One chilly afternoon, a very pregnant dog showed up at my front gate, clearly anxious and desperate for help. She was about 63 days along—meaning she was just hours, maybe even minutes, away from going into labor. That moment was the start of a journey that would change both of our lives forever.
A dog’s pregnancy typically lasts between 58 and 68 days, and by day 63, labor can begin at any time. The signs were all there—restlessness, pacing, panting, and a clear need to find a safe, quiet place to give birth. This sweet girl was trembling, exhausted, and likely searching for a shelter where she could safely bring her puppies into the world.