Our dog Dixie had puppies. As with most learning curves this was her and our first experience with a live birth. I knew of life and death on a farm. I read about it. I’ve heard from others about it. It’s a whole other thing living it.
Dixie started having her puppies about 5:30pm and we were on hand for the miracle. First exhilaration. Then devastation. Our dog Dixie had eleven puppies and it was a joyous moment. Sadly numbers ten and eleven, born hours after the rest of the litter, didn’t make it. Yes, they were the proverbial runts but it didn’t stop us from doing everything we could to keep them with us.
It’s all part of farm life but that fact doesn’t make the loss easier.
So we mourned our losses, I have “reassembled” myself and have turned my attention to the little lovelies that are still here with us.
I’m learning quickly that farm life affords a range of emotions both good and bad, but isn’t that what life is supposed to do? Make us wiser and stronger?
We made a makeshift kennel in the farmhouse so we can help Dixie along her journey of motherhood. She is more of a tomboy and not taking to the responsibilities of being a milk machine. Dixie’s only response to the puppies is a thorough cleaning.
Constantly.
Obsessively.
So Mr. Bluejeans and I must hold her head back while she feeds otherwise she just keeps removing the babies from their only task. Guzzling milk. But we know she means well. She’s a loving girl, it’s just her inexperience is getting in the way. Kind of like being newbie homesteaders. Inexperience can get in the way but we keep trying and so does Dixie…
Here’s a video showing darling Dixie and her precious pups:
Have you experienced the joy of new babies on the farm?
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