Confirmation of Litter Size

By the time we get to the X-ray, we all know she’s pregnant, the belly gives it away, the nipples give it away, her whole vibe gives it away. But the X-ray is the moment where everything becomes concrete. No more guessing. No more “maybe there’s two, maybe there’s five, maybe there’s ten.” It’s the moment we get the actual number.

And honestly, I walked into that vet clinic already trying to count them in my head based on belly size, movement, and pure wishful thinking.

I helped get Maya ups onto the X-Ray bed, stepped just outside the room whilst they pushed the button for the x-ray, and up it popped on the screen, a whole jumble of tiny skulls and spines that look like something out of a Halloween decoration box if you’re not used to seeing them.

Before you read any further: Have a guess.
Seriously, look at your screen, think about it. How many do you think you can count?

Because I stood there squinting at that x-ray for longer than I’d like to admit, counting, recounting, then doubting myself, then starting again from the other side in case I double counted someone.

The final number?

Eight.

Eight little passengers on board. Eight tiny futures. Eight puppies I would soon be responsible for bringing safely into the world.

Seeing that number hit me harder than I expected. Suddenly whelping wasn't a “sometime soon” thing, it was VERY soon. The clock was officially ticking, and I now knew exactly how many heads I’d need to account for on whelping day.

Excitement, nerves, they all hit at once. But mostly? I just felt grateful knowing exactly what we were preparing for.