Monday, October 30, 2017

Journey

Journey has been loving her fish this weekend, but today she will get a yoghurt treat instead!


Thursday, October 26, 2017

Week 4 to 6

Just some medical info of what's going down with Journey right now:

After implantation, the specialized cells of the embryo differentiate into distinct layers, the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. Each layer of cells will develop into different organ systems. The endoderm layer of cells is destined to become the respiratory and digestive systems, and mucosal membranes, like the lining of the mouth and nostrils. The mesoderm layer becomes the muscles, bone, circulatory system, reproductive system, urinary system and connective tissue. The ectoderm layer will result in the sensory organs for sensation, hearing, sight, balance, and smell, as well as nervous tissue, the brain, spinal cord, skin, glands and hair. At this stage, the embryo is now considered a fetus. During these next few weeks, approximately days 20 to 34, the organ systems are developing. In week four, the fetus is most susceptible to birth defects. The eyes, face and spinal cord take shape and the fetus grows to about 14 to 15 millimeters. Toes, whiskers and claws develop in week five, and the fetus begins to resemble a dog. By the end of week six, the fetus is about 45 millimeters long, and has developed skin pigment.

So this is the stage that Journey will get fed additional nutrients because of the development specifically of the eyes and brains. She will be having fish and eggs as part of her diet as well. So this morning, this was added to her breakfast:


This weekend, I will be getting some fresh fish from the harbour, and 2 large trays of eggs. She's already into this idea in a big way :)

Journey's pregnancy

Babies' first picture. Here you can see Journey's bladder (largish black blob to the right of the middle) and a puppy just to the left of it (smaller more defined black blob). We managed to see 3 babies during the session, but will know more at the next scan in about 3 weeks time.


Journey's food has arrived! She is in her second trimester, so she's now on puppy food - Hills Healthy Development, to be exact. 3 bags were delivered this week :)


Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Litter due 01 December



I am pleased to report that Journey is carrying about 3 puppies. She will be scanned again in 3 weeks time, and I will report back then!