Chronicle of an announced litter (*)

Like most of life on this earth, everything began thanks to our parental actions. Our expectation was bigger than on other occasions, because Vasco had suffered a slight case of food-poisoning, was convalescing and we could see him tired during the mating-ritual period. Besides, Dana is one of our canine "daughters" and she would become a mother for the first time.

In the first month we waited anxiously, because we couldn't appreciate external changes in Dana. Finally the ecograph done on the 25th day of gestation, confirmed to us that puppies were on their way. The vet added that there were six little dogs, but one was so small that it wouldn't conclude its gestation. She also explained the small amount of puppies was due to Vasco's intoxication although the father and the mother were born in litters of 11 and 10 puppies respectively.

During the morning of Thursday 11th , corresponding to 59th day ofgestation, Dana, shaking, woke me up. I got up and went to the kitchen for some milk. When I came back, I found her shivering on the bed. Suspecting that puppies would be born, I took her to the corner prepared with blankets and sheets 15 days before. With an extra pillow I sat beside her waiting, talking and stroking her because she seemed very scared.

After some groans and trying to get comfortable unsuccessfully - and after a little and anxious prayer to Saint Francis(**) by this narrator- the first of the puppies could be seen. He couldn't come out completely no matter how hard she tried. So I looked for a pair of gloves and, as softly as possible, helped in the process. A moment later Dana took the new arrival out of the bag still full of liquid, she licked it until he began to breath, cut the umbilical cord and finally cleaned him. We felt very excited when we heard him making new born sounds. Thus, in aproximately two hours, a marvellous male and four beautiful girls arrived, instinctively looking for their mother and they began to feed themselves.

Dana didn't leave the puppies' side for almost 72 hours, not even to perform her biological needs. For that reason we had to take water and food to her regularly. She took care of cleaning their corner, even the waste produced by the puppies.

Slowly she began to go to the yard, but she came back every time in less than 3 minutes. If the puppies complained, she simply returned and waited for another time to go out. After around 7 days she started to come out and to spend time with Vasco and Tita for longer periods.

The Little golden retrievers had always been active, they had barked -especially at night- and had wagged their tails while suckling, but they were more independant every day, exploring more and more their corner. At ten days they opened their eyes, and at twelve, the male and the biggest female gave their first steps. They still fed on maternal milk, and she still takes care of their deposits.

(*) Based on the original title of Gabriel Garcia Marquez' book "Chronicle of death foretold" ("Crónica de una muerte anunciada")

(**) St. Francis of Assisi is the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.