^^ Aaw, it's good to hear that the story has a happy ending. You were so brave, I dont think I can do it if it was me. The emotional bond you have with the pups and the mom must've been something else, since you went thru quite an extraordinary thing with them.
When my cat was about to give birth for the 1st time (this was in January), it was my first time as well, and I was so nervous and kept watching her every move. I did as far as giving her a box with some shredded paper on it to lay down. I was with her for a couple of hours just stroking her and I could see her becoming uncomfortable and trying to push a few times. Then I turn off the light and left her alone to give birth. The next day I came back and she was already nursing 2 healthy lil kittens.
The 2nd time around was quite bad. I didnt even realized that she was pregnant till it was in her last days of her pregnancy. She ended up having the kitties in the litterbox! I swear I felt SOOOO guilty just imagining the dirty environment these kittens were born to
. I just didnt see it coming. Thank god everything was okay and the mom licked them clean. Now, they are (4 of them) 1 month old and are already running everywhere like a pro, but they are currently having eye infection
. I thought it will sort out by itself, but after a week the kitties' eyes are still watery. The mom ended up with antibiotics and the kitties were given eye ointment. After 2 days things seem a lot better
. From what I talked to with the vet, I think it has something to do with the poor environment surrounding their birth, and it makes me even more guilty!
She's getting spayed after this!