Quick thinking, community partnerships, and a willingness to help saved two puppies and a pregnant dog yesterday. It was a wild end of the day and we want to share it with you!
BDAR pup, Annie Oakley, birthed 7 puppies overnight Monday and early Tuesday morning. One was stillborn and the other 6 were doing well. Foster dad was worried about Annie because she was stressed so Mikayla and Maddi, two BDAR staff members, went to his house to observe and help keep her calm. Annie nursed throughout the morning and didn’t let her puppies get far from her but something still felt off.
Foster dad and Maddi took Annie for an x-ray in the afternoon and it revealed that a puppy was stuck in her birth canal because it was breech. It also showed that there could be another puppy or two still inside. They rushed to Cheyenne Animal Shelter (CAS) who agreed to do the emergency C-section. BDAR staff also headed to CAS to assist. On the way, foster dad and Maddi had to pull over so Annie could deliver a puppy in the car right outside the Capitol Building. Sadly, this puppy was stillborn.
Upon arrival, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter team jumped into action and within 30 minutes two puppies were removed from Annie. BDAR staff removed their sacs and immediately began to warm them and clear their airways, hoping to stimulate respirations. There were moments that felt like the puppies wouldn’t make it but none of us gave up hope. CAS staff jumped in to assist and after continued warming, supplemental oxygen, and lots of encouragement, both puppies pulled through.
Annie was removed from surgery and got to meet her new puppies! Both latched and after a few minutes of nursing, Annie and foster dad were on their way to reunite with her 6 babies waiting at home.
We are so grateful for the amazing team at CAS including Dr. Tess, Forrest, Teresa, Sam and Laura who all helped us yesterday ensure that these two puppies and Annie survived. Special thanks to our wonderful foster dad Mark Nowotny for always loving his foster pups just like his own and staying by Annie’s side thoroughout this entire process. And to our staff, Maddi, Mikayla, Maria, Paige and Kaitlin for their willingness to jump into action to save lives.
Annie’s story shows us how when we work to form strong community relationships we can help at-risk pets in our community together.
