Pregnant dog rescued from freezing conditions gives birth 

By Ben Barry

A pregnant dog who was rescued from freezing conditions with 17 other dogs has given birth to nine puppies.

On January 16, 2026, Animal Rescue Corps, rescued 18 dogs and puppies living outdoors on a rural property in southeast Missouri after residents asked for help due to a drop in the weather.

The owners cooperated with the Animal Rescue Corps in a "surrender" after they became overwhelmed by the sheer number of dogs on the property.

Animal rescue personnel found several adult dogs chained to the ground and multiple litters of puppies roaming freely on the property.

Among the rescued dogs was an underweight pregnant German Shepherd mix, named Gladys, who was days away from giving birth.

Within days of arriving at the Animal Rescue Corps facility, Gladys gave birth to nine healthy puppies.

Animal Rescue Corps, Executive Director, Tim Woodward said: “This was not a criminal case.

“The people living on the property recognized that the number of dogs had grown beyond what they could manage and that they could no longer properly care for the animals.

"These individuals also agreed to have their personal dogs spayed or neutered immediately at ARC’s expense.

“Without intervention, the situation would have quickly escalated.

“We’re grateful that the property’s residents contacted us, ensuring these dogs receive the proper food, shelter and medical attention they need."