Sometimes It's OK to Fool Mother Nature

Maxi's fuller teats are towards her rump.

I generally do not like to interfere with Mother Nature. But sometimes empathy gets the better of me. So, for instance, I do my darnedest to revive listless puppies. I warm them up, rub them vigorously with a terrycloth towel, and watch for any sign of life before giving up on them. If, even then, the puppy does not survive I force myself to believe it is for the best. Some pups just aren't born healthy enough to have a happy life.

Now, for those little ones that do survive I, again, will intervene several times a day. That is, I put them on the better teats. Not all teats, as most nursing human mothers will tell you, are created equal. Some produce better than others.

Here you can see the size differential between the two preemies on bottom and their larger brothers!

And, since the larger pups will naturally gravitate to the fuller teats, I will gently move them over so the little ones can get their fill. This also provides strong stimulation for the smaller teats which will, in turn, produce more milk. It's a win-win.

This little guy's nose is still totally pink!

Chances our two littlest guys will never reach the size of the larger puppies. But given a little intervention, they will not only benefit from all the nutrients in Maxi's milk but get their fair share!