I am a firm believer in shaking things up. Whether you’re an artist, businessperson, stay-at-home parent, or student, I think getting out of your routine is a really good way to keep you from burning out. It can even lend new perspective to whatever it is you do on a day-to-day basis. For me, that looks like doing some odd jobs here and there alongside my studying and my photography, including house- and dog-sitting. For me, the change of scenery or chance to hang out with a four-legged companion for a week or two is refreshing.
Well, I got a little more excitement than I bargained for this past week when I agreed to dogsit for Jazz, a pregnant Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. She wasn’t due until the week after I sat for her, but Mother Nature obviously had some other plans.
For most of the week, Jazz was pretty chilled out:
But, the evening before Jazz’s family was set to return from vacation, Jazz started to get extremely antsy. Pretty soon it became clear that puppies were on their way! At this point, a line from Gone with the Wind ran through my mind: “I don’t know nothin’ bout birthin’ babies!” Fortunately, my mom, who has played “doula” to many a creature in her time, was able to come assist.
Puppy number one was a big one…
…and puppy number two followed shortly after.
Number three was a different story, however. She was much smaller than the first two and wasn’t breathing well when she was first born.
However, with some extra attention and rubbing with a towel, she eventually caught up to her siblings and joined the puppy pile.
I was able to get in contact with Jazz’s ‘mom’ on the phone, and they let me know they were leaving to come home as soon as possible. I hoped they’d be home in time to see some of the puppies, because Jazz certainly wasn’t slowing down!
…She was getting pretty tired, though.
Finally, Jazz’s family arrived about 3 hours into her labor, with four healthy puppies already delivered. They were tired too, but it was clear that everyone was happy to see each other!
At this point, mom and I decided to leave Jazz and co. in the very capable hands of her family. The rest of the labor wasn’t easy; Jazz delivered eight healthy babies, but had to be taken to the emergency vet for a C-section to get the last puppy out. However, Jazz is now at home and the puppies - and family - are doing great. While it was a crazy evening, I’m so glad that I got to be a part of something so special, and that I was able to document the first part of Jazz’s labor so that her family could see it later. So, here’s to mixing it up!
Hannah, these are awesome.
Aw thank you!!
Hannah these are absolutely amazing! What a cool thing to be a part of, especially with camera in hand!
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