When a dog on death row unexpectedly showed up at her fosterer’s house pregnant, he was taken aback. It started when Nicholas decided to take in a puppy that a friend had found at a shelter in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Time was running out for the female canine named “Emma,” who was supposed to be put to sleep. According to Fox 13 News, Nicholas’s buddy linked him with Jesse’s Place Rescue Inc. (also known as Save The Labs) after learning that Nicholas had previously fostered a dog.

“I’m interested in fostering and potentially adopting this adorable girl,” Nick wrote to the organization. I have lots of time to work with her, and I’m very patient, calm, and compassionate. In 2016, my final youngster I had saved passed away from cancer.

While none of the rescuers were aware of it, Jesse’s Place was able to immediately arrange for Emma to be picked up from the shelter and transported to Nicholas. And it was obvious that she would give birth at any moment!

Fortunately, Nicholas knew how to give birth to farm animals, Fox 13 discovered. Also, Nick would deliver Emma’s puppies himself rather than sending Emma back to the shelter for childbirth. Thus, with Sheena’s assistance, Emma gave birth to 6 healthy puppies!

Both the mother and the puppies are doing well. Emma and her children will continue to be cared for by Nicolas, and with the assistance of Jesse’s Place Rescue, they will certainly find loving permanent homes.