2 and cycled regularly twice a year. When the time was right, I called and made arrangements to leave Chrissy to be bred. This was the hardest part.

Coming out to greet me, Sandy reached down and gave Chrissy a pat on the head as well. We walked together up her drive and back towards the dog run she had for her pets. It was large, open, shaded by a few trees and clean. Formal introductions were made between Chrissy and her Husband-to-Be. It was hot that day and Chrissy looked nervous. She stayed right beside me, tethered to a leash or not.

After payment was made, it was time for me to leave her. I could not help it. I cried. The look on her face was pure abandonment. Chrissy could not imagine why I would leave her there with these strange people and dogs. I was worried that she would try to escape and make her way back to our home but the owner assured me their fencing and gates were secure.

Every single day I wanted to go and see her, but I resisted. I knew that each time I would leave without her, she would again get very stressed and this was not a time I wanted her to be stressed!

After 4 days, Sandy called.
"We have a slight problem." She said as my heart literally dropped.
"Chrissy is in full heat, but all she will show my dog is her teeth!"

A huge sigh of relief came over me as I burst out into laughter.
"That's my girl!!" I replied.

Sandy was a vet tech and arranged to take Chrissy into the office and have the mating done in a more artificial way. 2 weeks later it was confirmed that human intervention proved to be a success!

to be continued...

7 comments:

JJ said...

Thank you for your comment Julie. After reading about your losing Chrissy, I got teary eyed and went home to hug my dog. They are with us for such a brief time and it's the one of the saddest things about pet ownership....my girl is already 4 years old!

Anyway, I really enjoy reading your blogs and hope all is well in your world!!

:)

Debra@CommonGround said...

Your stories are always so sweet, I feel your anguish. Chrissy must have been one special little gal.Thanks for sharing...looking forward to the next post. Thanks for coming by my blog and adding yourself to the "followers".
Debra

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

That was a great story. My corgi never did have any pups, she wouldn't ever let another dog near hear and I know they tried, so I didn't get any babies from her. So will part 2 talk about her babies?

Justabeachkat said...

Ah, she had spunk!

Enjoyed reading about this memory of your sweet girl.

Hugs!
Kat

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story. I have a puppy who is now six, a white lab, and he's nothing less than a member of our family. Those who chose not to befriend these four legged friends and accept their love and loyalty haven't a clue all they are missing.
Happy Twirls

vivian said...

any puppy pictures?? hmm.. I wonder how she felt about that human intervention?

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

You care for your pets as we do...babies! So glad your Crissy is expecting, how exciting! We had our first foal last year. Thanks for stopping in, good to hear from you! Luanne