Amber, a golden retriever, was found in a dire state—starving, scared, and heavily pregnant—after being cruelly abandoned in a field. For several days, she evaded help, fleeing at any attempt to rescue her, until she was too weak to run. A concerned dog walker eventually brought her to a local vet, and she was later transferred to Blue Cross’s Burford rehoming centre in Oxfordshire in March.

It is believed that Amber had been used by backyard breeders who discarded her when they realized she needed veterinary care for both her and her unborn puppies. Upon arrival, Amber was skeletal, with a bulging pregnant belly and skin afflicted by untreated sarcoptic mange, causing her immense discomfort.

Hannah Wiltshire, Burford Centre Manager, recalled the harrowing state Amber was in. “She was so thin; you could feel only bones when you stroked her. Her skin was red and sore from constant biting and itching,” she explained. The team at Blue Cross was particularly concerned about Amber and her unborn puppies.

After several days in care, Amber began showing signs of labor, but the staff worried she was too weak to give birth. A veterinary check revealed that the puppies’ heart rates were dropping, leading to an emergency C-section where all eight puppies were safely delivered. Despite her condition, Amber accepted her puppies, which was a significant relief for the team.

The care required to support Amber and her puppies was immense, involving over 25 staff members working in shifts. While Amber was attentive to her puppies, she struggled to provide enough milk due to her weakened state. The team began to supplement feed the puppies, named Theodore, Cider, Dougal, Kasper, Winnie, Holly, Sasha, and Bailey. Holly, in particular, needed special attention as she was born with a hernia and was half the size of her siblings.

In the crucial first two weeks, Amber started to trust her caregivers. As she relaxed, her health improved, and her skin began to heal. Meanwhile, her puppies thrived under the team’s care. At eight weeks old, the puppies were adopted into loving homes, and Amber was finally offered a chance at a forever home with a family that had recently lost their elderly dogs.

Elly and Adam welcomed Amber into their home with their children, Sophie and Laurence. Elly expressed gratitude for the care Amber received at Blue Cross, recognizing the dedication of the team. Amber quickly adapted to her new environment, forming bonds with her new family and enjoying her newfound freedom.

Now, Amber enjoys long walks and has recently welcomed a cocker spaniel named Crumble into the family. This Christmas, she will celebrate in a warm, loving home, embodying the resilience and joy that comes from recovery and companionship. Amber’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and the unwavering support of animal welfare organizations.