Underneath the shed.

Our terrier, Lizzie was due to have puppies any day. I know the signs and I knew on Saturday that they would be born within the next two days. I have been on call all weekend, running back and forth to the hospital to do cases. Yesterday, we our family returned home from church, there was no Lizzie anywhere to be found. Our family immediately started searching everywhere. At first I wasn't really concerned...I knew she was somewhere close probably having her puppies, but as we continued to search and there was no sight of her I began to get worried. My husband was on his way home and I called him telling him the dilemma. He said he would be right home and find her. With sweat rolling, my phone paging me to the hospital, I was distressed. I wanted to find our Lizzie and make sure she was OK. My husband joined the search and within seconds our daughter announced "Lizzie is underneath the outside building, mom." Somehow that dog had crawled and dug a nice little round place underneath this shed to have her puppies. I was relieved and got down close to the ground to listen. I heard the sound of puppies. I hurried to the hospital to do an emergency case. I finished up and was closing the OR doors when my husband called to say there were four puppies and all is well. When I got home we carefully moved the treasured litter to her doghouse placed behind the shed in the shade. There are two black ones and two black and white spotted ones. My father always taught me to offer food to the mother dog when she appears to be finished birthing the pups...if she doesn't eat there could be a problem....if she does, all is well. Lizzie ate a piece of cheese, her favourite, from my husband's hand. This morning I checked on our new family. Lizzie eyes were bright, clear. The pups sleeping. My husband gave Lizzie a bath. Two of my friends have already inquired about getting one of our famous puppies. They can only go to approved homes. I have no idea how many litters of pups I have experienced in my lifetime. No idea how many I have held and loved, but every time we have another batch....it is a new, exciting experience that carries me back to our simple home in Lawrenceburg, Tn where my dad told me, "Sparkle just had five puppies Miriam." My feet barely touched the ground as I ran to see. I couldn't run yesterday, in my high heels I had worn to church, but don't worry....I was just as excited. Our terrier puppies are beautiful and wonderful.