Well, Poopie!

I've been a little out of sorts for the past two days and there has been a lot of talk about my digestive system and ice cream. Mom and Ms. Deb said something about me having soft serve, frosties and milk shakes. Let me tell you, I've seen NONE OF IT! Well, Poopie.

I guess I'll just crawl back under the covers and hold down the bed. Is it a sign? Yes! It is a sign . . . that I'm TIRED!

Changes....

I am looking, Mom is looking and it seems everyone is looking for a sign of something:

Decreased appetite is usually one of the earliest signs that your bitch might be pregnant. Not all females go through this doggie version of "morning sickness", but a small percentage will eat less during the first few weeks of gestation, usually making up for it later in the pregnancy.

A sudden decrease in activity can indicate that your bitch is pregnant. Just like some women, canines may also experience feelings of exhaustion as their hormone levels change to support embryo production.

Nipple growth is a good indicator that your bitch's body is going through pregnancy changes. The nipples of an unbred female are usually quite small, and the area immediately beneath them will feel flat. However, once a pregnancy is in progress, breast material will develop beneath the nipples, which will also increase slightly in preparation for eventual milk production.

Behavioral changes may also be noticed, with either an increase in affectionate behavior or an expressed desire to be left alone.

Shedding Some Light on the Subject

I found this chart on line to shine light on what *might* be going on inside of me....

Zero to One	Breeding takes place. Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.
Two	The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation. You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may become moody or more affectionate.
Three	Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. Your dog may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
Four	Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound. The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features. Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again. Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
Five	The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes. Your dog's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space. With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
Six	Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth. Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach. You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
Seven	Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth. You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen. Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk". Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box.
Eight	The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth. Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural "nesting" behavior. Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
Eight to Nine	The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come. Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious. Time to begin taking rectal temperature readings 12 hours apart. Normal temperature is 100 to 101 F; a drop down near 97 F held for two consecutive readings indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.

So wow.... that is a lot of things to happen all in the span of about 63 days..... Wow. wow and wow.

This directly relates back to a book a read a long time ago:

Are you there God? It's me, Brisztow.

Let me see.... we are at day 16 so that means implantation is taking place, and I may be developing. How appropriate--it being the first day of spring!

Signs.

Ms. Deb keeps asking mom if I am showing any signs.

Am I tired? yes

Am I needy? yes.

Is that normal? yes.

So that is why I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up by reporting these things. I am a sleepy couch potato. Nothing out of the ordinary.

I'll keep you updated if I start craving peanut butter and pickles....

mmmmm.... peanut butter....
mmmm.... pickles....

Still no news.... but that's good!

I better begin to make preparations and draw up some global domination plans.

Mom says that my nesting and wanting to cuddle 24/7 could be signs of the Urban Mutt Army. It is true that I have been extra needy, and that if I keep getting under foot I might lose one of my own (mom stepped on my paw this weekend because I was following her every move). So I have my paws crossed that all is going well....