Still Pregnant Sheena (pics)

[mike001]

Shepherds always have huge litters, enough for everyone. Usually between 10 and 12, sometimes more. Place your orders.

[buttercup132]

I really love how we get all these updates and pictures. It makes me feel like I'm involved in it.
I can't wait for the babies to come!! Let those puppies out soon Miss, it looks like your belly is going to explode.
I've also read the other updates (just dont reply to all of them) and I hope she has enough puppies for everyone on the waiting list two years is so long to be waiting for a puppy.

[Catty1]

That one pic is about the only testy look I have seen from her. She seems a happy dog, ALWAYS smiling!

Sheena, wait til you are a new mom! THEN the attention you will get!

[Vela]

This has been really neat following along. Thanks so much for sharing all of that with us. Can't wait to see the pups.

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks all. Sheena has been such a happy girl through all of this. She always has been. One of the traits I am hoping she will pass on to her litter is her confidence and her happy additude.

As for "placing orders" sorry but if the adopters had that kind of additude when it came to adopting one of Sheena's pups they would not get a pup from me. This is not like ordering off a menu. Either way the ultrasound said 6 and my vet says there could be a few more. So possibly a litter of 8. 6-8 is the average size for a first time mom for this breed. Yes they can have bigger litters but 6 - 8 is the average. If she has 8 or so then all the pups have homes. I prefer having homes lined up before a litter is born, perferably before the litter is even concieved. Only one of my adopters contacted me after Sheena and Ryder were bred. Everyone else has been waiting a while.

Having the homes already lined up means I can focus souly on the litter and making sure they are raised in a way that will give them the best start in life. Instead of having to waste time in finding homes.

Agian thanks all. I will drive you nuts with updates. lol
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[angelbow20]

I cant wait to see puppy pictures! My moms dream dog is a white german shepard and someday I will make sure to get her one. She is such a pretty dog and I love german shepard puppies!!!!

[NicoleLJ]

Well it looks like I am on Sheena watch all day (have been all week really. lol). I took her temp at midnight last night and it was 99.7. It has been staying between 99.6 and 100.4 for the last week. She has been up panting hard most of the night even with the air conditioner and fans on. So I took it just now and it has taken a dive to 98.7. Has never been that low. Not sure if that means she is having them today but it could be a good indicator. Just thought you guys might want this update.
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[mike001]

Thanks all. Sheena has been such a happy girl through all of this. She always has been. One of the traits I am hoping she will pass on to her litter is her confidence and her happy additude.

As for "placing orders" sorry but if the adopters had that kind of additude when it came to adopting one of Sheena's pups they would not get a pup from me. This is not like ordering off a menu. Either way the ultrasound said 6 and my vet says there could be a few more. So possibly a litter of 8. 6-8 is the average size for a first time mom for this breed. Yes they can have bigger litters but 6 - 8 is the average. If she has 8 or so then all the pups have homes. I prefer having homes lined up before a litter is born, perferably before the litter is even concieved. Only one of my adopters contacted me after Sheena and Ryder were bred. Everyone else has been waiting a while.

Having the homes already lined up means I can focus souly on the litter and making sure they are raised in a way that will give them the best start in life. Instead of having to waste time in finding homes.

Agian thanks all. I will drive you nuts with updates. lol
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

Place your orders was a figure of speech Nicole. Sorry you took offense.

[NicoleLJ]

Place your orders was a figure of speech Nicole. Sorry you took offense.

Who wouldn't. These pups are not menu items. I have never heard anyone refer to adopting a puppy by saying "place your orders".
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[BC_MoM]

C'mon Sheena! You're just being silly now! WE WANT PUPPIESSSSS!

I hope she has enough puppies for everyone on the waiting list two years is so long to be waiting for a puppy.

I know several breeders who have long waiting lists. There is nothing wrong with it. If the breeder is reputable, it's worth the wait. Plus, if the number of puppies isn't equivalent to number of wanna-be parents, why should the mommy have to be breed right away again to please them? It's all about patience! Good things come to those who wait.

[NicoleLJ]

Here is the morning update. Still no pups and no sign of labour/contractions or the like. Her temp is still 98.6. So no change there. All night we were taking her out to potty every 2-3 hours and to walk around the yard on leash. She would then come in, dig in her box and then go straight to sleep. The pups in her tummy are still really active and Sheena is acting completely fine. But if there are no signs of labour by 11am, it is 9am right now, then I am phoning my vet for advice to make sure that all is going well since her temp has been down in the 98's for over 24 hours now.

Sorry for the late update but I am exhausted, still fighting my cold, no sleep the past 3 nights and so on. So I will update when I can. But that is where we stand right now.

C'mon Sheena! You're just being silly now! WE WANT PUPPIESSSSS!



I know several breeders who have long waiting lists. There is nothing wrong with it. If the breeder is reputable, it's worth the wait. Plus, if the number of puppies isn't equivalent to number of wanna-be parents, why should the mommy have to be breed right away again to please them? It's all about patience! Good things come to those who wait.

Great post and I totally agree. We will defiantley not be breeding Sheena agian right away. If all does go well with this whelping, many dogs go over there due date so there is still no reason to think it won't, she will only be bred once more at teh age of 5. And I already have a waiting list for that litter too. lol
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[cassiesmom]

Nicole, I can't find the post with the 9-week "here's what to expect" information. So, here is my question. Will Sheena have any other signs of labor other than a change in her appetite and temperature? I wonder if the pups will come today. I'm still hoping they will all be born healthy, ready to grow, and that the delivery will go smoothly. Whatever day it is, today or another day. Will you be able to stay in touch with the pups' adopting families? I hope your cold goes away quickly.

[NicoleLJ]

Here you go:

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medica...html#pregnancy

Week Nine (Days 58-65)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Growth and Development continues

CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Nesting behavior may be seen
Bitch may become distressed (panting, pacing, acting uncomfortable)
Temperature should be around 100.2-100.8 degrees Farenheit
When temperature drops to around 98-99.4 degrees Farenheit, puppies should be born within 24 hours
Appetite may disappear as whelping approaches

CARE OF THE BITCH
Start taking temperature three times a day

TO DO LIST
Notify vet or emergency clinic when temperature drops so that they will be ready if you have any problems
Keep detailed records on temperature and behavior of bitch
Double check that whelping supplies are ready



There are many signs of labour. Some dogs will show all of them, some none. All they are are signs but they are not a sure thing.

I should be able to stay in touch with the adopting families. It is in everyones contract that I have to know their address and phone number for the life of the dog. Same goes for teh pup I am donating. It is very important that I do stay in touch so I can see where I need to improve the next time I breed and what I did right with this breeding and should try and do agian.
Nicole & Sheena (moms to be)

[CathyBogart]

Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet?