Carmen,
I live in a very rural area of MS that does not have any kind of animal control. So I do a lot of rescues. I have had many experiences with the animals I help rescue giving birth. I've never had any problems with those dogs, like the ones I've had with Diva. (except a manx cat that had to have a c-section)
In my experience, very few dogs that I've dealt with in rescue (pure and mixed breeds) really have a lot of problems whelping unless they are severely malnurished or have bred to a much larger male. We've occasionally lost puppies, but thankfully never had to deal with a dog needing a c-section or having eclampsia. (Even though a couple dogs had 10 or more puppies)
Diva has had 2 litters and we had problems both times. Not to mention all the problems that I've read about on here from other breeders. Yorkies tend to really have a tough time whelping and raising litters.
I think in the back of my mind, I really thought that I nor Diva would have any problems. (You know, the "it won't happen to me," thought). I knew from my research and talking to my mentor that problems happen, but I just really thought that we were going to be in the group that just breezed though it.
I just wanted to post my story to help anyone that is new to breeding and considering it, think really long and hard about whether they are ready or not. I hope my story helps. I am through with breeding until I retire from teaching and can devote 100% of my time to my dogs and puppies. |