Hi,

I am a new member, but have been using this forum for some time to pick up useful information.  I now have a dilemma of my own and would be interested in other peoples views and opinions.

Four weeks ago I bought a 2 year old Border Terrier bitch, who is wonderful.  Two weeks ago I found out she was pregnant and is due to give birth early next week. (Yes she was pregnant when I bought her, and no, I had absolutley no idea).  This was a bit of shock and quite a problem as I am going on holiday in 3 weeks, (I had arranged for her to stay with my Mum and her two dogs while I was away).  The lady I bought her from has agreed for her and her puppies to stay with her until I come back.

The decision I have to make is should I take her back before she whelps or should she have the puppies with me, although I have no experience.  I know that neither situation is ideal and that she will be stressed whenever I leave her either before or after, however I am trying ot make the best of a far from ideal situation.

I would expect the previous owner to take full responsibility for this situation as she allowed it to happen.

Mmm, I agree.  From the bitch's point of view, she will probably be more relaxed in familiar surrounds to whelp, with a helper who has knowledge and experience - not that she's shown much so far. :(

To be fair the lady didn't realise she was pregnant either and has been very helpful.  I can take her back either before or after she has had the puppies and they can stay as long as i need them to, the decision is entirely upto me.  This little dog has become very attached to me and vice versa, I can't even go to the bathroom without her.   I am worried that she will be distressed when I leave her, even though it is a place she used to live, on top of the impending birth of her puppies, and that she may be more preoccupied after the birth of her pups to notice my abscence. 

Having said all that I may be talking complete rubbish!!!!

If the lady didn't realise she was pregnant, she can't be very good at keeping an eye on her animals! Does she even know what breed the sire is? :( However, if you're not going to whelp the litter yourself, I'd suggest the bitch goes back before she has the pups (providing this lady has whelped a litter before!). Transporting a bitch with new pups has been known to result in the bitch killing her pups through stress. :(

Is it absolutely vital that you go away?