Animal Care staff provide lifesaving support to nursing dog and her puppies

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A person wearing black gloves is bottle-feeding a small black puppy on a colorful, patterned blanket. Another brown puppy is lying nearby. — *Shelter staff bottle-fed a newborn puppy to ensure it received vital nutrition while its mother recovered.*

Earlier this month, San Bernardino County Animal Care staff quickly stepped in to assist a dog that had recently given birth to 11 puppies. When she arrived at the Devore Animal Shelter, she was underweight and suffering from an upper respiratory infection. As her condition worsened, she became too weak to produce enough milk to adequately nourish her litter, placing the puppies at risk.

“This is not something that happens often, but when it does, the team is always willing to step up and provide the care these animals need,” said Curtis Johnson, supervising animal control officer at Animal Care.

To ensure the puppies received enough nutrition while their mother recovered, shelter staff immediately began supplemental bottle feedings twice a day. At the same time, they provided the nursing mother with around-the-clock medical care, nutritional support and close monitoring as she regained her strength and began producing more milk. Through the team’s dedicated efforts, both the mother and her puppies received the individualized care they needed to remain healthy.

Providing compassionate care during times of crisis is at the heart of Animal Care’s mission. Shelter staff continuously monitor the health and well-being of every animal in their care, responding quickly when medical concerns arise. Their commitment helps ensure that every puppy, kitten, dog and cat has the best possible opportunity for a healthy future.

“The people who work in our shelters truly love animals,” Johnson said. “That love is reflected in the compassion and dedication they show every day, especially in situations like this.”

As Animal Care continues to receive an influx of puppies, kittens and other shelter pets, community support remains essential. Residents who are unable to adopt can make a meaningful difference by joining the Pet Foster Parent program, which provides temporary homes for animals in need of extra care while they await adoption. For those ready to add a new companion to their family, Animal Care has many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption. Whether through fostering or adopting, your support helps create space and resources for more animals in need.

Donations to the Animals Are First Fund (ARFF) help provide lifesaving resources such as formula, medical supplies and neonatal care equipment to support pets in need. To learn more about Animal Care’s services and the compassionate work our team does every day to care for shelter pets, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – July 30, 2026