Can these bones live?

If I was in Ezekiel's shoes, I wouldn't know. Not if the dry bones are the nine puppies we're fostering. Not if the dry bones are the church, not if the dry bones are the fragile and front-line folks in our dis-eased world. I don't know which seeds will sprout, which leggy seedlings will transplant and live, which plants will share a harvest.

I planted this garden during Crest Manor's first zoom worship service. I thought the clear vase with dirt would become the most dramatic blooming bulb. Instead that green blade has not arisen. Which of my heartfelt plans and sincere dreams will not bear fruit?

Mabel has 9 puppies and six producing nipples. Two more that might release a little milk, but it might drain more calories from a pup to work away at those than they can gain (same with her vagina, which they often nurse since there aren't enough nipples to go around). We are constantly moving puppies around, rotating in the weakest couple to the best nipples.

We've tried bottle feeding, maybe...20 times? Multiple bottles, nipples, droppers, and a couple kinds of milk replacement. It's nearly useless (we've even tested on the stronger pups - they don't like it either). We may have supplied essential calories to #6 (most vulnerable) a couple days ago when her weight dropped the lowest. Otherwise she sleeps through our attempts. She is latching well on Mabel, but not gaining weight. She nurses longer than the other pups, who can fill their bellies and roll off for a nap. (Yes, we've called all the vets for advice.)

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What is dying within and around us? Are you putting your energy into that which brings life? How do you know when to let go? What to let go of? What are you hand-feeding that will become vibrant? What are you hand-feeding that will always hang on you?

She's still trying! She nurses with desire and gusto. She has a will to live. She may still die. While we're focusing on #6 will we weaken another puppy? Mabel will only eat from our hands these days - does she just need to be taken care of, in one darn way?

There are more puppies videos if you could use some endorphins!