A pregnant dog has narrowly escaped a tragic fate after being rescued from a high-kill shelter.
Wire-haired terrier and Shih Tzu mix Dallas was heavily pregnant when she was rescued from the Texas shelter by Almost Home Rescue in Michigan, and thanks to their efforts she is facing a much brighter future.
“She went from rags to riches. A true fairy-tale story,” Gail Montgomery from Almost Home Rescue told Newsweek.
Almost Home Rescue
Each year 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
At an overcrowded high-kill shelter, 5-year-old Dallas was listed for euthanasia after she gave birth to her puppies—but the team at Almost Home stepped in.
“We fought against the odds to save her life, convincing the shelter to allow Dallas to travel to Michigan in the best possible comfort,” said Montgomery.
The 26-hour journey from Texas to Michigan proved a nail-biting day for the whole team as they hoped that Dallas wouldn’t go into labor on the journey.
Miraculously, Dallas held on until she arrived at her foster home in Michigan, where she gave birth to six healthy puppies.
Almost Home Rescue
“Dallas is the best momma ever,” said Montgomery. “She nursed her puppies with love and devotion, and all six babies are thriving under her care. They are set to be adopted into loving homes next week.”
Since giving birth to her puppies, Dallas has found her own forever home where Montgomery said she is “adored” by her new mom and dad.
Sadly, the brave pup has tested positive for heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasitic worm which is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Almost Home Rescue is committed to ensuring her complete recovery, as it is treatable, with plans for specialized treatment and subsequent spaying. The rescue will also assist with any medical care to ensure Dallas has a smooth transition into her new life.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of Dallas’s happily ever after,” said Montgomery.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.