Pet Photographer turned Pet Doula

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m an animal lover, hence my job as a pet photographer. However, never did I imagine that I would ever add “pet doula” to my resume.

I had just gotten back from a long trip to Germany when I got a frantic call from my friend who told me that her dog was in labor and needed immediate help. Sorry jet lag but nature calls!

When I arrived at her home, sweet Dasha, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever, was clearly in active labor but exhausted and unable to push. After observing the struggling mama to be, it became apparent the the first pup was stuck. This is when I decided it was time to intervene in order to save Dasha and her puppies. I reached my hand inside of her, grabbed the first pup by the head, turned him and pulled him out! What an absolute experience that was. Fast forward to 12 hours later, Dasha had welcomed a healthy litter of 6 Golden Doodle puppies. Whew!

As expected, the puppies were absolutely adorable and everyone wanted to bring one home, including my sons and I. The dogs ended up being adopted by my friend’s adult children and live fantastic lives abroad and here in the states. They are now a few years old, huge, even more adorable (if that’s possible) and probably ready to have pups of their own. It’s amazing how quickly time flies in dog years. I’ll never forget this experience!

Happy National Puppy Day!!