A very pregnant Australian Shepherd was brought to our shelter (clearly not a stray) by man who did not want the dog due to her condition. Pudge was admitted knowing that it was too expensive to send her to a veterinary facility, but more importantly, there was great concern for the safety, health, and welfare of Mom and her puppies.
Dr. Betsy Kennon prepared the staff to become midwives as the situation unfolded. Those steps included taking Pudges's temperature on a regular basis, positioning her correctly, and most importantly, physically manipulating her if, in fact, any or all puppies would be in distress. This manual positioning was needed twice in the successful delivery of 9 puppies with one being stillborn. Who knows what the outcome would have been for Pudge and her family if she had not been brought to Animal Protectors and without the invaluable hands-on training the staff received.
There was a happily ever after for Pudge and her puppies. They all found their forever homes.
How often has this scenario played out in other shelters? What was the outcome? Can anyone provide what they learned from their experience? What could be done better/differently in the future?
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)------------------------------
Patty Weisser
Assistant Grant Writer
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
PA
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