The Journey

Today I start another journey. It's not one that I haven't done before, but this time it's a little different. I'm not alone, but there's a little bit of fear involved. I've decided to breed Dixie. Not as a professional, but as one of those back yard breeders. Before you give me any lectures, let me remind you that there are bad people in any profession-look at the police and the priesthood. To label us all in one category is wrong. I've done a lot of research and put a lot of thought in to this venture.
The "date" is set for tonight and I may still back out-if he's not as pictured, if he's too big, if he doesn't act like a gentleman, if he treats Dixie badly, if she gives me "the look", or if she whines-it's off. I've searched for the last six months and this is the only acceptable male I can find-and he comes with a lot of good recommendations, but if he can't treat Dixie properly it's off. Not joking. I love Dixie more than a lot of people love their kids (sorry it's true). My own daughters can rebuff me when I tell them what a thrill it is to be a mom, but Dixie gets to do it at least once. I will feel terrible if she doesn't have a good pregnancy or enjoy the pups, but she's an adventurer and loves life so I think she will be ok.
If not ice cream will make it better or some really good treats (sorry Dad no chips after pregnancy is confirmed). Dixie will be really glad that it gets her out of the tight dresses and onesie dog sleepers for a while.
I have an emergency vet and a back up. I have a breeding mentor. I know that dachshunds typically have between two and seven pups their first litter. I have seven really, really good people that want a puppy. I'm prepared if they back out.
If tonight's date goes as planned, the puppies will be born the first week of August.