The labor began, but Rio’s weakened body immediately gave out under the strain. The very first puppy became dangerously trapped in the birth canal, completely unable to move. With the pup’s life hanging by a thread, it was all hands on deck. Louise and Claire had to physically step in, carefully and manually freeing the stuck puppy before it suffocated. It was a terrifying success, but the ordeal completely drained Rio’s remaining strength.
What followed was a grueling and agonizing marathon labor. Hours dragged by between contractions as Rio lay entirely spent, barely conscious in her nesting box. Louise stayed right by her side, keeping her hydrated and assisting with every single delivery. Puppies one, two, three, and four eventually arrived safely—each one a beautiful, traditional, golden-furred bundle. But as Rio groaned and delivered puppy number five, Claire caught the newborn in a towel and let out a sharp, terrified scream.