For most veterinarians helping in the birth of kittens, puppies, piglets, calves and foals is a great delight and joy. The circumstances, conditions and hour of the day may vary but there is always something special about watching the arrival of a new life.

I still remember my calls to farms in Germany and especially in the Alps. During the calving time in late winter and early spring, we were out almost every night delivering calves. The odd hours, the weather conditions (rain, snow and ice) and the heavy work were often rather cruel. In difficult cases we often labored for hours to deliver a calf. But when a healthy calf tried to get up on it's feet and take it's first clumsy steps toward it's mother, the sleepless hours, the aching back, the cold feet and tired arm muscles did not matter. Each time was an exciting experience.

Now in a small animal clinic, the physical efforts are obviously less but the odd hours have not changed much. After all these years of practice, watching the birth of puppies and kittens is still the highlight of the day. How exciting it is to observe the little creatures with their delicate body, tiny paws and toes. Everything is so well designed. Even in a large litter, each little kitten or puppy has its own personal markings and characteristics.

The happy faces of their owners is, by itself, wonderful. Isn't life a miracle!

 

Dr. Dietrich Steinberg, D.V.M. West County Animal Clinic Ballwin, MO (314) 227-3505

Every pet owner will want to share them with their animal-loving
friends and relatives.