A large black lab is slowly recovering after giving birth to 21 puppies.

While her nearly record-breaking litter may seem like a cause for celebration, her journey has been marked by pain and pity from the animal-loving community who want nothing but the best for her.woof black dog balto nom nom dog food wet dog food sniffspot dog food doga

On October 24, a black lab, estimated to be between seven and eight years old, was brought to the Boone Area Humane Society in Boone, Iowa. She appeared to be in labor and in septic shock.

She was airlifted to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for further treatment.woof black dog balto nom nom dog food wet dog food sniffspot dog food doga

“She came in the back of a pickup truck, and she was unresponsive,” Vanessa Heenan of the Boone Area Humane Society told the Ames Tribune. “Her abdominal area was swollen, her nipples were enlarged, and you could tell she had recently nursed her young, at least in the past.”

After about 24 hours of labor, the dog gave birth to two puppies. The first was stillborn, while the second died shortly after birth.

Veterinarians soon realized she needed an emergency caesarean section.

As veterinarians set about providing care and rescuing pup after pup, the bill rose.

The shelter couldn’t afford it, so they turned to their community for help.

So far, they have raised about $20,000 in donations.

Unfortunately, on October 26, all of the puppies died. Although their mothers were moved, half of the pups died, and the other pups were not far enough away to live.

Heenan does not believe she was the victim of a puppy mill or that hormones were used, but it is possible that she was inseminated by a large number of male dogs.

The shelter is aware of the dog’s owner and claimed they are working with an attorney to see what can be done, but “with Iowa’s weak animal protection laws, it’s always an uphill battle.”woof black dog balto nom nom dog food wet dog food sniffspot dog food doga

Veterinarians are now focusing on helping the senior dog recover. She started to improve a few days after her traumatic birth.

She is still “vulnerable,” but is “much better.” ISU veterinarians will begin weaning her off painkillers and water, according to a Facebook post.

She will be discharged from the hospital once she recovers and placed in a foster family to complete her recovery.woof black dog balto nom nom dog food wet dog food sniffspot dog food doga

If you would like to help this mama dog recover, please visit the Boone Area Humane Society Facebook page or call the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine at 515-294-4900.

It breaks my heart to see an animal go through such pain. How could anyone leave this helpless animal to suffer like this?woof black dog balto nom nom dog food wet dog food sniffspot dog food doga

Please spread this prayer for her continued healing and for the person or individuals responsible to be brought to justice.