When the call came that January morning, the vet staff at VEG in Pittsburgh knew there was no time to waste. Rosie, a pregnant mixed-breed dog, was in trouble. Her new caretaker—who had taken her in just the night before—was getting worried. Rosie had been in labor for far too long and wasn’t progressing. And though this woman had only just met Rosie, she was doing everything she could to help.

Rosie’s original owner, a person experiencing homelessness, didn’t want her giving birth on the street. She entrusted Rosie to her friend, wanting better for her pet, so her babies could be born in a safer environment. It was a case of accidental breeding, and the father was believed to be a Cane Corso/Great Dane—a match that meant these babies were going to be big.

Very big.

Helpless, the caretaker reached out to Paws Across Pittsburgh, a non-profit foster-based animal rescue. Sarah Medina, Foster Coordinator and Board Member of the organization rushed Rosie to VEG, where an emergency vet team was ready and waiting.

That’s where Dr. Crowling, who was working the swing shift, stepped in.

ER VET SPRINGS INTO ACTION FOR PREGNANT DOG'S EMERGENCY

An ultrasound showed only four heartbeats—but there were clearly more puppies inside. Dr. Crowling, ever practical and focused, didn’t hesitate. “I didn’t want to spend more time finding more heartbeats or with an ultrasound, and taking measurements. The plan would be the same no matter how many heartbeats,” she said. “This dog needed an emergency C-section right away.”

And she was right.

An x-ray revealed just how tight things were inside Rosie’s abdomen. Her belly was packed with puppies, and the size of their skulls made natural birth impossible. This wasn’t a slow delivery—it was a dangerous dystocia.

AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION FOR DOG IN CRISIS

Thanks to Dr. Crowling and the swift work of the VEG team, Rosie was taken into surgery immediately. As each puppy was delivered, the team jumped into action. Resuscitating each newborn pup by stimulating and massaging them to clear fluid from their airways — tiny lungs coaxed into action — and eventually monitored for strength.

Dogs like Rosie get a second chance at life due to the quality of medical vet care at VEG ER for Pets.

And just like that, eight beautiful, wriggly, squeaky puppies made their way into the world.

Once the surgery was over Rosie’s she was transferred to the night-shift vet, Dr. DiPaola, and her recovery and rest started.

“For all of them to be alive under the dog’s initial circumstances is amazing,” said Sarah Medina after witnessing the delivery.

In a sweet twist, she named the puppies after the very team who saved them at VEG in Pittsburgh! So, meet the awesome VEG puppies: Paolo, Gabriel, Elizabeth, Dayna, Caitlin, Chris, Ciera, and Jack!

All pups are very well socialized with dogs of all sizes as well as children. And yes, they will be bigger dogs—probably anywhere from 60-80lbs. when full grown!

All eight puppies are fine and healthy, thanks to the emergency C-section performed at VEG ER for Pets 24-hour emergency vet hospital.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A STRAY ANIMAL IN DISTRESS

If you’re a Good Samaritan who found a stray, the best place to bring them is to your local GP veterinarian, a shelter, or rehabilitation center. If these options are not available, a member of our emergency vet staff at VEG can scan for a microchip to help you locate an owner. Our mission is helping people and their pets when they need us most, and that includes strays! If the stray you found needs emergency care, your local VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 to help.