It was Labor Day when Cara Achterberg drove to the Scott County Animal Sanctuary during her two-week tour of southern shelters. The plan was to pick up 6 dogs and transfer them north to foster homes in the hopes of locating brand-new, caring families.

She was in Tennessee the previous day when she found out about the surrendered pregnant dog at the shelter.

Check out her web site to recognize who Cara truly is and why she went out of her way to take this pregnant dog home.

The canine would certainly require a rabies vaccine and a health certificate to cross the state line into Pennsylvania. Something Cara stressed about considering the timing of the weekend’s celebrations.

It was Labor Day so finding a vet was a long shot.

The next early morning, she informed her husband she would certainly just adopt the canine.

After unloading the donated food and supplies they brought, the couple found that the county shelter did not do adoptions. There were no employees on weekends or holidays either.

The Scott Region Humane Society volunteers clean up the kennels, feed and walk dogs, take pictures, and do what they can to increase awareness for the canines.

The pregnant canine was just 27 pounds carrying her puppies. She was speckled like a coonhound and she was very uncomfortable with the shelter’s sound.

Cara knew she wanted to take her home. She called the rescue’s puppy organizer, Barb, who claimed, “Gim me a couple of minutes to figure this out.”

She toured the shelter, talking to the volunteers as she waited on Barb.

Barb eventually called with the info that there was a 24-hour clinic in Purcellville, Virginia, just six hrs away.

Dixie the pregnant dog would wag at the sound of Cara’s voice. She rose to consume but went back to relaxing later so Cara soothed her by promising all her love.

Labor started on a Friday morning after Cara saw Dixie stand up at 1 am and make a nest of the towels and blankets.

It took an entire day with Cara staying next to the canine the whole time.

Dixie quickly gave birth to 8 healthy pups. Dixie was perfectly fine and Cara assured her of a job well done as she fed her dog hen while scratching her ears.

This new mom who would flinch when touched and cowered at loud noises, who was once borderline anti-social, brought to life 8 gorgeous puppies.

Dixie’s leg was when broken but her heart healed with all the love she received.

Dixie brought to life and raised 8 adorable puppies who were all adopted by 8 super excited families. The happy mom spent one more month with Cara recovering prior to she was spayed and adopted.

Dixie currently reaches spend her days watching her new mother show piano, paying attention to songs and getting all the love she is worthy of in her new home. She is spoiled and living the good life all dogs deserve.Meet Dixie and her eight beautiful puppies in the video clip below!