This entry was first posted March 14, 2009.
Ten days and counting…Butcher’s Foothills Elsa, (United Kennel Club Registry, English Shepherd Club Registry, Canine Good Citizen, MDR1 mutant/normal, OFA Good, light shaded sable female, born 5/10/2004) is gravid, fecund, replete.Gravid is a great term for her. Heavy, burdened. Slowed by the extra weight, she rocks to achieve a standing position.Fecund. Prolific. Fruitful. Oh, my. She had 10 pups last time, who knows what number awaits inside? I tried to listen to their heartbeats the other day… I need more practice…Replete. Full. Satiated. Gorged. Oh, yes. With more to go.I feel her pain.I remember those days.We count.And wait.And *I* can’t contain myself…I sing to her and stroke her back and feed her an extra tasty treat and commiserate.For they are my friends and my confidantes, my saviors, my protectors. A shield to conquer unruly livestock… a warm body to snuggle… a foot warmer… a persistent shadow… an unbidden head reminding my hand of its presence… a happy recipient of my attention. They are my English Shepherds.
Let’s Socialize…
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Always loved Elsa’s face, and her eyes in particular! In 2005 I got my first ES and shortly thereafter found your blog. And since I love the West and its lifestyle, it has been a pleasure to follow Red Dirt in My Soul all these years.
This would be Brie’s litter! How time flies.