TEO
Inverness, FL, USA
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Joined: 08/07/2003
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My wife and I often work with Labrador Retriever Rescue of FLorida since that's where we got our two, Jodie and Coco. A number of times we've been asked to help transfer dogs or even fostor one for a short time. It has been a rewarding experience.
A couple of days ago we heard of a mother chocolate Lab and her 9 pups that were going to be put down at a shelter somewhat north of us and we volunteered to pick them up and keep them for a while. The pups are only two weeks old. The mother has a lot of spirit, but is little more than skin and bones, but the pups all seemed to be doing well.
Tonight one of the pups would not stop crying and wouldn't participate in feeding. We'd move him to his mother and he would end up crawling away and crying. We'd put him back and the same would happen again. Shortly after 4:00 this morning he passed away. We called our contact at Lab Rescue and were told that this happens, especially with litters that are taken from shelters. We were told that we shouldn't take this personally as stuff happens, even when the mother has had prenatal care and excellent care after the birth.
That may comfort some people but my wife and I are really torn up over this. We are keeping none of these puppies, nor the mother. However, we tend to bond very rapidly and feel the loss of this pup greatly.
I just had to get this off my chest, hoping that all the other pups will continue to do well. The whole batch will be at the vets later this morning so we can ensure that all is right.
Paul
Paul & Helen
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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So happy you are there to do what you are doing. There is a dog and some pups alive this morning because of you. Yes puppy's die, even with healthy mothers and it is always sad but not anything you can do.
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brirene
midwest
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You are to be commended for your intervention. Had you not, all 9 puppies and the mother might not be alive today. The pup that passed no doubt had problems far greater and no one knows what his future might have held. Nature has a way of taking care of itself. Continue to help those who remain and take pride in your efforts. Thank you!
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USA Traveler
Lewisville
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I can only imagine what you and your wife must be going through right now, but keep you eyes on the end results. There are the remainder of the puppies that will be going to wonderful, loving homes because of your efforts.
It is the giving people like you that allows so many unloved and/or abused dogs to get a second chance at life and love.
Cody, my little guy (Maltese)
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Scottiemom
South Dakota/Indiana
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Joined: 09/09/2003
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I am both happy and sad from reading this. I too rejoice in the lives saved. Probably nothing you could have done would have saved the little one, but I know it still hurts. Perhaps the vet will have an answer today. It is so great of you both to help these lost little souls.
Try to focus on the living ones and the great lives they will have because you intervened. My son lives in Florida and has a lab mix rescue. Jax is a wonderful dog and there will be wonderful homes waiting for those beautiful puppies and momma that you rescued.
Dale
Dale Pace
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SaintsFan
Mobile, Alabama
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May God bless you for what you do. And may he give you the strength you need at this time.
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kokosfriend
Nashville, TN
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Joined: 09/06/2004
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Bless you for the work you are doing. I know you are grieving over the one you lost, but the others are still there thanks to you.
Barb
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colochoclab
Arvada, Colorado
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You are a HREO in my eyes and the eyes of my chocolate lab, Hershey!
I cannot imagine what emotions you must be feeling. It broke my heart to read your post. Please take comfort in the fact that you saved the mother and the remaining pups. God has plans for us all and all of his creatures great and small. He just "called home" one a bit early.
Please keep up the heroic work you do!!
-Lab
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"Hershey" & "Snickers" My Chocolate Labs!
"I asked God for true friends: He sent me 2 Labrador Retrievers."
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CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Oh my gosh, that would really bother me, too. Mainly because the little guy was crying and wouldn't eat. So it sounds like he was in pain, for some reason. I've seen "failure to thrive" pups that the mom would ignore or push away, and that is hard enough, but they didn't cry, just were lethargic. I would want reasons why this happened and I would carefully watch the others to be sure there are no similar incidents. Pups are often born with severe parasite infestation so that's a possibility. Thank you for trying to help this poor mama and her babies.
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TEO
Inverness, FL, USA
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We had the Mom and the 8 other pups to the vet this afternoon and all is well. No heartworm in the Mom, but intestinal worms for everyone. Already started deworming. The ones we have left certainly seem to be thriving and we're going to concentrate on them and their future. Next Friday they get their "5 way" shots.
Paul
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