Watching a dog give birth is both heartwarming and awe-inspiring for any dog owner. If you have ever seen it in person, you know how unforgettable the bond is between a mother and her newborn pups.
Back in March, Tanya Dubbs from Pocahontas, Virginia, was preparing for her Great Dane, Namine, to go into labor. She had no idea that her two-year-old girl was about to make headlines across the country.
What happened next shocked everyone: Namine gave birth to an astonishing 21 puppies in less than 27 hours.
A Litter Beyond All Expectations
Tanya and her family were in disbelief as the tiny pups just kept arriving. Great Danes are known for being one of the largest breeds, so a litter of around 12 to 14 puppies would not have been unusual.
But when the count climbed past 16, the family could hardly believe their eyes. Finally, after nearly 27 hours of labor, Namine had delivered 21 puppies.
Sadly, two of the puppies did not survive, but Namine was left with 19 healthy little ones.
Most weighed in at more than a pound, while two were slightly smaller at 94 ounces and 98 ounces.
With such a huge group, feeding was the biggest challenge. Tanya carefully oversees every meal, stepping in with bottles to make sure each pup gets the nourishment they need.
Namine’s incredible litter is one of the largest ever seen in the United States. Still, the world record belongs to a Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia, who delivered 24 puppies in a single litter.
Overcoming A Life-Threatening Accident
Namine’s miracle is even more remarkable considering what she endured just a year earlier.
Not long ago, Namine and her sister, Malificent, slipped away from home during the night. Tragically, Namine was struck by a truck and suffered back injuries as well as damage to one of her eyes.
“My sweet Namine and Malificent escaped this evening. Malificent came back… Namine has not. I was told that she got hit by a car,” Tanya wrote in a heartbreaking post.
Amazingly, just 16 hours later, Namine was found and rushed for medical treatment. Despite the ordeal, she recovered fully and returned to her happy, playful self.
Surrounded By Love And A Bright Future Ahead
Now that the puppies are weaned, Tanya is preparing to find each of them a loving forever home. She also plans to donate part of the proceeds to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter in Bluefield, Virginia, as a way of giving back.
Namine will not be lonely, though. She has plenty of company in her home, surrounded by both her human family and dog siblings. This gentle Great Dane thrives in the love that fills her home.
Like many dogs of her breed, Namine has a natural instinct to nurture. She takes her role as a caretaker seriously, doting on children and pups alike. Her kind and patient nature shines every single day.
From surviving a near-tragic accident to becoming a mother of 21, Namine’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She is living proof of resilience, love, and the incredible bond between dogs and their families.