Experience report by Meike Eichholz

In 2017, my husband and I met Regine and Aart when I was looking for a Working Cocker. After considerable research, I knew that a Working Cocker was exactly what I wanted. Right from the start, I got along well with Regine—she welcomed us warmly, in a way that’s rare to find. Soon enough, the topic of breeding rights came up. I wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea, and after taking some time to think it over and discuss my questions with Regine, I agreed. I felt it was a meaningful way for me to contribute to the future of this wonderful breed.

Then, the wait for a puppy began. Finally, in winter 2018, our little Salt came home. Regine and I kept in touch frequently, and we’d often visit her and Aart. They offered consistent support and guidance on raising Salt.

When Salt turned one, Regine helped us start the necessary health and breeding suitability exams (X-rays, blood tests, eye exams). Of course, we attended the official breeding assessment as well, where her structure and temperament were evaluated. It was a memorable day with other Cocker owners and a friendly judge. Yes, going to different clinics and testing locations takes time, but the pride of hearing professionals praise your dog makes it worthwhile (of course, I knew Salt was perfect, but now I had it in writing 😉).

And so, the waiting began again. Salt had her first heat in July 2020. Regine and I agreed to wait until her second cycle before breeding her. Every step was a joint decision, and that sense of collaboration meant a lot to me. Then, in March 2021, Salt came into heat again, and it was time to move forward.

In mid-March, I took Salt to the stud dog we’d chosen. Fortunately, he was only two hours away, and I knew and trusted his owner well. I left Salt there for a few days, giving the pair ample time together. Soon after, I brought Salt to Regine and Aart so she could settle in and be comfortable for the birth. Of course, there were tears when we left her. We didn’t visit before the birth to avoid confusing Salt, but Regine sent us videos and photos, showing Salt had quickly adjusted.

Salt’s due date in mid-May was approaching, and we took a vacation, arriving at Regine and Aart’s place with our camper van a day before she was expected to deliver. Salt was thrilled to see us, and we could tell she was close. Sure enough, the next afternoon, Regine called me into the house. Salt was restless, and her first contractions had started. I sat with her to keep her calm. She seemed unsure of what was happening and a bit anxious, but she began to relax as I comforted her. Regine was close by, guiding me, “Make yourself comfortable; this could be a long night,” she warned.

But things progressed quickly! About 30 minutes later, Salt turned around, and I spotted something glistening behind her. I asked Regine if there was typically a discharge, and she responded, “I’ll come take a look.” Moments later, Salt turned around again, and there it was—the first puppy! Salt’s maternal instincts kicked in, and she immediately began caring for her pup. Every 30 minutes, she delivered another, always with enough time to tend to her newborns before the next one arrived. She delivered six healthy puppies in total.

Regine explained the birthing process, showing me how to help remove the sacs and assist with the umbilical cord. I even helped deliver one puppy myself, a truly beautiful experience that I still can’t put into words. Salt, calm and nurturing, seemed like she had done this many times before.

We stayed with Salt, observing her to make sure she was comfortable and that the puppies were safe. It was heartwarming to see her so content with her little family. Watching her care for her puppies, I felt a sense of pure happiness.

From then on, Salt was fully absorbed in her role as a mother. She greeted us each morning, but her focus was always on her puppies. We stayed for a few more days, helping where we could, but eventually, we left, feeling assured that Salt was happily preoccupied. We continued to receive updates, photos, and videos from Regine and Aart, tracking the puppies’ growth.

When we visited again around week six, I noticed that Salt seemed ready to come home with us. Her puppies were thriving, and while they no longer relied on her, she still had a bit more mothering to do. Salt continued to play lovingly with them, and I wondered if she would miss them when they left and I took her back home.

Then, finally, the day arrived when we could bring Salt back home. I was overjoyed! Salt, too, seemed to understand that it was time to return. She didn’t take her eyes off me the entire time we were at Regine and Aart’s. We chatted for a while longer, enjoyed some coffee, and then set off for home.

When we arrived, it was pure excitement. Salt was thrilled to see my husband and our other dog again—it was truly heartwarming. We immediately went for a walk together. Everything felt as it always had, as if Salt had never been away. She carefully inspected our garden, cuddled with us on the couch in the evening, and at her usual time, both dogs eagerly asked for their dinner. The next morning, she accompanied me to the office, behaving as though she had just been there the day before. Nothing had changed; it was as if she had never left. She didn’t even spend a moment searching for her puppies.

My Personal Conclusion:

Of course, it hurts to be without your dog for several weeks. But witnessing the miracle of birth and seeing our dog so happy and content with her puppies—it’s simply indescribable. I wouldn’t trade these experiences and emotions for anything. Salt also grew through this experience; she seems more “mature” in the best possible way. The weeks flew by! And really, what are a few weeks apart compared to a lifetime together with your dog?

I must emphasize how much Regine involved me in every decision regarding the sire and the future owners of the puppies. She made an initial selection of potential adopters, went through the list with me, and we decided together. This level of inclusion isn’t something I take for granted, especially since the puppies belong to her under the breeding agreement. But at no point did I feel excluded or overlooked. In my heart, the puppies are also part of our family, and it was wonderful to be included in the process of choosing their future homes.

Regine also created personal groups via messaging apps, allowing us to “meet” the future families and follow the development of the puppies together. This led to some lovely connections.

And Most Importantly:

Perhaps the thought that worries most people when considering leaving their dog for so long is this: Will my dog even want to come back home?
The answer is: YES! YES! YES! They absolutely do! Puppies may take precedence over their family for a time, but that phase ends. Eventually, they return to being the loyal companions they always were, and everything goes back to normal.

I do not regret for a single second agreeing to the breeding arrangement with Regine. Not only was Salt excellently cared for, but so were we.

At this point, I want to thank Regine and and Aart for their wonderful care and all the patience they showed in explaining everything to us so thoroughly—before, during, and after the litter!

Best regards,
Meike with Salt

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