A Pit Bull Puppy for Helen

We could pay the guy for Helen, or breed Helen to Bonz Capone and give him a Pit Bull puppy. I had no extra money and the second option was particularly attractive to Joey, who was now living with us and had sent Bonz to live with his daughters. Being responsible (I thought at the time), I lined up people to sell the puppies to so everyone would get a good home.

Labor Begins

The day came (at 8:30 pm) when Helen’s water broke. She was a little early and it was our first day in a new house. I didn't even know where the blankets were. This being her first (and only litter) I wanted her to be comfortable so I let her choose the place to give birth. At 10:45 pm, the first Pit Bull puppy was born. I sat on the floor with Helen all night during her 10 hour labor. She seemed confused and somewhat unsure about it all. I soothed her more with my calm attitude than touching. After all, she was busy with the task at hand. She gave birth to 13 pit bull puppies.

She laid next to me having contractions and then stood up for the final push, depositing all but one puppy in my lap. Was this normal Pit Bull behavior? I held,
she cleaned.

I'd let them nurse until it was time for the next one. When she stood and circled, I'd gather them in a warm towel in my lap.

Seven were undersized and born dead. Two more died within 48 hours. The last to die was my favorite and I had wanted to keep her.

How could I feel an attachment for something I didn't even know? I cried a lot over the Pit Bull puppy's death and the unfairness of it all.

I would have no puppy since the four remaining pups all had homes.

News traveled about my broken heart. Four weeks later I was given a three-week-old puppy by the breeder who owned Helen’s mother. She was a week younger but was bigger than our four little rolly polly puppies and she was accepted into Helen’s litter. I named her Lily.

Adoption Time

The day came to give the puppies to their new owners. I had fulfilled my obligation and loved each dog, but it was time... then only two buyers came through. Dear God, now what?

I was going to put an ad in the paper but I was flabbergasted when I saw dozens of other Pit Bull puppy litters for sale there. My mind created all kinds of bad stories about dogs if strangers adopted my puppies. What if they ended up being used to fight, or dropped off at the pound like so many other dogs because of owner ignorance?

How could I have been so stupid? If I sold the two remaining pups, would that take away homes for two other puppies in the paper? This was the first time I’d let one of my animals breed and I was wracked with guilt. There was only one responsible thing to do...

Name them!

We now had four dogs. Helen, Lily, Samootz (Moo-Moo), and Kurby.

Lesson: Even if people love your dog, beg you to breed and offer a down payment, think about all the wonderful dogs already needing homes.

Can you add to the population with a clear conscience? If you do breed, how many of your pups will be bred when they grow up?

If I haven't scared you yet, read about a Pit Bull puppy growing up and the bad dog behavior being taught right under my nose. If your circumstances are different and you consider breeding your dog, please read Should I Breed My Dog before you take on this responsibility.

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