Rescue Transforms Sheds into ‘Mutternity Suites’ for Stray Dogs Who Need a Safe Place to Give Birth (Exclusive)

• Three Little Pitties Rescue in Texas teamed up with the Vodka for Dog People program from Tito’s Handmade Vodka to create refreshed maternity suites for stray dog moms
• Volunteers transformed three sheds at the rescue into ‘warm and welcoming’ spaces where homeless dogs can give birth and care for their puppies
• One mom dog gave birth on the day of the makeovers and was able to move into a new maternity suite as soon as renovations were done

Bringing new life into the world is no easy feat, and for stray pregnant dogs, it’s even more difficult.

“We’ve come across pregnant and nursing dog moms who have tried to find a safe place to give birth, whether that be in a pile of trash, underneath a dumpster, or in an abandoned house. Just the quietest, safest place where they think they can get at an angle where they can protect their babies,” Alayna Matranga Goodson, the executive director of Three Little Pitties Rescue in Friendswood, Texas, tells PEOPLE.

According to Goodson, homeless pet overpopulation is a serious issue in Texas, where an estimated 80,000 pets are euthanized each year before finding a home, especially in Houston.

“There are strays everywhere, and many people just drive past because they don’t know what to do. The shelters are full and begging for help constantly. And there are not enough rescues to keep up. So, unfortunately, a lot of animals are euthanized in shelters, or killed or injured on our streets,” Goodson says of the reality that Three Little Pitties is working to fix each day.

“The need is never ending, and we’re trying to meet that need for the animals that need us. So I’m always looking for more partnerships and people willing to offer a hand,” Goodson adds.

Thankfully, the Vodka for Dog People program from Tito’s Handmade Vodka was eager to offer some much-needed assistance. It provided a substantial gift to Three Little Pitties to help the rescue make over their “mutternity suites.”

Before the makeover, Three Little Pitties had several sheds equipped to be temporary homes for stray pregnant dogs; places where the new moms could give birth, nurse their puppies, and find forever families. The donation and assistance from Tito’s allowed the rescue to transform these sheds into soothing oases for the future mother dogs.

“The vision was just to have a safe place for at least a handful of moms to come one at a time, give birth, have a clean, quiet, secure environment where they don’t have to fight for their lives on the streets, and they don’t have to protect their babies. And we can set these animals up for success rather than tragedy and loss,” Goodson says.

When Beth Bellenti, program director for Vodka for Dog People at Tito’s Handmade Vodka, heard about Goodson’s “dreams for stray dog moms,” she says she knew Tito’s “wanted to jump in with her and help her realize those dreams for those dogs.”

On April 24, Three Little Pitties Rescue and volunteers from Vodka for Dog People spent the day painting, cleaning, decorating, and revitalizing the rescue’s three nurseries into dream maternity suites. The completed suites have newly hung lighting, doggie doors to give canines access to nature, flower boxes, packed treat jars, and grooming rooms to handle puppy accidents quickly and easily.

“It was beautiful to see our teams come together with the shared passion of serving animals,” Goodson says of the “warm and welcoming” results.

The “mutternity” makeover was perfectly timed. On the day of the transformation, a pregnant stray dog transferred to Three Little Pitties from an overcrowded shelter started giving birth.

“We were all able to experience it together. The beauty of life. The life that these rooms make possible. So it was pretty incredible,” Goodson says.

Bellenti adds that the dog mom did a fantastic job and welcomed nine puppies. The new family moved into the renovated suites as soon as they were complete. Three Little Pitties is providing medical care to the mother dog and her puppies. Once the baby dogs are a bit older, volunteers will start socializing the animals so they are prepared for adoption and so mom can get a break from caring for her pups 24/7.

This effort is one of many pet rescue initiatives Tito’s Vodka has been involved in. The brand’s Vodka for Dog People program started early in the company’s history, after the brand rescued and adopted several stray dogs that turned up at its Texas distillery.

“We’re deeply committed to what we call our distillery dogs. And we’re up to over 160 rescued,” Bellenti shares, adding that the distillery dogs “inspired us to pay it forward for all dogs and animals.”

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Animal lovers interested in supporting Three Little Pitties’ constant work to better the lives of Houston’s pets can donate to the rescue. Those looking to help pregnant dog moms specifically are encouraged to consider fostering.

“If you’re interested in fostering a dog mom, Three Little Pitties really sets you up. They’re there for you, start to finish, making sure you have the resources and the knowledge. We really want to show what a rewarding experience that can be and that there are groups like Three Little Pitties that will support you in that journey.” Bellenti says.

“As long as people are sending encouragement and supporting us, we will continue to do the work,” Goodson adds.

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