From Woo to Whelp: Whispers to Wiggles

Welcome to Week Eight—the chapter where the belly gets bolder, the puppies start wiggling, and Poppet begins her transformation from mysterious muse to radiant mum-in-progress.

She’s now starring in her own feel-good drama: “Yes, I’m Glowing. No, It’s Not Just the Treats.” Her belly is gently rounding, her naps are deeper, and her mood? Somewhere between “goddess in repose” and “please stop rearranging my blankets.”

She stretches like she’s rehearsing for motherhood, sniffs like she’s solving mysteries, and occasionally gives me a look that says, “I’m cultivating life. Kindly stop narrating it.”

By week eight, Poppet’s puppies are looking more like tiny dogs than embryos. Their skeletons are fully formed, their organs are functioning, and their fur has grown in—complete with the markings that will make each one unique. Inside her belly, they’re wriggling and stretching, practicing movements they’ll soon use in the outside world.

How I Support Poppet (without becoming her stylist)

I keep her on small, frequent meals of high-quality puppy food—slightly increased portions, always warm, nourishing, and occasionally gourmet. Her worming schedule is up to date, because puppies can be born with worms, and I’ve set up a quiet, comfortable whelping area so she can start to settle in.

Daily walks are still part of our rhythm. Our walking trail forks into either a gentle lakeside ramble or the more strenuous bush romp, and I let her decide which way we go.

What I’m Noticing

Poppet’s belly is rounder and firmer, her mammary glands are enlarging, and she may even start producing milk. She’s calmer, more focused, and occasionally shows nesting behaviour—seeking quiet spots or rearranging bedding.

Fatigue is increasing, so naps are longer. Bathroom breaks are frequent as the puppies press on her bladder. Her belly shifts gently—sometimes twitching, sometimes stretching.

Her gaze has shifted from “I’m preparing something exquisite” to “I’m hosting a miracle. Please respect the perimeter.” She’s not just pregnant. She’s glowing—with purpose, poise, and possibly a craving for roast chicken.

For Future Families

Week Eight is when things start to feel very real. The puppies are moving more, Poppet’s moods are shifting into calm “mum mode,” and you can sometimes catch those gentle wriggles if you rest a hand on her belly.

If your future pup is growing inside her right now, they’re busy stretching, fluffing up, and getting ready to meet the world. This is the week of little kicks and belly wiggles, when quiet growth turns into visible signs of life.

It’s also the time to make sure the nest is ready—with soft bedding, plenty of snacks, and yes, a few extra blankets for good measure.

So here’s to Week Eight: the wriggles, the wiggles, and the art of preparing for new life with comfort, care, and just a dash of humour.

What’s Going on Inside

Alongside the theory, I’m running through my supplies like a backstage checklist. Towels, blankets, disinfectant, gloves, scissors, thread, a bulb syringe, and a heat source are all gathered and checked twice. Puppy scales and coloured ribbons are ready for identifying the cast as they arrive, and my notebook is waiting to record birth times, weights, and those first precious details.

I’m also making sure the whelping area feels calm and inviting. Bedding is clean and easy to swap out, and I let Poppet explore the space, so she knows it’s hers. Daily observations are part of the routine now—watching her belly movements, noting her behaviour, and keeping an eye out for nesting signs.

And because preparation isn’t just about gear, I’ve refreshed my emergency contacts and transport plan. The vet’s number is pinned where I can grab it instantly, because peace of mind is part of the kit too.

In short, Week Eight is about rehearsals: the stage is set, the props are in place, and the leading lady is practicing her nesting routine. When the curtain rises, I’ll be ready to play my part.

They’re gaining weight quickly now, filling out with muscle and fat, which makes their little shifts more noticeable when I rest a hand on her belly. Their lungs are still maturing, but otherwise they’re nearly ready for birth. In just a short time, they’ll be prepared to take their first breaths and meet the world.

For Poppet, this stage means more pressure on her body. Her mammary glands are enlarging, her belly is firm and round, and she tires easily. Frequent bathroom breaks are part of the routine, and nesting instincts begin to show as she looks for quiet, cozy spots.

How I’m Preparing

This week I’ve stepped fully into my Midwoofery role. Think of it as part stage manager, part nurse, part calm presence with a pocket full of towels. I’ve been revisiting my whelping notes like a student cramming before finals, making sure I know exactly what to do if labour throws in a plot twist—whether that’s a puppy needing help to breathe or mum needing a little extra support.

The Whelping Box: Setting the Stage for New Life

If Week Eight is all about rehearsals, then the whelping box is the stage where the big debut will happen. It’s more than just a box—it’s a carefully designed safe space where mum can feel secure and her puppies can arrive into the world with comfort and protection.

The whelping box is where the magic happens: the first breaths, the first wiggles, the first milk-drunk naps. By setting it up thoughtfully—with pig rails, vet bed, heat mat, and a calm, safe space—I’m giving Poppet and her puppies the best possible start.

In short, it’s not just a box. It’s the nursery, the theatre, and the cocoon where new life begins.

• Pig Rails: The Safety Barriers: Pig rails (those little ledges around the inside edges of the box) are not decorative trim—they’re lifesavers. They give puppies a safe gap to wriggle into if mum accidentally leans against the wall, preventing them from being squashed. Think of them as the box’s built‑in bodyguards.

• Vet Bed: The Plush Foundation: On the floor goes the vet bed—a thick, washable fleece that wicks away moisture and keeps puppies warm and dry. It’s soft enough for tiny paws but practical enough for the inevitable mess. Easy to swap out, it’s the unsung hero of hygiene.

• Heat Mat & Temperature Control: Newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature, so a gentle heat mat under part of the box provides a warm zone. The key is balance: one side warm, one side cooler, so pups can shuffle to their comfort spot. I keep a thermometer handy to make sure the environment stays steady—around 26–28°C for those first fragile days.

• Safe Area for Mum: The box isn’t just for puppies—it’s mum’s sanctuary too. It needs to be roomy enough for her to stretch, turn, and lie comfortably, with sides high enough to keep pups contained but low enough for her to step in and out easily. I place it in a quiet corner of my bedroom, away from drafts and noise, so she feels secure and undisturbed.