In a crowded rural Kentucky shelter, a small terrier sat quietly in her kennel — her belly round and heavy with life. The shelter was already struggling to care for the animals it had, and everyone knew that once this tiny mom gave birth, things would become even harder.
Thankfully, help was already on the way.
When veterinarians from the Kentucky Humane Society heard about the little dog in need, they raced to rescue her — just in time for what would turn out to be a record-breaking delivery.
The terrier, soon named Momma Malone, was examined by Dr. Emily Bewley and her team, who quickly realized she’d need a C-section to safely deliver her pups.
“I was excited — but also concerned,” Dr. Bewley told The Dodo. “We were so grateful she came to the Kentucky Humane Society, where we could give her the best chance possible.”
Momma Malone spent her final days of pregnancy resting comfortably at Dr. Bewley’s home, surrounded by care and love. Everyone knew a lot of puppies were on the way — the only question was, how many?
When the big day arrived, Dr. Bewley’s son rode in the back seat with Momma Malone, gently comforting her on the way to the shelter. Meanwhile, the veterinary team was preparing for what they suspected might be a very busy surgery.
“Once we arrived, it only took 20 minutes,” Dr. Bewley said. “And then the puppies just kept coming!”
When the team finished counting, they couldn’t believe their eyes — nine healthy puppies. For a dog Momma Malone’s size, that was an extraordinary number.
At first, the vets worried that because of the C-section, Momma Malone might struggle to bond with her babies. But the moment she woke up, she proved them wrong.
“She took to motherhood like she’d done it before,” Dr. Bewley said. “She’s taking such good care of them — all nine!”
Now recovering comfortably with her pups, Momma Malone’s days are filled with tiny squeaks, soft snuggles, and endless love. She and her little family will remain with the Kentucky Humane Society until they’re ready to find homes of their own — a new beginning for all ten lives saved.
From a crowded shelter to a safe, loving home, Momma Malone’s story is one of resilience and heart — proof that sometimes the smallest dogs carry the biggest miracles.
If you’d like to help other moms like Momma Malone, you can make a donation to the Kentucky Humane Society to support their lifesaving work.
