Broken Road Ranch Pugs

It’s hard to believe sometimes that this is one my favorite parts of our business here with the pugs. It is exhausting, time consuming and very, very messy. The reward though is so beautiful and very amazing.

Our Tessa girl started getting ready for the babies on Friday, there was some panting, and ALOT of attention seeking. Because pugs want to always be with you; it often intensifies before and during delivery. From that point on it is a waiting game and life around you ceases to exist as momma needs you.

Our New Maternity Ward

Here on the ranch we have a new maternity ward. This space is equipped and ready to make the whelping process more comfortable and safe. It might also be our spare bedroom and canning storage 🙂 . A few days prior to the due date momma begins spending more time here. We also monitor momma via cameras if we are out of the house to ensure nothing is progressing. This gives momma a place to hang out giving her quiet, her own space to relax, and nest. Even better for their peoply nature I sleep in the room with them for the next 4-6 days.

Waiting for arrival

After 24 hours of Tessa waiting for her body to get ready she began contracting around 4:30 AM. The first part of labor Tessa didn’t sleep much so neither did I. As a newer breeder this time is full of excitement and anxiety for me. When will the puppies arrive? How many are there? And of course making sure momma is remaining healthy through out the process. I love it! She delivered a beautiful baby boy at 4:54 AM. Each delivery is messy but exciting. It is such a blessing to be so trusted by Tessa. To be a part of helping her birth her babies and caring for both. Most pugs don’t open the individual birth sack allowing the puppy fully into the world. Once I have the sack open Tessa began to help clean the puppies while I do the same. It’s important to make sure the puppy is clear to breath. If mom doesn’t cut the umbilical cord then I assist. After baby is partially clean making sure they latch to mom for the most important colostrum. Mom is usually quickly back to work laboring for the next puppy.

Tessa ultimately gave us 5 boys and 2 girls, who are healthy, hungry and sleepy most of the time. Oh yeah I forgot and super cute❤️ . The first few weeks momma takes care of most of their needs. She feeds them, cleans them, she has all the responsibil️ity; NOT. We remain with her and the puppies several days after to make sure everyone is okay. Puppy and momma’s health are so important. We conduct daily weigh ins to make sure they are getting enough to eat. Tessa also sometimes thinks she is the Easter Bunny moving the babies around the room, usually onto the air mattress where I am sleeping. These days are long with little sleep but so worth the outcome.

The second best part of all of this is sharing the pug breed with others. They are original, crazy, loving and always your best friend. You will never use the bathroom alone again, even if it’s just paws under the door.

Going home day is forever just filled of smiles, happiness and the purest of joys. Finding the forever homes for these amazing dogs is a huge piece of making it all worth it.

If you are interested in the pug breed, adoption or have a great adventure, or picture, to share please leave a comment below.