Sometimes Good Efforts Are Still Not Enough

The Situation---Two months ago we "thought" we made every effort to prevent our little 7 month old puppy Roxy from getting pregnant. (See blog entry LOVE CONTINUES TO BE IN THE AIR) During Roxy's "specific time", we even went to extremes and boarded Rosco, a highly likely intruder. We thought we had covered ALL our bases. However, apparently we were not the ones who covered the bases, but instead, Rosco had sucessfully "made it to home base!!" Since we have all been so busy lately with traveling and company, etc., none of us had obviously been in tune with Roxy's growing abdomen. Two days ago was the first evidence there might be "biscuits in the oven." Our Chinese helper, Hua Li, immediately took Roxy on her scooter down the street to a local Chinese Vet. When she returned, she still had no positive pregnancy results as the only true way of finding if a dog is pregnant is through an ultra-sound. None of us thought any more about it, as we were SURE there was no way possible Roxy was pregnant....until yesterday. Every Friday Hua Li gives the dogs their baths. Without too much information, we can tell you that we knew FOR SURE our little Roxy was definitely pregnant!! Immediately Hua Li grabbed her notebook where she had previously noted different dates for Roxy, and with some quick calculations came up with her due date which would be THE NEXT DAY!!!!

The Problem ---Yes, there was a BIG TIME problem!! John and Parker had left earlier that day for Parker's soccer match in Singapore. Alison would be home with the other three boys, but highly unskilled to help in delivering any puppies!!! And an even bigger problem was that we were told by the vet that if during labor Roxy experiences any problems (because of her young age and size), we would need to get her immediately to a vet, or it could be fatal. Knowing that it was the 11th hour before delivery, Alison panicked, and she knew something must be done quickly!

The Solution---Hua Li called her husband, and he agreed Roxy should stay at their apartment until the puppies were born. Obviously their chinese is a lot better than ours, and they could find help quicker and easier if needed.

The Happy Ending---Leave it to the Chinese and their amazing skills, as Hua Li was RIGHT ON with her due date estimate. Roxy delivered two puppies Saturday morning at 8:30a.m. One identical to Roxy, and one to Rosco. Neither Hua Li nor her husband slept at all the night before as they were too worried they would not be there for Roxy when she gave birth. They took turns watching and soothing her, and when the time finally came for delivery, Hua Li's husband assisted Roxy in delivery, and even cut the umbilical cords for the two puppies. (Unfortunately we were sad to hear one was stillborn, and didn't make it, but the other is doing great!) We are so grateful to Hua Li and her husband--not only does she iron, wash clothes, organize, cook, clean, and take care of dogs, she does an amazing job with dog delivery. She's the BEST!!

Shortly after the delivery, we made a visit to Hua Li's apartment. Tyson and Preston were thrilled when we arrived and saw Roxy with her new baby--a big suprise to all of us. The even bigger surprise was to John and Parker in Singapore with the text picture and announcement of our newest arrival----ALWAYS DRAMA----ALWAYS!!!!

Hua Li and her husband----"THE HEROS"

Roxy with her baby girl---(We are still unsure of her name)

A very tired Hua Li and Roxy