July 23

August 23
2AM: So I went into the backyard to check on Annabelle and she was
actively starting to go into labor. As I looked around the shed the
less suitable of a place this looked like for her to have her puppies.
The wood was rough and I couldn't set it up in a way that would keep
the pups from wandering off, so Annabelle was moved, with much
protest, into the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen she realized that coming inside wasn't so bad. The
dog bed was going to be more comfortable than plywood to give birth
on. Plus, she likes the air conditioning!

About 6AM, July 23- I was woken up by the sounds of squeaking coming
from the kitchen. Annabelle wasn't making a noise giving birth, but
the first puppy was born. A dark brown, nearly black, female,
certainly wanted the world to be aware of her arrival.

About every thirty minutes or so another puppy was born until she had
delivered nine live births. During her labor, Annabelle didn't make a
sound. She would lie down for most of the delivery. Once the puppy was
out of the birth canal, Annabelle would stand to remove the puppy from
the sac and bite off the umbilical cord. When Annabelle would stand,
the puppies that had become comfortable nursing would become
dislodged. The dislodged siblings would squeak noisily whenever their
first meal was interrupted by a new arrival.

I like to let the Mama dog take care of her pups, but sometimes it
becomes inevitable that I will need to help out. As Annabelle and I
get to know each other, I will have to learn how much help she will
allow me to provide.

Speaking of that, I better go start a load of towels. Can't afford to
get behind on laundry already!