Tashi is now 55 days pregnant and has a stringy, non-smelling discharge (not exactly totally clear but sort of straw coloured).  She is also restless and peeing a lot.  Temp is 38.  She had a vet check on Tuesday and everything was fine.  The Book of the Bitch says pregnancy can be from 54 days but I am worried she is going to have them too early

If the apple is ripe it will usually fall and not before.   In other words I doubt she'll go into labour until the puppies are ready, unless she was knocked or otherwise injured.   If the discharge isn't copious or foul smelling she should be okay.   Small dogs can whelp earlier than I'm used to seeing with mine (I've discovered from being on here!) but in any case, she may carry on like this for some days yet.   I know it's stressful and now is the time to call on your mentor to hold your hand.   Being stressed out won't be helping your bitch though.

Unfortunately I have had exceptional bad luck with mentors.  My first one was Tashi's breeder and he has been hospitalised since  a few days after the mating.  My second one has been very helpful but yesterday her mum had a massive stroke so I obviouslt dont want to bother her.  Feeling a bit alone but agree that my stressing will not help her.
PS She is a medium sized dog

What about the stud dog owner? Are they prepared to help?

They are a long way away from me and the main owner is on holiday in Florida just now!   As i said I've not been lucky but Tashi is a very chilled, healthy wee dog so I'm hoping she will do it all herself

Have you friends locally from ring craft or local shows. 

When I had my first litter my breeder and stud owner were on the end of the phone, but hundreds of miles away and it was the friends in dogs locally that were of practical help with the whelping, even though a different breed.

Try to take it easy, it all sounds pretty normal, as long as the discharge is not smelly or brown/green then your bitch should be ok, I am assuming that the whelping box and kit are all ready and you are keeping a close eye on her.  Sad to hear that your mentors are falling by the wayside but people on this forum are very experienced and some seem to stay up very late so keep us all up to date and we can hopefully be of help along the way.

Thanks

> but people on this forum are very experienced and some seem to stay up very late

Mmmm I remember the good old days when I stayed up very late for totally different reasons.   Sighhhhhh,,,,

Now when I'm up late it's because I'm in too much pain.  And rather than mithering about it I use CD as a distraction.  I've made some super friends here too.

Looks like the pups are on their way.  Tashi started panting and digging at 3 this morning and is constantly on the move between panting sessions.  She has been in the garden to pee and has had a little diarrhoea.  She isn't eating but has drunk quite a lot of water. Hopefully not long now!

Hoping for good news soon and a happy mum and babies

Thanks I am so nervous about this!

I don't know how anyone could anticipate a birth without being nervous!!!  Good luck and please let us know!

any news?

The first stage could go on for more than 24 hours, good luck.

Six perfect little puppies born in just under three hours - ranging in weight from 170g to 254 g (she needed a little help with that one)  She is still panting a little but very settled so i think she is finished.  Puppies are all feeding happily and making reassuring squeaking noises!

How wonderful!  Congratulations!!

Wow! That was quick! Congratulations on your new additions xx

Congratulations - enjoy the peace while it lasts......I on the other hand have just hosed down 2 pout of 7 pups who decided a pre bedtime roll in poo was a good idea....

Lovely news and such a quick delivery, I am almost always holding my eyelids up by the time it's finished, have a wonderful time with the babies.