BC SPCA animal protection officers seized three adult pit bull mixes—a male and two females, one of whom is heavily pregnant—from a property in Kelowna, B.C. The dogs were found living in a rat-infested home, where the floors were covered in feces and urine. They were soon transported to the BC SPCA’s Penticton Veterinary Hospital for care and evaluation.

“This was a horrible situation for both the people living in the home and the dogs that were rescued,” says Amrika Tikasingh, manager of the BC SPCA’s South Okanagan-Similkameen animal centre. “Large rats were seen jumping in and out of the windows and running throughout the home. The animal protection officers reported that the smell was overwhelming.”

An X-ray of Ellie, the pregnant dog, revealed she was in the late stages of pregnancy with a litter of ten puppies. Henry, the adult male, and Sugar, the other adult female, were assessed to be in good health.

“Ellie was due to give birth quickly, so there wasn’t enough time to find a foster who could accommodate a pregnant mom and 10 puppies,” says Tikasingh, “She gave birth in the animal centre.” Unfortunately, one of the puppies did not survive.

Despite the hardships, Ellie has been praised as an amazing mother, with the remaining puppies progressing well and showing no signs of health issues. “We are currently collaborating with the vets at the BC SPCA’s Penticton Animal Hospital to stabilize Ellie’s weight as she is currently underweight, but we are working hard to make sure she makes a full recovery. As soon as Ellie is ready, she will be scheduled for spay surgery,” Tikasingh added. “It is obvious that Ellie has had far too many litters for a dog of her age. This sweet girl with so much love to give needs a break from being pregnant.”

The puppies will be available for adoption when they reach eight weeks old, and Ellie will be up for adoption once she has recovered from her spay surgery. Meanwhile, Henry has already found his forever home, and Sugar is currently available for adoption.