A mother who gave birth in the back of a car has defied the odds to raise eight healthy, lively and very hairy youngsters.
Three-year-old heavily pregnant alsatian Sophie was found in Whitchurch on January 23 and taken to Grinshill Animal Rescue.
But on the way to the centre the dog gave birth to six beautiful black puppies – with another two following once she got there.
Jenny Martinez, who runs the shelter, said: “She had five boys and three girls. It must have been quite traumatic for her.”
The puppies, which are labrador-collie-alsatian crosses, are now six weeks old and are being cared for by Sophie, who is proving to be an excellent mother.
“She seemed to cope with it all and she’s a really laid back dog. She’s absolutely adorable,” Jenny said.
“I never met the man who brought them in, but he did her a big favour. I think the puppies would have died if she’d been left on the street. She had a womb infection and kennel cough, then the puppies had it too.”
Jenny is now beginning to look for homes for the puppies and for Sophie. Prospective owners should contact Grinshill Animal Rescue Centre on 07740 103393.
By Pam Griffin