Mom and Dad trying out the whelping box for size. Denali likes the drop front, wonderful to use as a chin rest. Thanks to Beth Lockhart for the loan of the whelping box.

(04/18/12)

Nikita the day before giving birth. She looks like she ate a basketball!

(04/19/12)

Nikita on the bed. She really liked the soft mattress with her increased size.

(04/22/12)

Here are the first two pups.

(04/22/12)

Nikita and Ryann Grady our savior. Ryann was so kind to come over and help with the whelping. We owe her BIG TIME!! Having a calm experienced person around was INVALUABLE. Thanks Ryann!!

(04/22/12)

Nikita with 5 of the puppies, still 2 more to go......

(04/23/12)

Nikita and the whole brood. She is very serious about her role as mother. She jumping right into the role with the first pup delivered.

(04/23/12)

Two of the girls looking for a cooler place to hang out!

(04/23/12)

Momma and all her puppies. Nikita is loving this and taking a well deserved rest!

(04/24/12)

We decided to go with a wine naming theme for the puppies. So, here is a little Riesling!

(04/27/12)

Everyone bellying up to the Milk Bar!

(04/24/12)

After food comes SLEEP!

(04/24/12)

Almost everyone sleeping in the puppy box (Mom was out doing business). Note the puppy in the foreground trying to get out!

(04/24/12)

Some pups just don't want to remain contained! Two girls trying to escape the puppy box.

(04/24/12)

And finally a tired Momma and her pups.

(04/24/12)