Marciava,
My kids and I held the babies from approx. 4 days old and the vet
assured us that doing so was not a problem and didn't cause the
respiratory infection. My kids and I would just distract the mom with
something - like food - or we'd wait until she moved & then we'd quickly
pick up a pup. When Nippy (the mom) bites, it hurts and sometimes draws
blood, but it doesn't last forever. I hope you're able to eventually get
over your fear of getting bitten so you can enjoy our new babies. Our
babies now climb on our chests and purr contentedly in our hands 6 weeks
later. I just wish they didn't have the respiratory infection. I
examined the dad's nose tonight & it looks like the dad and mom might
have some of it. I wonder if they'll do alright without the medicine,
though, since they're grown? Maybe someone on-line here can tell me.
-Jean
