Virtual Breeding 2

To: Sue Samuels From: Gretel Cosby Subject: nearly time Date: 30 November	Hi Sue, I dont' know if you can see this photo clearly, but Cammy is very pregnant. I don't know how many puppies are in there, but regardless of the number, I'll be getting in contact with some of the people on your puppy list. That seems like the best way. I've taken some time off work. I'm looking forward to the birth in some ways, but I really am very nervous. G.
To: Sue Samuels From: Gretel Cosby Subject: not here yet Date: 2 December	Sue, the pups should have been born by now. This is now my 4th day off work and still no sign. Is it always like this. Cammy isn't showing any signs of getting restless. I've read all the books, but I can't seem to find peace in anything I read. I'm driving my vet mad by my twice daily phone calls to update her. She seems far too relaxed about it. I'm a nervous wreck.
To: Sue Samuels From: Gretel Cosby Subject: when will they come Date: 6 December	Sue. the pups have still not made an appearance. I am getting very worried. My vet thinks we should do a c-section. Despite the added risk and expense (it's going to be at least $600), I would like it to be a natural birth. Say some prayers for us please. Gretel.
To: Sue Samuels; Jeremy Withers From: Gretel Cosby Subject: news Date: 10 December	Hi Sue and Jeremy - I'm writing you a combined email as I am too exhausted to write more than this. I've been home from the vets for two hours now, although it's only 7am. I've spent most of the night at the surgery. And the news is not all good. Cammy is fine and so are the puppies. They were born via emergency c-section last night. There were 9. Unfortunately, the first one was very big, and it looks like the sac had split and he had died, therefore blocking the way of the others. We were able to revive 7 of the others, but one little girl who was up at the back of the horn did not make it. Cammy has a very large scar, but is luckily proving to be a very good mother. We have 5 boys and two girls. All pups seem to be doing well so far. It was a very long night. Oh, the joys of birth! what a joke. I don't wish that experience on my worst enemy. It was awful to see Cammy lying on the operating table with her innards all exposed. I felt awful for having put her through this. It's a miracle that I was able to bring home 7 pups. All needed a lot of care when they came out of their sacs. For a couple it was very much touch and go. Certainly, if I'd left it any longer, they would have all been dead, and the chances are that Cammy would have died too. My vet had to call in a couple of assistants when she saw how poorly the pups were doing. I didn't get the vet bill, but the nurse told me as I left it would be upwards of $850. I've got to go to sleep now. Will talk soon. G.
To: Sue Samuels From: Gretel Cosby Subject: update Date: 13 December	Oh Sue, I am so without sleep. What am I doing wrong? I have a lovely bitch. I put her to a lovely dog. We did all the health testing. Both were of super quality. But look at what has happened. I have had next to no sleep. I am constantly worried about Cammy and the pups, and worst of all, I have one little pup that has not been doing well. I needed to take this little girl to the vet today. So I had to bundle up all the pups and Cammy in the car, and manage my way down to the surgery. It turns out that this little girl has a cleft palate. The vet didn't notice it when she was born. I have brought her home, but I'm having to tube feed her. Apparently she will require expensive surgery. The vet told me that in most cases these pups die of infection and that it would be better to put her to sleep. I can't even bear the thought of this. I am at a lost of what to do. I've attached a picture of some of the puppies. I've put a ribbon around each one so I can tell them apart. The one with the cleft palate is the one with the pink ribbon. If you click on this photo you can make it look bigger. Gretel

Decision Point

Gretel needs to make a rather critical decision at this stage. If you think that she should put the puppy to sleep, click here.

or,

if you would like to help save "Pinky" the puppy, click here.

Please remember - neither decision is right or wrong.