moving mum n pups

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I work as a semi-live-in carer, and HAVE to work 2 days after my bitch's due date...she normally comes to work,well,everywhere with me and I'm not sure what to do for the best, originally, I was supposed to be off work for the 1st 2weeks, but unforeseen and all that, I don't know what to do for the best...leave them all at home with my 20yr old son, who works splits so he'll be there morning,afternoon then nights (b4 8am, aftr 3pm and then after 10pm) or put pups in a moses basket to get them and mum to my car, then in my room at work with a baby gate at my door. She's a German shepherd, and dislikes being apart from me, and I'd rather she was with me. I'm not a novice owner, have had a litter once before (many years ago)so they'll be kept warm and quiet, I just don't know what to do for the best. There's no-one to cover at work, time off is not an option...what do you think?
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Sarah

The best thing for the mom and pups is to leave everyone home safe and snug.

There is a greater risk of infection for the pups if they are hauled about as they can not regulate their temperature so if it's too hot, they'll dehydrate, and if they're too cold the organs will shut down.

Also there will be the added stress to the dam.  

She'll be busy at home with pups so won't get a chance to miss you too much.  When nobody's home, leave the t.v. or radio on in another room for comfort.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks ever so for taking the time to help, I was rushing a little earlier and didn't mention 2 things that may be relevant...
Mia (mumma to be) was a rescue (@7 months) she suffered severe separation anxiety at first, and still has it slightly (she's 3 now)
and also I'm away from 7am mon morn til about 12 noon friday...she normally comes with me so leaving her at home will be a massive change in her routine, would you still advise leaving her n pups at home?  (car is parked right outside front door of both destinations)

Thanks again, I just don't want to do the wrong thing by her, this wasn't a planned pregnancy, we're just trying to make the best of it.

Sarah

ANSWER: What is her diet?  

You can give her St. John's Wort or Vitamin B to help calm her down.  

Yes, I would still recommend leaving everyone at home.  

Good luck Sarah.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again for speedy reply!
Normally, she has Butcher's Tasty Bites (dry) and the occasional tin of Butcher's tripe mix (previous owners would give her a big bowl of food before sneaking out to a 12hr+ shift, so she used to associate food with being left) she's a lot better now, but still finicky eater, she only eats really well when she's coming in/in season normally, and when pregnant I now know! Keeps her trim I guess!
Now (she was covered on Dec 3rd) I'm giving her Barking Heads puppy dry with a tin of Butcher's in the morning, and Butchers complete biscuits and a tin of Butchers puppy food in the eve, I'll increase on demand, it pleases me so much to see her eating with enthusiasm!!
These foods ok?

Sarah

Answer
I'm thinking you're across the pond because I've never heard of them.

Tripe is rich in amino acids, digestive enzymes and gastric juices excellent calcium phosphorous  ratio. The pH is also slightly acidic which is optimum for digestion.  Tripe also contains essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 and lactobacillus acidophilus ... the good bacteria.

You can also supplement her with raw organ meats, heart, kidney, liver.