Any pregnant animal is extra vulnerable, especially when they live in an unhealthy environment. That said you could see plenty of pregnant stray dogs roaming around the streets trying to find a good nesting spot for their babies. It’s sad to think that these dogs have to fend for themselves while protecting their pups.
This woman came across a pregnant pooch and she decided to help her.
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One hot day, Stephanie Fikes stopped by a local grocery store to buy some goods before going for a quick visit to her friend’s house. She was surprised when she saw a spotted brindle pooch with a large belly the moment she got out of her car. The poor dog was already panting hard as her legs carried her to the parking lot, and it looked like that the dog was about to go into labor. Fikes knew immediately that the dog needed some help.
Fikes brought the dog to her friend’s home and gave the dog the care she needed.
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Fikes coaxed the dog into her car and drove her over to Justin Richie’s house, the friend she was planning to visit. Richie then greeted them as they arrived and hurriedly tended to the pregnant pooch that Fikes brought. They let the dog rest and even provided her with some fresh food and water. As Fikes remained anxious that the dog might give birth anytime soon, they decided to take her to the vet.
It was a good call that they brought the pooch to the vet.
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The vet gave the pooch a flea bath and then examined her regarding her pregnancy. It was a good thing that she was brought there in time so Fikes and Richie would be more aware of the situation.
“The vet said she was a healthy pregnant mama, but that it could be anywhere from five minutes to five days before she gave birth,” Richie told The Dodo.
The pooch surprised the couple with an unexpected litter size.
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Fikes and Richie decided to take care of the dog, and since she was going to be living with them, they thought it was better if they would name her. Both of them agreed to call her Lil’ Mama. A week after they visited the vet, Lil’ Mama started giving birth to her pups.
“The whole time we were placing bets on how many puppies she would have. I said eight, Steph said 10 … neither of us expected 15!” Richie shared.
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With this enormous litter size, the couple had to work hard to make it possible for each pup to be fed. Since Lil’ Mama’s number of nipples cannot cater to all of her pups, Fikes and Richie would either take turns feeding some pups with formula or have a rotation between two groups of puppies to suckle on their mother’s breasts.
The pair did a great job of taking care of Lil’ Mama and her fifteen pups.
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“We are exhausted but feeling so blessed,” said Richie as he refers to his and Fikes’ unyielding efforts in taking care of the pups.
The pups were already weeks old and the friends were dedicated to making these adorable pooches comfortable and loved at their home.
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Moreover, since it would be too hard to take care of fifteen dogs all at once, they had to find people who would be willing to take them when they are old enough. They already have some potential adopters who said they will take these pups to a wonderful home.
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