BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern County Animal Shelter says an emergency surgery saved the life of a young dog and her unborn puppies.
Shelter officials say a good samaritan found the dog in severe distress alone in a field and in labor.
Shelter staff says the dogs are in good condition, healthy and very playful. But, they say last Friday they weren't sure if any would survive.
Playing with one another, two puppies named Cupid and Valentine are just a couple days old.
Staff at Kern County Animal Services say their mom, named Venus, was found in a dirt field in the Buttonwillow area in labor and in poor condition.
"If it would have been let go and not treated, she could have died and most likely would have," said Shyanne Schull, Kern County Animal Services Director.
Shelter staff says a good samaritan heard Venus crying and found her lying down in pain. Unable to help her, the man called the county shelter.
"They performed an emergency C-section on her. Unfortunately, the puppy that was stuck in the birth canal was unable to be saved, but we were able to save the remaining two puppies," said Schull.
With Venus and both puppies doing fine, an animal rescue group in Tehachapi picked up the dogs Wednesday, hoping to find them a permanent home.
"This is a miracle that these puppies did survive and that the mom is okay. It was meant for her to make it through and come to us because this puppy has a little heart on its side and we are Have-A-Heart Humane Society. So, there's something that says to me that puppy was meant for us," said Chelley Kitzmiller, Have-A-Heart Humane Society.
Shelter staff isn't sure if Venus belonged to someone and ran away or if she was dumped in the field.
If you're interested in adopting the dogs, contact Have-A-Heart Humane Society.