114th of 365_2025: Puppies!

04-24-2025

Our little Shih Tzu, Bali, gave birth to 4 healthy puppies today. For the past few weeks, I was really wrapped in anxiety because I wasn't even able to take her to the vet for a check up. Blame it on financial troubles. I prayed hard that she would not have any complications in the birthing process. Thank God my prayers were heard.

I fashioned a birthing place out of plastic fruit crates that I got for free. I lined it with thick cardboard and old towels and topped it off with a disposable dry sheet. Brock the daddy kept climbing in the crate thinking he has a new bed! Haha.

The moment I noticed Bali being restless and panting, I knew it was time. I lifted her and placed in the crate. Within a few minutes, her water broke and out came puppy # 1! I was a choco-liver female. We named her Georgie. After 5 minutes, the second puppy was out. A male whom we named Sean. Almost immediately after that, the third puppy arrived. Another male and we gave him the name Darren. Both Sean and Darren were also choco-livers. Bali was exhausted. I gave her some water to drink. I thought she was done when she suddenly let out a loud yelp and then out came puppy # 4. It was a female, all black in color. We named her Kira.

At this time, Bali had to lay down and rest. It was such a miracle that she was able to push out all 4 puppies, given her tiny size.

Another amazing thing is that the one who helped me during the birthing process was no other than my 9 year old grandson. He sterilized the scissors to cut the umbilical cords. He dried the puppies once they were out of the sac. He put each one of them near Bali so they could immediately nurse. I thought he'd be scared of the blood, the fluids, and the placenta. But oh no, he was fine with it! What a brave little boy!