Only the best for a member of a royal family . . .

A gorgeous, healthy singleton boy was born via c-section (many thanks to our amazing vet, Dr. Allen Borden at Galleria Animal Clinic) Saturday. His registered name will be "Pickwick's As You Wish" (from Princess Bride) and his Kennel name Westley. As befitting for a pup from Princess Buttercup. ;)

Buttercup is a wonderful mother and recovered quickly from the surgery and Westley has already gained weight and is nursing well! At first, Buttercup wasn't quite sure of all this . . . .

But she caught on quickly ... especially after she had some of that delicious "Mama's Pudding" (yes, vanilla pudding with some special added ingredients for energy and calcium.)

​In this video you hear Princess Buttercup panting as she "makes milk". 

Princess Buttercup had a radiograph July 8th which confirmed the ultrasound of likely 1 puppy. But, every vet (ultra sound and x-ray) always says "at least" in case one is hiding. Princess Buttercup is doing well so far and we are thinking due date is Monday. Progesterone was at 7 on Wednesday and 6.3 on Thursday. Once it drops below 2 it's "Houston, you are go".

With a singleton (or a small litter even if one is hiding) a scheduled c-section is always recommended. We will aim for Monday and hope we don't need a trip to the ER Vet on Sunday. We are checking progesterone tomorrow/Saturday, a.m. and we will know more then. With singletons, sometimes the moms never go into labor. This is Buttercup's first pregnancy so we aren't sure what her 'signals' will be. We'll also be looking for changes in behavior ... nesting, perhaps loose stools, maybe even vomiting ... and, ofcourse taking her temperature regularly. Buttercup is still eating though a bit pickier as we get closer and closer to time. Beef tongue (ick) is her favorite, as well as chicken gizzards. She is sleeping with us in our bedroom so we can keep close tabs on her but we will begin sleeping in the puppy room tonight, keeping the incubator and heating pads all charged up and ready to go. Here is a prayer for a dear Buttercup and her pup, or puppies:

Heavenly Father, we give You praise for You are the Creator of this new little life, or lives, inside of Princess Buttercup’s womb. We lift this tiny puppy, or puppies up to You for protection. We ask for a heavenly covering over this puppy or puppies so that no harm can come. We ask that You would supernaturally make right anything that needs healing in this little body or these bodies before the delivery. We also ask for an easy and safe delivery.
We ask for Your divine health and that you will sustain Buttercup in good health and vitality throughout the whole pregnancy. We pray this puppy or these puppies will come forth in Your perfect timing and we ask that You would guide the vets and all involved in making the right decisions. We give You praise for this pregnancy and rejoice in your steadfast love. We pray this puppy or these puppies will be a blessing in this world, helping to show Your love, joy, comfort, and peace.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Princess Buttercup had an ultrasound at Hope Animal Clinic on June 11, 2021. It looks like she has 1 fetus, a singleton but since it is a bit early there is a possibility (slight possibility) there might be another puppy. We have scheduled her X-rays and c-section (usually singletons require a c-section as they are larger being the only pup) with Dr. Borden and Dr. Williams at Galleria Animal Clinic. And she is beginning to enjoy time with Lilly in the puppy room (guest bedroom) so she can avoid any stress from the other members of the grumble. Buttercup is SO fascinated with watching Lilly nurse and so attentive to the little chirps from the whelping box.