THE CARE OF PUPPIES 43 



well to go away at once and leave her to herself. He 

 may depend upon it that all is well. An hour or two 

 later the mother will have safely brought her family into 

 the world, and duly attended to their toilet. Then, if 

 there should prove to be too many for her personal atten- 

 tion, let him telegraph for a foster-mother at once. I 

 have known a bob-tail family to number fourteen. 



If any serious difficulty should arise, the veterinary 

 surgeon's skilled assistance should be called in at once. 

 Matters are far too serious for the intervention of the 

 amateur. But such cases, fortunately, are extremely 

 rare. 



For the first two days the mother may be left as 

 much as possible to her own devices, being plentifully 

 supplied with fresh milk, gruel, Quaker Oats, or Flako, 

 care being taken that the food is never left long enough 

 to grow stale. 



On the third day, which is usually the earliest period 

 at which the mother can be tempted to leave her family, 

 the vet. should be in attendance to dock the puppies' 

 tails. Everything being in readiness for the rapid per- 

 formance of this necessary operation, the mother may 

 be persuaded out of doors for five minutes' exercise. 



Failing skilled assistance, it is by no means im- 

 possible for the beginner to perform the simple operation 

 for himself. All that is required is an exceedingly 

 sharp knife, thoroughly well cleaned with a reliable 

 antiseptic. 



