It seemed like the longest day ever, another failed attempt at mating in the morning. He is a young, inexperienced dog who is yet to gain that extra bit of drive. Once he's missed, he just wants to play. Plan two was then set into force and we visited a vet specialising in fertility. He did a progesterone test on Siska and it was great news, after almost doubling every 24 hrs between day 11 and 13 (6.6 - 23) she had only risen to 50 by 5pm last night, so she was still within the optimal stage for mating. The males sperm was tested and found to be in good order (82 million per 1 ml) and the vet went on to perform AI on Siska. When natural mating occurs the sperm reaches the eggs with 6 hrs, with AI it is basically dropped onto the eggs. Because of Siska levels the vet and the owner of the dog suggested we try again today, initially for a natural mating and if not AI again. Well we've come this far - this could well be the most expensive litter to try and conceive yet, but there is no going back now!
Throughout everything, Joe has bent over backwards to help us, yes it is in his interest to get puppies on the ground too, but I honestly can't see many people doing as much to help. Siska has been amazing, and Vesco, well he's just lovely.
My wish today, this morning is for a natural mating, if not, well there is plan two again!
