laurie etc Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie - What little cuties! I hope everything's still going fine this morning. It's great that your boss understands and will let you do what needs to be done and work it around your job. I'm sure you're feeling very sleep deprived at this point. A friend of mine raised 14 St. Bernard pups years ago when she lost the mom during a C-section. She and her husband had to take leaves of absence and stay home to feed pups full time for 3 weeks. We just don't give these bitches enought credit for all they do - they make it look easy. One thing I thought of - and your vet probably already mentioned this. Make sure the pups are keeping warm - since they don't have Kip to snuggle up to. They can't control their own body temps for the first week/10 days. They may need an outside heat source (heating pad, hot water bottle) to crawl to if they get chilled (lucky for them it's Summer and not Winter)or if they get too warm, a water-filled frozen 1 or 2 liter soda bottle works well to give them a cool spot. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions that don't need to be taking space up on this list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie: I was shocked and sad to hear about Kippy. I do think that she gave her every last bit of life for those puppies, and that she waited for you to be there with her before she passed, speaks to her knowing that you and she had a special bond. Dogs are so unlike other animals in their loyalty and trust, I think she needed to know her pups were going to be taken care of before she could let go. You and she touched eachother in a very special way. The pups need a strong mom now, and I know you can do it. We are all here for you. Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flrpwr52 Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 I am so very sorry. It is so sad that she had to give her life for her pups. God bless you for doing all you could and for taking care of those precious babies. Please believe me when I say this, if I was closer I'd be right there trying to help. Thank you for caring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzysmom Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Thanks to you Kip was loved during her last days here. You are truly an angel, as is Kip. Godspeed Little Kip.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitch Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 This is just so sad and not the way it was supposed to happen....I just hope Kip is at peace now, knowing she could trust you with her babies. Thank you for doing this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powder Puff Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Im so sorry about kip, i was just in the gallery looking at the pictures and then i came here and started reading and i cant believe the ending i hope all goes well with the pups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinKate Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Also coming in late... So very sorry. I know Kip thanks you for all you have done, and all you will be doing for her pups. Wish you were closer so we could take the pups in shifts. Good luck you you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronHorse Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie, You,Kip and her family are in my Prayers. May the Great Spirit watch over and guide you all through this heartbreak and this blessing. Although I have never had to surogate a newborn litter I have found some information that may be of help to you. http://www.leerburg.com/bottlefeeding.htm Like't'y Nenn"e (Stay the Path) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie, I wish I was closer so I could help in person, but my thoughts and prayers for you, Kip and the pups will have to do. If you need anything, or just a shoulder to cry on, pm me, I'll be more than happy to respond. Hang in there, you're doing some wonderful stuff. Ruth n the BC3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea4th Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie, I've been without a computer and can only sporadically read these boards, but what a heart & gut wrenching post to have read. Thank God she was with you where she lived, if only briefly, and died in your loving hands---and damn the bastards who allowed her to get into this condition. I admire you for your heart and courage and a thank you for taking in this little dog who deserved better in her life, and finally got it with you. I think there is a reason for everything, that Kip came into your life and presented you with these pups. It may not be evident now, but there's something bigger than any of us working here. You have a tough road ahead of you with these little guys. The way I've seen people on this board come together, I think you won't totally be alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prosperia Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 I am so sorry, I had a feeling something wasnt right. I dont know what else to say, You are going to have help with the pups right? If it comes down to it, my door is always open for one of those little guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassies mom Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Kassie and I send our heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days to come. You are a wonderful person and special blessings will come your way. With doggy hugs and snuffles... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leahluvsherpups Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Gosh, I am in total tearage right now. You and little Kip went through so much for those little angels. I can't begin to know how you must be feeling right now. She is now at the bridge and back to perfect health. She will help you in spirit with her little babies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Words cannot express what my heart feels for you. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. She gave them her all and then some. That'll do Kipppy....you done good. Kristen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CollieKat Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Aerie a thought came to me today. When i worked at the vets and we had orphaned pups from bitches who had died we contacted the local radio station and put out a plea for a surrogate mum. It always worked and its maybe worth a go for you too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerie Posted July 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Again, I have to say thanks to everyone...your prayers and kind words are helping more than you know. Bottle feeding is DEFINITELY not fun, and i'm exhausted, but it seems like it's working - each of the puppies has gained back at least the ounce they lost the day after they were born and some have gained two or three ounces each. So far, so good. The little ones are active and as healthy as can be, thank goodness. My neighbor is an angel and is helping me with feeding. She kept them for about 6 hours this afternoon so I could get a bit of sleep. Now if I can just convince Recon that the puppies aren't hers and no matter how hard she tries she can't nurse them, and convince Combat that they are not in fact evil doers out to get him...I'll be in good shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karrie Posted July 29, 2005 Report Share Posted July 29, 2005 Recon, hunny you can teach the puppies what they need to know. Combat, they are little devils but if you keep a good eye on they will be perfect little angels. So when they get strong enough to start getting where they shouldn't you just tell Mama. Ok Recon and Combat here is a new trick for you hold the bottle for the babies. Mama Aerie, get rest when you can. You are doing a terrific job. (((HUGS and Prayers)))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prosperia Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 sweet little recon but Karrie's right, at least the pups wont be without the socialization that they would get from kippy, and they have eachother, so the chances of them ending up with social or behavioral problems later will be lessened. I am having trouble convincing myself that I dont want another puppy the housetraining ect., but those sweet little faces are very persuasive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiegirl Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 Did you know that non-pregnant bitches can actually lactate if stimulated enough? Good luck with the pups! Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessJenni Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 I'm so saddened to hear about Kip. I'm glad the puppies are doing well, though. I'm adding my thoughts and prayers to the ones everyone else has sent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin881 Posted July 30, 2005 Report Share Posted July 30, 2005 im very sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmetteabrakai Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Oh my, I didn't read this all the way through until I saw the up date on the puppies, posts. I think the name Kip just became the symbal of courage in my book... Sorry for your loss and blessings on you for raising the pups. I had to raise my Dobermans puppies (way long story, but it turned out ok.) I ended up tubing them becasue several just didn't want to take the bottle of any kind. I know how much work this is, having raised pups, kittens, goats and horses by hand. God bless you for your perservence. The pups are in good hands with you and Recon on duty. Are you going to keep one Andrea D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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