Early February 2025 brought a plea we could not ignore. A rural shelter in North Carolina needed help for a heavily pregnant dog who had not even been there long enough to have a name. Because we had a foster ready and willing to open her home, we were able to say yes.
She was extremely large and clearly full-term. Based on her size, we suspected she was carrying a very large litter, and staff were deeply concerned she might go into labor alone. With limited coverage at the shelter, there was a real risk that if complications arose, no one would be there to help her.
We quickly arranged transport, and when she arrived, we named her Annaliese. She went straight into her foster home that same day, and we felt a sense of relief knowing she was finally somewhere safe.
What we did not know was that we were about to face an emergency in the middle of the night.
Within days of her arrival, her foster mom noticed something was not right. Annaliese paced and shifted constantly, unable to settle. She showed signs of being in labor, but nothing was progressing. We knew something was wrong and had her evaluated immediately.
Because of the time of night, our regular veterinarian was not an option, and the emergency hospital was the only place open. We understood that meant significantly higher costs, but waiting was not a risk we were willing to take.
At the hospital, an x-ray revealed at least 11 puppies. The veterinarian explained that her body was not going into labor on its own, and if that did not change quickly, a C-section would be necessary to save her and the puppies she was carrying.
We waited as long as it was safely possible, hoping her body would begin the process naturally, but it soon became clear that emergency surgery was the only choice. Medical image below showing the size of Annaliese's uterus due to the number of puppies she was carrying and why a C-section became necessary.
Just days after she arrived, on February 9th Annaliese underwent a C-section and delivered 13 live, healthy puppies.
Her veterinarian later told us that without intervention, neither Annaliese nor her puppies would have survived.
Because of our incredible community of supporters, we were able to fund the cost of her emergency surgery and give her the chance she deserved. Annaliese went on to successfully nurse and raise all 13 of her puppies until they were adopted into loving homes.
Annaliese never had to wonder where she belonged again. The foster home that once stepped up to help us save her became her forever home. Her foster mom adopted her, and today she is living her best life, no longer just a nameless dog in a shelter, but a cherished family member whose story began with someone choosing to say yes.
Annaliese's Journey
