Exciting News: Anticipating Star and Steady's New Arrivals This August
- Evening Song English Shepherds
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
The countdown has begun for a very special event in our community. Around August 9, we expect the arrival of nine or ten little ones, marking a beautiful transition: Star’s last litter and Steady’s first. This moment carries a mix of emotions and excitement, as it celebrates both an ending and a new beginning. A recent ultrasound confirmed what we hoped for, filling us with joy and anticipation.
This blog post shares everything you need to know about this upcoming litter, the significance of this milestone, and how we are preparing for these new arrivals.
The Journey to This Moment
The journey to welcoming a new litter is always filled with hope and careful preparation. Star has been a wonderful mother in her previous litters, and this last one holds a special place in our hearts. At the same time, Steady is stepping into the role of a parent for the first time, bringing fresh energy and promise.
What the Ultrasound Revealed
About a week ago, we took Star for an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. The results were exactly what we hoped for: a healthy number of puppies developing well.
Knowing that nine or ten puppies are expected means we can prepare the right environment and resources to support both Star and the newborns.
Preparing for the New Litter
Welcoming a litter of puppies requires thoughtful preparation. Here are some key steps we are taking to ensure a smooth arrival and healthy start for the puppies:
Creating a Comfortable Whelping Area
We have set up a quiet, warm, and clean space where Star can give birth and care for her puppies. This area is away from distractions and has soft bedding to keep everyone comfortable.
Gathering Supplies
Essential items include heating pads, clean towels, puppy formula (just in case), and a scale to monitor the puppies’ growth.
Monitoring Star’s Health
Regular check-ups and careful observation help us track Star’s condition. We watch for signs of labor and are ready to assist if needed.
What to Expect When the Puppies Arrive
Puppies bring a whirlwind of activity and joy. Here’s what typically happens during and after birth:
Labor and Delivery
Star will go through several stages of labor. We expect the process to take several hours, with puppies arriving one by one.
First Hours
Newborn puppies need warmth and nourishment. Star will instinctively nurse and clean them, but we stay close to help if necessary.
Growth and Development
Over the next few weeks, the puppies will open their eyes, start to crawl, and gradually explore their surroundings.
Socialization and Care
Early socialization is important. We will introduce gentle handling and new sounds to help the puppies grow into confident dogs.
The Significance of This Litter
This litter represents a meaningful moment for everyone involved. Star’s last litter is a celebration of her contributions as a mother, while Steady’s first litter marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Honoring Star’s Legacy
Star has been a remarkable mother, and her litters have brought joy and companionship to many families. This final litter is a tribute to her strength and nurturing spirit.
Fun with Litter Names
The combination of "Evening Song Starry Night" aka Star, and "Covenant of Reveille" aka Steady, brought to mind the terms "Steady as she goes", and navigating by the stars. There are nautical and navigational terms that play on the term "Even Star", which is so close to our "Evening Song" name... A list is started! We'll see which puppy earns which name, and it will be an adventure as always!
How You Can Follow the Journey
We plan to share updates, photos, and stories as the puppies grow. Here’s how you can stay connected:
Regular Blog Updates
We will post updates about the puppies’ progress and milestones.
Photo Gallery here
Expect adorable photos capturing the puppies’ first moments and playful antics.
Dykstra's Evening Song facebook group
The Dykstra's Evening Song English Shepherds facebook group is a social media group where more videos, photos, and descriptions of each pup will be posted. (The private group is for those who are watching the litter for an Evening Song pup. Puppy photos will be updated on our public Facebook page "Evening Song English Shepherds" as well.).
Final Thoughts
Stay tuned for more updates as we welcome these little ones into the world and watch them grow into happy, healthy dogs.
If you want to learn more about caring for newborn puppies or have questions about this exciting time, feel free to reach out.
There will be so many exciting times in store, as this litter grows and finds their place in the world.
