Mama Star resting on the morning of their due date. All were born before the end (or just AT the end) of August 8. :) Steady definitely stamped his mark on these babies!!! #1: Born at 3:40 PM. Shaded sable female, wide blaze, white toes, no white on tail tip, no rear dew claws. #2: Born at 4:01 PM, black male, distinguishable from later black males by having slightly more white on his front toes. No blaze, white chin, white front paws, no rear dew claws. #3: Born 4:11 PM. Black or seal...

August 8, 2026. The litter arrives!!! 11 puppies total, with the last one born on the dot at midnight. It is a very dark litter compared to the Irish white markings we are accustomed to. Different shades of brown, and seal, are showing now that the puppies are dry. Some of the nearly black pups look like baby panthers. Six females, five males. Most with minimal white. A very beautiful, intriguing litter with "Steady" stamped all over it. Happy retirement Mama Star! You outdid...

August 5: The vet pointed out 10 definite pups and possibly an 11th. In the month between July 8's ultrasound appointment and today, Star has put on exactly 10 pounds. Star is outside right now in the side yard, lying on the cool brick walkway, not barking to come in. The puppy whelping area next to our bed is all set up. So, it seems that we are getting very close. Sometimes large litters come a day or two earlier than smaller litters, and Star and her mother Taffy both have typically...