Bonza Australian Shepherds

07/23/2025

They're steadily growing, and keeping me up at night. Moms move around a lot. What's interesting is they'll lay on one side, say, the left, to nurse for awhile, and then, probably after the top row of teats empties, they get up and lay on their other side, a foot or so away. This sends the pups into a tizzy, and invariably there's one or two that scream like someone is cutting their toes off! If they don't settle down quickly, I get up and check on them, just to be sure everyone is safe. It makes for long nights, but this stage doesn't last long.

07/22/2025

We planned on doing a photo shoot yesterday, but instead spent the morning getting ready to celebrate our Anniversary. July 10th was our 43rd!! Yesterday our daughter Savannah treated us to a movie and dinner! Boise has a really neat historic theater called the Egyptian Theater, where they hold live events, but they also play older movies during the day. So yesterday we went to see An American Tail, then afterwards went to dinner. I'm not getting much sleep. We have the whelping box in our room, so I can closely monitor things. Whenever I hear a puppy cry, I get up to be sure it's safe. Usually it's just a matter of a puppy not being able to find a 'spigot', or Mommy moved and one of the puppies can't find her, but rarely, very rarely, a mother will lay on a puppy. So, I'm not going to take that chance! So anyway, the plan is to take pictures today! Also, I know most of the Bonza followers and owners are in San Diego. Good news! Liz Rom, best friend extraordinaire, would LOVE to pick up puppies for you! So please don't let the distance discourage you.

07/20/2025

Set up in their new digs! 5 1/2 ft by 3 ft, this should hold them for several weeks. Non skid flooring and enrichment will be added when appropriate. Right now the only enrichment they need is Mommy! BTW, the whelping box is in our bedroom, away from traffic, but we'll be able to hear them at night. We're home full time, so you can be sure they'll be getting tons of attention!

07/20/2025

All you can eat buffet

07/19/2025

Party and I are exhausted! She was awake all night (so I was, too!) And finally started giving birth around 7:30 AM. She has 5 puppies, 2 boys, 3 girls! I'll write more after I've had a nap!

07/07/2025

Party is getting tubby!

07/01/2025

Party is blossoming beautifully. She settled in quickly, and just as quickly figured out how to wrap us all around her little paw! The secret? She grins from ear to ear, and then lick, lick licks you! Her appetite has increased, and she's got a little tummy! Please spread the word to everyone you know, so they can watch the puppies grow!

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06/26/2025

Mabel (left) and Party enjoying the sunshine. Party is settling in well, and enjoys all the attention she's getting. She's being smothered with cuddles and scritchies. She finally has an appetite, too. Some dogs have upset tummies early in their pregnancy, but thankfully hers is past.

06/11/2025

Great news! Party had her ultrasound and definitely is pregnant!

06/06/2025

05/25/2025

For those who aren't familiar with me - I've bred minis and Aussies for over 30 years, and switched to a more 'natural' approach over 20 years ago. We feed a fresh food diet, and I encourage minimal vaccines. I haven't vaccinated my dogs for over 20 years and, interestingly, haven't lost a puppy to parvo since then! Puppies are born in my bedroom, and when they outgrow that area will move to a pen in our living room. From there they'll go on excursions outside. This is our first litter in this house, so we'll play it by ear. These pups will be raised using the Puppy Culture protocol.

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05/22/2025

Mark your calendars - We estimate the puppies will be due about July 18th!