OPINION
Our next momma came from an Ohio breeding operation that was shutting down . Rescue outfits from several states were mobilized to save nearly a hundred Goldens , Labs and Doodles ; our organizer was told they would be shot , if not rescued . We all pulled up in a caravan ; when it was my turn , the man carried out a large female Golden and I asked him her name . He said , “ I don ’ t name the girls . I just microchip them .” I managed not to kick his shins . I said rapidly , “ When ’ s she due ?” And he said , “ Today .” I named her Julia .
We had a fraught eight-hour trip home . Although clipped to leashes to keep her out of the driving space , she jumped from the back seat into the way-back , where I could not see her at all . Luckily Madeline , a little Goldendoodle , was assigned to me with her , and snuggled and fussed over her the whole time . These dogs had never left their communal shed . They had never known grass . They had lived in wire pens . They knew humans only as captors , not as parents . Riding in a car was an adventure ! They looked out the windows and practically hooted and hollered for the first 20 minutes , and I could not stop laughing . Free at last ! Finally , they fell asleep . When I heard even steady breathing , I put the hammer down . Emergent delivery only yards from giant trucks did not sound appealing .
The very next night , Julia went into labor and had three pups . Then there was a two-hour delay ; she looked uncomfortable ; I heard multiple fetal heartbeats still . I was home alone , it was the classic 2:30 a . m ., and Julia needed the pros . So I called Jane and Andy , of the GRRAND leadership group , who without complaint appeared inside 10 minutes . We carefully arranged Julia and the pups in the
way-back , and at the ER vet , Andy took charge . He carried her right in ( not the usual protocol ) and wonderfully , they recognized her struggle and carted her instantly to the back . The Pitocin drip failed her ; she had a C-section and we got her home sometime towards morning , now with nine pups in tow ( Molly , Mike , Nancy , Joe , Pete , Helen , Sally , Bridget , Maureen ). The vet asked if she should spay her also , but I was terrified her milk would dry up early . I was assured it would not , yet I refused . I could not imagine finding the people power to bottle-feed nine puppies for weeks on end .
I would never have made it in vet school ( surgical skill required ) but helping dogs in need is a joy and a treasure . They give back , in love and fun , every minute of every day . .
Dr . Barry is an internist and Associate Professor of Medicine ( Gratis Faculty ) at the University of Louisville School of Medicine , currently retired and mulling her next moves .
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