It’s the Bitch’s Job

On Monday, September 28, 2020, my daughter gave birth to my latest “grand-blessing, Oliver. His birth has been long-awaited and celebrated. After 21 hours of an induction and some complications, Oliver was born via c-section in a fine medical establishment, with a myriad of doctors, nurses and his loving parents. In the days to come, his mothers will attend to countless feeding and diaper change “requests”, and his big brothers will serve as his personal entertainment committee. Together, they will lovingly perform infant duties, and do their best to ensure Oliver is clean, fed, happy and healthy. Although he wasn’t due until October 18th, in one fell swoop, he graced us with his presence and stole our hearts!

Thinking of what lies ahead for my daughter and her family, made me think back to June 13, 2020, and the birth of our second puppy litter. Because we had recorded the breeding dates, counted 60 days and had taken our dog’s temperature that morning, we knew the puppies would be arriving at any time. We had already shopped for puppy pads and other needed items, and gathered the supplies for the at-home birth. That evening, our fur-daughter, Missy Elliott, gave birth to three beautiful puppies, delivering each in a cushioned kiddie pool, in the midst of our laundry area. Her mother hormones kicked in immediately, and she went to work tongue-bathing her babies and caring for each of their needs. She allowed me to help position her babies for nursing, but she took it from there. Since this was my first time seeing puppies being born naturally, I was amazed at Missy’s instincts and natural care.

At this point, you may be scratching your head and wondering what these stories have in common. Well, I shared these two events to set the stage for asking a question that has been on my mind since June 13th, and during the many feedings and cleanings I witnessed through Missy’s motherhood journey, and that is . . .

How many women (or people) would have babies if they were required to lick the baby’s bottom to stimulate liquid and solid elimination, and eat the poop to keep the baby clean, multiplied by the number of babies born from each period of gestation? . . .? . . ? To humans, it sounds nasty, but in dog world, it’s the bitch’s job!