Nursing Dog Reunited with Her Puppies After They Were Sold in a Parking Lot

On Tuesday night in Wolcott, Connecticut a dog was found running around the streets by a good citizen who contacted the local dog pound. The dog had no microchip and tags, but she did show signs of recently nursing. It was then discovered that this dog was probably let loose by a person who also was selling her newborn puppies at a local Walmart parking lot.

The Wolcott dog pound took to Facebook to ask the public for help in locating this young mama dog's newborn puppies.

Eyewitness New 3 reports, "Animal Control Officer Roslyn Nenninger said the situation took a significant mental and physical toll on the dog.

“It messes with her psyche as well as it’s physically affecting her because she’s still producing milk and unable to feed or relieve that, so we’re going to deal with some physical issues as well as some mental issues with the dog,” Nenninger said.

After some of the puppies were reunited with the mama, named Mya, Menninger said she noticed a huge change in the dog’s mood.

“She’s cleaning them loving them, doing her mother thing, no more whining, no more crying no more howling,” Menninger said.

Wolcott police say the person who abandoned the dog sold the puppies out of a car at a Walmart in Waterbury. They will likely face charges.

Related: Dog Abandoned in 'Walmart' Parking Lot Finally Gets Her First Taste of Happiness

The dog pound posted this update on the 20th.

It's wonderful news that four of the puppies have been reunited with Mya, but there are still puppies missing. If you have any information about the puppies, you should contact the Wolcott Police Department at 203-879-1414.

How Old Should Puppies Be When They Are Adopted?

People interested in adopting a dog should always wait until the pup is at least 8-weeks-old before adopting a dog from its mama. Puppies separated from their mother and litter mates too early may be at risk of extreme behavioral issues, anxiety, and socialization problems later in life. In some states, it's even illegal to adopt a puppy before that age.

Up until they are about 8-weeks-old, a little pup is relying primarily on getting their nutrition from nursing, and most puppies have just started consuming puppy food at this age. Their mom's milk contains the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support their growth during the first few weeks of life. This milk also contains antibodies that help protect newborn puppies from infections and diseases.

Puppies undergo developmental stages as they grow and some of these stages are very critical for the puppy's future well-being. In particular, the primary socialization stage, which takes place when the puppy is between three to five weeks of age, puppies are learning how to interact with other dogs, establish social hierarchies, and develop bite inhibition through play and interaction with their litter mates.

If a puppy is removed from their mom too early, they can have a lot of problems when they become a full grown dog. The behavioral problems can be food aggression, attention-seeking behaviors, destructiveness, reactivity to noises, and more.

Eight weeks is the ideal age at which to adopt a puppy, and this gives the puppy enough time to get weaned, socialized, and ready for a new home.

Here's hoping Mya gets the rest of her litter back so she can care for them until they are old enough to go to new homes.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.