There are moments that change your life unexpectedly. For us, it was the day a very pregnant stray dog collapsed at our gate, exhausted and clearly in distress. Her swollen belly told us she was near term – likely around 63 days pregnant based on her size and behavior.
Recognizing the signs of impending labor – the panting, nesting motions, and slight vaginal discharge – we knew we had to act fast. We converted our laundry room into a makeshift whelping area, lining it with clean towels and keeping the space warm and quiet. Between monitoring her contractions and reassuring the nervous mother-to-be, we had our vet on speed dial for any complications.
The actual delivery was both terrifying and beautiful. Watching each tiny puppy emerge, seeing the mother instinctively clean and care for them, we gained new appreciation for nature’s perfect design. In the days that followed, we helped monitor feedings and watched for any health issues in both mom and pups. That scared stray had become part of our family, teaching us about compassion in the process.
