Hey all,
Long time no see (chat?) I've been pretty busy lately; working on the house, director our community's soccer program, etc.
We've also added to our family. 3 days ago, a 9 month old Newfie X (yet to be named) came home to live with us. She's a sweet calm gentle soul....I am in LOVE with her! Before she came, the rescue we adopted her from (same place we got Heidi, our first rescue dog) took her in to get spayed. Unfortunately, she had been pregnant and quite far along. The foster mom had no idea she was pregnant because she was still bleeding when she came home to live with her. The vet says that dogs can get pregnant, but still continue with their heat....weird stuff. The surgery was a tad more complicated than anticipated, but she came through just fine. Here's the problem....in her mind, she's given birth. Now, she's going all over the house, gathering up stuffed toys (mostly Heidi's lol) and has been bringing them onto her blanket...creating a nest. She thinks they are her babies. Her breasts are also bcoming engorged. I'm not really sure what to do about the whole thing. Should I encourage her behavior (placing the "babies" inside her crate at night) or should I take Heidi's toys back? Has anyone been through this sort of thing before?
Thanks!
Mel
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
What about URSA it means bear in latin.
or MISHA it means little bear in Russian.
Mrs Peacock,
Sorry I wasn't clearer. They aborted the puppies. I thought about her becoming a wet nurse for abandoned puppies, but honestly, there is no way I could handle having puppies around the house (along with the other dog, 2 cats, 2 kids AND renos) and I couldn't send her out to another foster home. The poor dog was been shipped around enough.
I will call the vet today and see what I should be doing.
Thanks!
Mel
Hi Mel76! Welcome back. Are you saying that they aborted the puppies because the vet did not recognize the pregnancy and went ahead with the surgery? Or is she still pregnant and just starting the nesting procedure? If she is not pregnant anymore, would the breast milk not dry up (or give medication to do so)? I am not a dog owner so just trying to understand.
If she is still pregnant, than I would say let her get her nest ready, whatever it takes. If she is not anymore, you might want to call the vet (you might consider a different vet) or a pet behavourist (sp?). Maybe you know of another dog that just had puppies that would share one or puppies that lost their mom and needs a 'wet nurse'. Check around with different agencies -Humane Society, Foster Homes, Pet Rescue Agencies.
As for the name, she does kind of look like a bear and wolf mated. What about 'Unique' or 'Unnie' for short or 'Nique'.
Here is a pic. The foster mom named her Teagan (which I flipping HATE) but we're having a hard time choosing a new one for her. Any suggestions??
She looks like the product of a wolf and a bear mating. LOL. Very unique....but oh so great!
Thanks guys!