Staff at Wickford's Gemini Kennels are celebrating the arrival of five healthy puppies - but their mother is fighting for her life following a road accident prior to the birth.
Jessie, a four-year-old crossbreed, was hit by a car in Purfleet Road, Aveley.
Michael Knight and Eunice Reece, co-owners of Gemini Kennels, arranged for the heavily pregnant dog to be taken to their Hovefield Avenue sanctuary for rest and recuperation.
The next day Jessie, obviously in a lot of pain, was taken to the vets - where she was diagnosed as suffering from a broken pelvis.
The dog endured an emergency Caesarean - but one puppy didn't make it through the operation.
Two veterinary assistants warmed to the puppies so much that they intend to each take one home. Mr Knight said: "We are looking for nice homes for the three remaining puppies."
Loving - injured Jessie suckles her new pups
Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article