Only a few days to go before Lexi’s puppies arrive. She had an x-ray last week and we spotted a LOT of puppies. The vet estimates about six; maybe seven. Counting those little spines and skulls is not that easy when they are all bunched up in there. We thought we were going to have four puppies (according to the ultrasound), but surprise…surprise!

We have her birthing area all set up (a plastic swimming pool with a lot of blankets and towels) in our bedroom. I suspect she will have the puppies next weekend – 63 days, give or take a few days. I also made an enclosure for the grass area (when they are more mobile) so we can put them outside from time.

It has been a dozen or more years since we bred one of our dogs. Last time, we had to work and missed the whole event. We had our teenage son, Alex, serve as midwife. He still says that it was the most fascinating thing ever. We had five little boys at that time. My wife got out the old puppy pictures from last time and it warmed her heart. Those puppies are soooooo cute. She didn’t want to do puppies again, remembering all of the work involved, but she sure loved them.

The last litter, we kept the smallest puppy (Herman), who tragically died a few years ago as a result of an injury. There was one more puppy left, so we put an ad in the newspaper. A few days later, a woman called to inquire about the dog. She had lost her other Sheltie to old age and was still very emotional about it; even apologizing for calling. She decided to come and see the dog, not sure she wanted to get another puppy this soon. When she came to the door, this little fat puppy ran right up to her to be picked up. When he started licking her face, the lady started to cry.

"He looks exactly like my dog passed away a few weeks ago."

"He looks like his mother, Maggie," I said.

"Maggie! That was my dog’s name! I am going right to the ATM and get the cash. This puppy is going home with me today." It was a match made in dog Heaven.

Each one of those puppies found a wonderful home. We even hosted a puppy reunion on their one-year birthday. Those dogs turned out to be beautiful and intelligent pets, deeply loved by their families. I can only hope that we find such good homes this time.

Maggie, now 14 years old, is still hanging in there. She has cataracts and is mostly deaf. She spends a lot of time sleeping now, but still gets excited when she sees a squirrel – her nemesis. She even caught one by the tail in her early days. She still has the motivation to chase them, but chooses to walk now. She was a very good mother to her puppies, so I hope that Lexi will be, too.

It is really surprising how people become emotionally attached to their pets. My neighbor is one of those crusty, hard-ass guys that hate most other people, but loves dogs. He has yet to replace his dog that died a few years ago, enjoying his freedom now. He would love to be able to pet Lexi, but Lexi does not like him…at all. His biggest fear will be that Lexi’s six or seven puppies will be barking at him, too. I asked him for one of his well-worn, stinky t-shirts that I will put with the puppies. Maybe they will get used to his smell, assuming Lexi doesn’t tear it up.

I will be sure to announce the arrival of these new puppies. I hope that all goes well. I will post again in a litter while (pun).