OMG!

 Beetle had her kittens this morning, 7 of them!! This is the largest litter of kittens that any of my cats have ever had. Beetle started 2nd stage of labour at about 11pm last night, by 2:30am there really didn't seem to be much progress being made and I was close to ringing the vet, but as Beetle wasn't at all stressed I held off a little longer. The 1st kitten made its appearance at 3:10am, then she didn't hang about and followed up with another 6 in the next 3 hours. 

All the kittens are a good size and as is expected for Beetle babies all are strong, active and feeding well. It's a bit of a scrum for the milk bar but Beetle has plenty of milk and after a few minutes they all settle down and as they all have nice round tummies they are obviously all getting their fair share. 

A few quick pictures as I am struggling to stay awake and don't like to disturb a new family too much. 

Bernards babies are 9 weeks old today and will be having their 1st vaccinations on Thursday. 

Catch up

 Yesterday was the Itzapromise reunion, for various reasons, not least peoples plans changing as covid restrictions move and it being Fathers day, numbers were dramatically down on previous reunions, but it did mean that everyone was able to properly catch up. As always it was lovely to see dogs I had bred or that were sired by my dogs. The dogs had a ball and all slept very well last night. 

As I type this Beetle is in labour, she is huge which does concern me slightly, but she is an experienced mum so hopefully all will go smoothly. I will update with details once she is finished and settled. 

KIttens and it's going to get busy

 Bernards babies are now running amok, both are full of life and growing well. Hard to believe they are fast approaching 8 weeks old. 

 

Meanwhile Beetle and Kenji are getting closer to their kittens making as entrance. Beetle is huge and still has about 12 days to go! This will be Kenji's 1st litter, she is due a few days after Beetle and she looks to be taking a more modest approach to numbers. These will be the last litters of kittens this year as we will be trying for a litter of puppies at the end of the year and I want to make sure the decks are clear for them. 

Just a few pics from some of our recent walks