While on vacation with her husband, American Rebecca Lynch, from Savannah, Georgia, decided to make an unplanned stop at a dog shelter before returning home.
The vast majority of people usually take souvenirs to keep as a souvenir, but Rebecca decided to take home something much more meaningful.
“I know that Georgia has many dog shelters that euthanize animals found on the streets, so I had in mind to save at least one puppy in one of these kennels before I left,” she told The Dodo portal. “I had plenty of space in my car and I wanted to help.”
Upon arriving at the shelter, Rebecca discovered the story of Lizzy, a terrier dog who was abandoned by her owner as soon as he found out she was pregnant.
With the help of a friend, the woman found the puppy and fell in love with her sweetness, decided to adopt her on the same day. “I knew clearly that I could not leave her to die in that place. So I filled out all the adoption paperwork and got her out of there as quickly as I could,” he said.
It was soon discovered that Lizzy was about to give birth and had a broken leg.
To ensure that the dog was able to travel from Florida to Georgia as comfortably as possible, Rebecca and her husband bought her a bed and blanket, placing her in the backseat.
During the course of almost 5 hours, the tutor sat next to the mother-to-be, petting her while her husband drove. “I knew she was nervous and scared and I just wanted to comfort her on the ride,” he said.
With plenty of love and affection for the newly adopted, the couple did an excellent job of calming Lizzy down and making her feel safe. “After nearly an hour on the road, she finally relaxed and rubbed her little head against my hand as I petted her,” said Rebecca.
“Once she felt safe and comfortable, I think she decided ‘it was time’. She began to pant and became restless; I said to my husband, ‘I think she’s in labor!'” recalled the woman.
It was super quick: in just twenty minutes, Lizzy delivered her first puppy (of a total of 6!) in the back of the car – all with help from Rebecca.
“I felt like a first-time midwife… Improvised, inexperienced and awkward. But I managed to help her in the best way I could”, assured the tutor.
In the late afternoon, as soon as they arrived in Savannah, the couple took Lizzy to the vet. Fortunately, all of the pups were born healthy with no postpartum complications.
Without a doubt, the trip back home was unforgettable for them! Now, the family, bigger than ever, has gradually adapted to their new routine at home.
Meanwhile, Lizzy and her babies have been going to the vet every 15 days to check their health.
“I think she really is a warrior. God bless her heart, with all that she has gone through in her short life, she remains as loving and trusting as ever,” said Rebecca. “She is a kind and loving soul. It is a privilege to have her at home.”
