I was beginning to wonder if Iris would ever accept a suitor....until two months ago.  A family friend has a very handsome dark chocolate lab with wavy hair who gave my girl the right vibe.  So, after much anticipation, Iris has delivered 8 healthy puppies.  At this writing they are exactly two weeks old, opening their eyes and ears and gaining mobility.  Sis and I were the midwives, harkening us back to our 4-H days.  It was so cool to be her cheerleader and watch the miracle of birth.  
   She is such a great mother dog, constantly cleaning them and counting to make sure we put them all back in the box.  We thought she was done after five (she is a petite dog), but a few hours later, she delivered 6, 7, and 8!!  She looked like a hippo during her last week of the 63 day gestation.  She has even regained her physique, something every mother can envy.