Amelia Posted May 12, 2007 Posted May 12, 2007 The mother of all litters: Poppy the St Bernard has 13 pups 9th May 2007 Daily Mail.UK At a hefty 12 stone, Poppy the St Bernard is more than big enough to look after herself. But having to answer to the needs of 13 healthy puppies has left her feeling rushed off her paws. The two-year-old produced the litter, her first, during eight hours of labour. It was a major surprise to her owners, Alan and Angela Bateman, because a vet's scan had suggested there were only three pups. "It has been a really lovely experience," said mother-offive Mrs Bateman at the family home in Hankham, Pevensey, East Sussex. "There is always a risk with first-time breeding but she has not rejected them. Poppy has been such a good mum - and all the pups are such bundles of fun." The litter of nine males and four females arrived six weeks ago. A 14th was stillborn. Their father, Alfie, is two and a half and tips the scales at 16 stone. "They're very cute," added Mrs Bateman. "It was such a surprise that Poppy gave birth to 13. We were not expecting it at all. "From what I can gather - a good litter is normally about six to eight pups. "Anything over eight is a large litter. To end up with 13 is quite a challenge - you could say it is making us dog tired. "They have just moved from their mother's milk to semisolid food and both mum and pups are doing well." She said the family will keep the puppies for another two weeks and will probably sell 11 of them if they can find enough good homes. St Bernards are the descendants of Swiss hunting dogs and the popular image is of them rescuing stranded climbers while carrying a miniature barrel of brandy around their neck. Mrs Bateman added: "They are strong and powerful but they are so soppy most of the time. They are very much family pets." A spokesman for the Kennel Club described the litter as "big", saying the average number of puppies was between five and ten. However in exceptional cases it can be up to 20. Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
D. Allan Posted May 13, 2007 Posted May 13, 2007 I'm hoping the file manager shows you this sweet picture. Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
D. Allan Posted May 13, 2007 Posted May 13, 2007 It worked! Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Moderators Denise Posted May 14, 2007 Moderators Posted May 14, 2007 Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
D. Allan Posted May 14, 2007 Posted May 14, 2007 Awwwwwwww... Let's awlllllll be friends! Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Moderators Denise Posted May 14, 2007 Moderators Posted May 14, 2007 Yeah, they are being "kindly affectionate" one to another! Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
Amelia Posted May 14, 2007 Author Posted May 14, 2007 Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
Moderators Denise Posted May 14, 2007 Moderators Posted May 14, 2007 What a sweetie! Looks like he's praying! Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
Moderators Denise Posted May 15, 2007 Moderators Posted May 15, 2007 Awwwwww! Sweet seahorse love! Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
D. Allan Posted May 16, 2007 Posted May 16, 2007 momma and babies Quote dAb O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
Amelia Posted May 17, 2007 Author Posted May 17, 2007 Soooooo cute. Very deserving of an Awwwww Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p>
Moderators Denise Posted May 17, 2007 Moderators Posted May 17, 2007 LOL Look at those incredible ear tufts! This is a squirrel! Quote Be Kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another... Monticello Georgia
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