Rebecca Lynch and her husband, Kevin, were concluding a trip to Savannah, Georgia, when Rebecca suggested one final stop before returning home.
Instead of visiting a tourist attraction or dining spot, she wanted to go to a local shelter with the hope of helping the dog in the most urgent need.
That spontaneous choice would alter their lives in ways they could never have anticipated.
Meeting The Terrier Facing The Greatest Risk
At the shelter, staff introduced them to Lizzy, a young terrier in desperate condition. She was pregnant, struggling with heartworm, and had a broken leg.
To make matters more dire, Lizzy was on the euthanasia list.
Rebecca and Kevin could not leave her behind. Within hours, Lizzy was safely on her way to Florida with them.
They arranged a soft, cozy area in the back of the car with blankets and a bed. Rebecca sat nearby, gently stroking Lizzy to soothe her during the drive.
“I knew she was nervous and scared, and I just wanted to comfort her on the ride,” Rebecca told The Dodo. They placed a bed and a blanket for her at the back of their car, and Rebecca sat next to her, petting her softly.
What Rebecca did not realize was that Lizzy had her own timeline for what would happen next. About an hour into the journey, Lizzy went into labor.
Unexpected Puppies Along The Way
Rebecca immediately switched into midwife mode, assisting Lizzy through the process. In a short time, three tiny puppies were born right there in the car.
“She was a pro! We went straight to the vet, and they said everything looked good,” Rebecca recalled.
Lizzy was not finished.
She delivered another puppy at the veterinary clinic, and two more during the remainder of the trip. By the time they reached Orlando, six healthy puppies had entered the world.
Despite her prior hardships, abandonment, illness, and injury, Lizzy displayed an incredible, sweet, and trusting temperament.
“Lizzy is a doll. Bless her heart, with all that she’s been through in her short life, she is so loving and trusting. She is a gentle and loving soul. Pretty remarkable,” Rebecca said.
The couple fostered Lizzy and her puppies, providing attentive care until the pups were ready for adoption. Each one eventually found a loving forever home, cherished and spoiled by their new families.
While her puppies moved on, Lizzy remained with the Lynches.
“Lizzy stayed put, of course. She’s a Lynch, and we love her to pieces. She and our Poodle, Cooper, are best pals, and she has really taken a liking to our 4 yr old niece, Lilly, they have a special friendship 🥰,” Rebecca wrote in her Facebook post.
Although Lizzy eventually required amputation of her leg, she now thrives as a beloved family member, enjoying a life full of comfort, love, and companionship.
Rebecca, president of Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida, has helped save thousands of animals since 2008, but rescuing Lizzy during that spontaneous trip remains one of the most extraordinary experiences of her life.
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