Echo showed signs of early labor and so I set up the bed beside her whelping pen. She spent the night nesting and going out to the bathroom and talking walks and resting.

Around 3am her “water” broke and then around 4am a little baby water sac appeared – I was excited that we would soon be welcoming a little one into the world.

Echo started to do little pushes and then would rest. Nothing significant. So, we continued monitoring her and taking her for walks. We administered a little calcium to help keep contractions strong and keep energy levels up, and she went for walks. We even did the wheelbarrow (just exactly what it sounds like) in case there was a baby malpositioned.

Around 6am I got in contract with my vet and told him what I was seeing. he agreed that if we weren’t seeing progression, to bring her in for an assessment and possible c-section at noon.

Around 11, I called and we agreed to bring her in. My 16 year old sat in the car with Echo to keep her safe and Dr Thoreson and his team assessed her and decided the best action was surgery.

It was absolutely the right call. There was a puppy that was stuck in the pelvis and his poor little head was a little cone head. He of course was fine, but at almost 11oz, he was a huge baby to be born naturally.

Boy 1 – 10.10oz

Boy 2 – 10.35oz

Boy 3 – 10.7oz (stuck boy)

Girl – 8.65oz

Once born, they quickly started looking for food. As soon as Echo was awake enough, we got them nursing – they knew what to do immediately. And much to our amazement, she was instantly in love with them – she wanted to lick them – there was no “what are these aliens?” – her mothering instincts kicked in right on the table.

I am so grateful that though it was not what we had planned that it worked out wonderfully.

If you would like to be considered for your own kazuri beagle – please look at the “Puppy page” for our plans and the questionnaire of how you can apply.