Susie and Kila both arrived at RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch in July after being pulled from concerning situations. Susie was rescued from a hoarding situation, and the shelter staff knew she was pregnant and due to give birth any day.
They felt reasonably prepared — until they found out that Kila was pregnant too.
Suddenly, the shelter had two pregnant dogs expected to give birth around the same time, and they braced themselves for an influx of puppies.
“When we discovered we would be having two litters we were rather surprised; especially as they were due just a few days apart,” Chloe Gee from RSPCA Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch said in a press release.
The staff could only hope each litter would be on the smaller side — instead, the opposite happened.
Susie gave birth first to 10 puppies, and six days later, Kila gave birth to 14 puppies, the largest litter the shelter had ever seen. In total, 24 puppies were suddenly at the shelter needing care.
Unfortunately, a few puppies from each litter didn’t make it due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Despite the loss, there were still a whopping 19 puppies who needed attention. Luckily, Susie and Kila have been up to the challenge and have both proved to be the most amazing moms.
Susie’s puppies have been named Ashara, Enam, Fyra, Iki, Otto, San and Una, and Kila’s puppies are Cedric, Clark, Cornelius, Guinness, Jones, Lorenzo, Lucille, Marion, Roderick, Sarah, Billie and Winnie. Both litters will be ready for adoption in mid to late September.
“It’s been a really busy time, but we’re so proud to have 19 beautiful, wiggly puppies who are becoming cheekier and funnier by the day,” Gee said. “However, looking after all of the pups has really taken its toll on the whole team and on our funds, so we’d be really grateful to anyone who can help as we nurture these gorgeous families.”
The shelter didn’t expect so many puppies to arrive in one week, but they’re doing the best they can to care for them all, and so far they’re all thriving.
