And So It Begins

Kenya's in Stage 1 labor, which can last up to 24 hours, but is more usually 4-12 hours. 

• she hasn't eaten today at all
• she's vomited twice today (very normal in early labor)
• she's nesting more often
• she's clearly uncomfortable
• she's increasingly restless
• she's panting like crazy
• her temperature is down to 99.2 (normal for canines is 101.7)
• she has to be close to her humans (as in, like our shadow) -- she's not her normal independent self

Here she is actually snuggling with Don on the sofa (draped in blankets):

This is so not Kenya's norm. Unlike some of the others in our crew, she's never been a couch potato or a lap dog -- she's always been a foot dog, most content to snuggle at our feet.

Poor, uncomfortable girl.

She, of course, couldn't wait until the morning to start into labor (well, the puppies couldn't wait until the morning).  Nooooooo.  She had to start (like every pregnant female under the sun) at about 8 p.m.  Labor is never a daytime thing. 

And today is only Day 56 (Friday is Day 60). Perfectly sound litters can be whelped anywhere from Day 57 through 63.  I just never dreamed Kenya would be this early (vet's not concerned).  They come when they're ready (well, at least for Labs anyway... whelping is usually not a complicated issue for the Lab breed as a whole).

It's going to be a long night. :)

Put the coffee on.  I'll try to cat nap as I can on the couch, but I suspect neither Kenya nor I are going to get much sleep.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I really don't expect Kenya to drop her puppies in the next couple of hours.  More likely it will be tomorrow sometime.

But her digging and nesting and panting are all sufficient enough that I'm not comfortable leaving her alone overnight.

Just in case, of course. ;-)

Stay tuned!

'Til next time,
Joan