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Hand Rearing a LitterJackie Drakefordwww.shootingtimes.co.uk |
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I have hand-reared
one litter, and if I never do so again, it will be too soon. Two-hourly
feeds for seven tiny whelps kept me going round the clock, even though they
were the most obliging creatures and fed without demur. Once the seventh
was round as a tick and with its ends wiped, the first was beginning to stir
again. For the first time, I could identify with zombified new parents,
as I staggered down the road with unwashed hair and strange stains on my
clothing, desperate to buy some food for myself before the infants claimed
me again.
Going on to four-hourly feeds meant I could actually get some sleep. Hand - reared puppies tend to be very forward, and these tiny mites went on to solids at three weeks, as soon as their needle teeth started to emerge.
They waxed fat and healthy, active and curious. They and I were not so much bonded as welded, and at the age when the bitch would have been leaving them alone for long spells, I wasted enchanted hours with them. Which meant of course, that sending them off to their new homes was even more traumatic - for me - than usual. They, of course, were outgoing and confident, going off with their new owners without a backward glance.
A long time ago, a woman who ran an animal sanctuary and hand-reared many animals commented to me that they loved you but didn't respect you. How very true that is. The puppy I kept became an exceptional working dog, but was the hardest animal I have ever trained, bar none. We overcame our difficulties and I have some amazing memories of her, but that first year we tested each other to the limit. If ever you have to prove yourself worthy, it is with the hand - reared dog.
Going on to four-hourly feeds meant I could actually get some sleep. Hand - reared puppies tend to be very forward, and these tiny mites went on to solids at three weeks, as soon as their needle teeth started to emerge.
They waxed fat and healthy, active and curious. They and I were not so much bonded as welded, and at the age when the bitch would have been leaving them alone for long spells, I wasted enchanted hours with them. Which meant of course, that sending them off to their new homes was even more traumatic - for me - than usual. They, of course, were outgoing and confident, going off with their new owners without a backward glance.
A long time ago, a woman who ran an animal sanctuary and hand-reared many animals commented to me that they loved you but didn't respect you. How very true that is. The puppy I kept became an exceptional working dog, but was the hardest animal I have ever trained, bar none. We overcame our difficulties and I have some amazing memories of her, but that first year we tested each other to the limit. If ever you have to prove yourself worthy, it is with the hand - reared dog.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.