Puppies...

Oh clover! 'hugs'

I'm very sorry to read you have lost your girl... that's very sad.
i hope that the pups are going well... hand raising pups is a lot of hard work and you'll need to ensure they are well socialised so that they make good pets when you home them.
May I suggest that if you do keep another pup you teach it not to wander... may take a bit of work but at least it won't end in heartbreak...

Well EssTee, I'm pretty clueless there. She never did wander til a few months ago. Never had any interest in leaving the yard & we've had her for close to 4 years. Then when she was it was only because our yard isn't very big & she didn't like going to the loo here.

I've been raised with farm/work animals that are kept locked up or tied up. I never kept her tied up unless I had too (When on heat to try prevent puppies :rolleyes: fail), but I'm not sure exactly how you teach a dog not to wander?

A few things you can try... Desexing usually stops dogs from wandering... Plus it prevents unwanted litters!
In your yard did you clean up after her? If not perhaps that was the reason your girl didnt want to go there.
Fixing up fencing so that it is escape proof will help, although sometimes dogs are smart and determined to get out... Especially if bored.
If a dog is adequately exercised and stimulated they have less tendency to wander due to being tired /satisfied... Walking the dog and socialising/training will help.

Yeah, I planned on desexing her after christmas. I knew there was a chance of a litter between now & then and I was willing to deal with that if it happened. I never had to worry about it living mostly out of town before. This was only her second time in season.

She was walked, but has probably been a bit bored this year, since I'm doing everything on my own now. We try to get out for a walk most nights, so she usually came with us, but not every time.

Hopefully from now on my life will be a bit more organised & I'll be able to keep on top of things.