

Sadly the following day things took a turn for the worse and Fiia developed an infection and soaring temperature. I'm not going to go into details but suffice to say it's been a very stressful time with intermittent sleep and round the clock nursing. It has been gruelling with endless vet visits and one problem after another - poor Fiia, she's been so unlucky. Billy No Mates failed to gain any weight (although really strong and vigorous) and so yesterday he was 'topped up' after his feeds with goats milk. Small wonder Fiia's milk has been lacking after the amount she has been through.
To learn more about this easy way to hand feed a pup, click here. |
Billy looks very much like his half brother Kimi at the same age. |
A Lappy temperament is a sight to behold, Fiia has been so stoical it's unbelievable - the vets have been most impressed. Totally compliant at every stage, she has moved us to tears with her beautiful nature - it's really been an exceptionally emotional time. My heartfelt thanks to my friend Mary of Starlapps Finnish Lapphunds who initially came for a weekend and ended up staying over a week, offering both moral support and hands on help as each crisis hit. Fiia's co-owners have also been amazing and it was wonderful for them to visit a cheerful and proud Fiia as her condition improved - Andrew even got to hand feed Billy, awwwww that was a tear jerker.
I'm pleased to report that Fiia is now healing and loving being a Mummy Dog again and Billy No Mates is eating well and growing. What a special little boy he is (not to mention rather expensive!!!!). There is always a massive investment in each litter, both prior to the mating (researching pedigrees/health etc) and then once the pups have arrived, copious amounts of time and love are poured into each - but I have to say, this one is a record breaker on all counts! I think we're going to have lots of fun with this special little chap - it's going to be agony to part with him but I'm not thinking about that just now.
Despite being a brilliant Mummy and a beautiful bitch with a temperament to match, Fiia will not be bred from again - I love her far too much to ever risk the same thing happening. Instead I shall look forward to seeing what her gorgeous son Roope will produce in the near future - if they are anything like her, they will be special pups indeed :-)
Here's a little video of Billy No Mates taken yesterday at three days old - I'm afraid it's very dark, but just look at that little tail wagging!!