Litter Announcement: Meet The Pirates of the Caribbean Litter

In the very early hours of December 12, 2025, Molly delivered a healthy litter of six deep, dark chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies at Creek’s Edge Labradors consisting of 1 male and 5 female puppies.. This litter reflects careful planning and preparation within our breeding program, which emphasizes health, structure, temperament, and responsible breeding practices. Every stage of Molly’s pregnancy and whelping process was monitored to ensure the welfare of both dam and puppies. From conception and gestational care through early neonatal monitoring, meticulous observation and nutritional support have been central to our approach, providing the best possible foundation for each puppy’s future.

Molly progressed through labor naturally and efficiently. Throughout the night, she remained calm, attentive, and focused, allowing each puppy to arrive safely. We provided supportive care to maintain her comfort and ensure her energy levels remained adequate for delivery. Monitoring included observation of contractions, recovery periods, and immediate care following each delivery. These practices reflect the protocols we consistently employ to maximize the well‑being of both dam and litter.

Molly’s Labor and Delivery

Labor was efficient and steady once it began, with Molly exhibiting expected behavioral and physical changes that indicated delivery progression. We observed her throughout the night, prepared to address any issues immediately should they arise. The whelping proceeded without complication. Puppy one was born at 1:07 a.m., followed by additional puppies at regular intervals throughout the early morning hours, giving Molly appropriate rest periods while maintaining sufficient strength to assist each puppy into the world.

Molly’s behavior provided important information during labor. Increased nesting, controlled panting, and movement within the whelping area indicated shifts in labor stages, helping guide our monitoring. Her calm demeanor and measured pacing supported an effective delivery process, and she responded well to supportive care between births. Throughout the night, we ensured she remained hydrated, responsive, and able to nurse each puppy promptly after birth.

Birth Order, Weights, and Puppy Details

Accurate documentation of birth order, time, weight, collar color, and assigned names is an essential component of our breeding records, enabling precise monitoring and clear communication with puppy deposit holders.

This litter demonstrates strong birth weights, and clear early vitality. These details allow us to begin tailored monitoring immediately, tracking weight gain and health indicators to ensure each puppy’s development proceeds as expected. This systematic approach supports transparent updates to families and provides a clear basis for early health assessment.

Early Nursing and Development

Early nursing is a critical component of puppy health and plays an essential role in immune support and initial growth. Colostrum, the first milk produced by the dam, contains antibodies that provide foundational immune protection in the first hours of life. Molly encouraged nursing following each puppy’s birth, and all six puppies latched effectively and consistently. Strong suckling, appropriate latch strength, and regular nursing intervals are key indicators of early health and nutrition.

In addition to evaluating nursing behavior, we monitor each puppy’s body temperature, hydration, movement, and responsiveness. Puppies should demonstrate coordinated movements, relinquish normal vocalization patterns, and respond to maternal cues. In this litter, all six puppies have exhibited these indicators, showing good overall vigor and sustained activity appropriate for their age. We carefully track these factors daily, using weight monitoring and visual assessments to ensure each puppy remains on track for healthy growth.

Molly’s Recovery and Care

The dam’s health and recovery following labor are equally important. Following delivery of six puppies, Molly’s condition has been closely observed, including her appetite, hydration status, energy levels, and interaction with her puppies. Rest periods and immediate access to food and water contribute to her ongoing recovery and ability to provide consistent maternal care. Daily observations include physical assessments and interaction checks to verify her responsiveness and comfort.

Nutritional support and calcium supplementation were provided during labor and in the initial postpartum period to support uterine contraction strength, milk production, and overall energy levels. These measures aligned with veterinary guidance and best practices, ensuring that Molly maintained strength throughout labor and recovery without unnecessary intervention. Molly has responded well to this supportive protocol, remaining attentive and steadily recovering as she cares for her litter.

Breeding Program Philosophy

At Creek’s Edge Labradors, our breeding philosophy centers on producing puppies with sound health, stable temperaments, and correct conformation. We apply comprehensive health screening, genetic testing, and structural evaluations when selecting breeding pairs, aiming to enhance desirable traits while minimizing known health risks. Careful planning of breeding dates, consistent monitoring of gestational progress, and thorough whelping preparation are standards of our program.

This litter exemplifies the attention to detail and consistency we maintain. Each stage, from conception to early neonatal care, reflects our commitment to responsible breeding. Transparency with families, accurate record keeping, and early monitoring all contribute to successful outcomes. Our approach ensures that every puppy has the strongest possible start, while families receive clear, factual information throughout the process.

Ongoing Monitoring and Growth

In the days following birth, consistent and precise monitoring remains a priority. Each puppy will be weighed daily to track steady growth and identify deviations early. Nursing frequency, strength, and overall activity will continue to be observed, ensuring that all puppies receive sufficient nutrition and remain free from early health concerns. Molly’s care, combined with attentive observation, enables rapid responsiveness to any issues that might arise.

Early weeks focus on providing a stable, clean, and calm environment, supporting hydration and nutrition, and facilitating gentle handling for routine weight checks and health assessments. Observations also include coordination, activity level, and responsiveness during rest and nursing periods. This oversight helps guarantee that each puppy progresses according to canine developmental standards, ensuring a healthy foundation for future growth.

Family Updates and Communication

Families with confirmed deposits will receive detailed updates on puppy progress, including weight reports, growth observations, nursing patterns, and photographs. These updates help families remain connected to their puppy’s early development and provide transparency during this critical period. In addition to growth metrics, guidance on maternal care observations, feeding patterns, and general puppy handling advice will be shared to assist families in understanding early puppy care.

Consistent communication is an important part of our program, allowing families to feel informed and prepared for the transition when puppies are ready for their new homes. This approach fosters confidence and trust, aligning with our commitment to accountability and transparency in every litter we raise.

Looking Ahead for This Litter

Over the coming weeks, this litter will continue to grow and develop under Molly’s supervision. Calypso, Pearl, Sparrow, Jack, Swan, and Rum have begun to show early differences in movement and temperament, and we will continue documenting these traits as they mature. Monitoring growth patterns, nursing behaviors, and overall health will remain a priority, along with maintaining a calm, secure environment to support continued thriving.

We are pleased with the smooth delivery, the health and vigor of this litter, and Molly’s ongoing recovery. Updates and photographs will continue to be shared regularly with families and supporters. This litter reflects the standards we uphold at Creek’s Edge Labradors, and we look forward to watching each puppy develop into a well‑adjusted, healthy adult Labrador.

What to Expect This Week

During the first week, puppies will continue to nurse frequently, typically every two hours, with occasional variations depending on each puppy’s individual needs. We weigh pups daily to ensure consistent growth, with particular attention to weight gain patterns that may indicate differing nutritional needs. Puppies remain close to Molly for warmth, nursing, and security, and daily checks include monitoring body condition, hydration, and activity.

Gentle handling for weighing and health checks is introduced early but remains brief and controlled to prevent stress. This early interaction also supports familiarity with handling, making routine care manageable and comfortable for each puppy.

Beginning on Day 3 of life, we follow an Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) protocol based on established breeder‑recognized methods, where each puppy participates in brief, controlled exercises once daily through Day 16. This ENS protocol consists of five short exercises, each lasting only a few seconds per puppy, and is designed to provide mild stimulation during a period of rapid neurological development. ENS is performed in addition to regular care and handling, following guidelines supported by reputable breeding organizations, and is believed to support improved neurological responsiveness and adaptability when conducted properly.

By the end of the first week, puppies should show steady weight gains, stronger coordinated movements, and early signs of emerging temperament differences. These indicators, combined with continued maternal care from Molly and daily monitoring, provide a strong start to health and development. Families can expect to receive updated weights, photos, and progress notes throughout this period, ensuring transparency and a clear window into their puppy’s early life.