98 Degrees and Falling

According to most of the literature and the advice of the Vet, once the Dam's temperature drops below 98 degrees Fahrenheit, you have between 12 and 24 hours before you should expect the first puppy.

Well, Celeste has been putting up with the engineer in me taking her temperature twice a day and she's been gradually dropping for the last two days. Now, taking a dog's temperature is about as fun as taking a toddler's temperature... in the you-know-where; the big difference is that the toddler doesn't have sharp teeth attached to a powerful jaw. Not that Celeste isn't the perfect angel, it's just something to consider.

Just a few minutes ago we had the big drop to 97.6, so it looks like the puppies are on their way and Celeste is right on time with her gestation. Celeste is definitely aware that something is amiss as she's wrapped herself up in a blanket on the couch. She does have a certain flare for the dramatic.

This seems to fit with the observation that the bitch will pick the most inopportune time to go into labor... at night, on a weekend, when the vet is closed and the only other option is the 24 hour emergency clinic if you're fortunate enough to live near one and can hope to afford it if you do.

Luckily, one of the best Emergency and Referral Clinics is right down the street from us in case we need their services and I've filled out new patient information sheets there and at a Vet that's down the street, just in case we're in a rush and can't make it out to our Vet of choice.

A friend from the dog world who is studying to be a Vet specializing in canine reproduction was going to assist in the birth if she didn't have an exam when Celeste decided to whelp, and guess what, she has an exam tomorrow so it looks like we're on our own if Celeste is quick, or we'll make our appointment with the Vet tomorrow if she takes her time.

Fingers crossed that all goes well. Time to go over all my notes and re-read those whelping books again. Nothing better to do, and it's certainly more productive than pacing in the waiting room and counting the cigars.