Upsetting news from Romania

A few weeks ago our trusted Romanian foster, Alina, came across an expecting mother and turned to OUR for help. Of course we took her in, made her comfortable and prayed that she would be OK. It was deemed a special pregnancy as she was nearing 10 years old - way too old to be having pups!

Cause for concern came when Genie, our expecting mum, gave birth to 5 pups that were all delivered stillborn, and 3 pups that were. Genie, however, didn’t take to her pups as she should, instead becoming protective towards her dead pups and refusing Alina’s help.

Fighting for the poor dog, Alina and her husband encouraged Genie to take on the motherly role, but it soon became clear that Genie was suffering herself. Having the local vet visit, antibiotics and painkillers were administered and we prayed she would pull through. It’s unclear as to the reasoning. but Genie had developed an infection and was not able to deliver the placenta - whether this was because she had another pup stuck or whether it was purely down to her age is unknown, but it was clear her poor body was suffering.

Alina was forced to remove the 3 pups and hand-reared them herself, caring for them around the clock while looking after Genie as best she could. Genie took her last breath during the night, knowing her remaining pups were safe and loved.

Sadness has silenced all the volunteers at OUR as we learnt in the early hours of this morning that 2 of the 3 pups have also passed and the last remaining pup was also struggling. The last remaining pup did not make it through the following night, and is now at rest with his mum and siblings.

The importance of spaying and neutering of dogs is imperative. Genie was simply too old to undergo such a change and simply couldn’t withstand the strain it set on her body with such a big litter. Genie is now at rest, alongside her pups.