MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a surprise discovery at a routine surgical visit, a newly adopted dog named Salem was found to be pregnant with a single puppy when veterinarians performed preoperative imaging during a spay appointment a little more than a week after adoption. Woman Adopts A Shelter Dog And Soon Uncovers Something She …

Haley Houghmaster adopted Salem, described as an Australian shepherd/border collie mix, from Happy Tails Canine Rescue in Memphis on Oct. 26. Houghmaster scheduled Salem for a standard spay procedure shortly after bringing her home. At that appointment, an X-ray performed as part of the clinic’s preoperative checks revealed a very small fetus.

“Found out at spay appt that my new rescue dog is pregnant with one puppy,” Houghmaster said. “We are very excited and praying for a healthy puppy and an uneventful delivery.” Veterinarians advised Houghmaster on monitoring and next steps for care as the pregnancy progresses.

Dr. Harunur Rashid, one of the veterinarians involved in Salem’s care, noted the case is uncommon but not unheard of. “While rare, single litter puppies do sometimes happen,” he said. The discovery underscores the role of routine preoperative exams and imaging in revealing unexpected conditions before surgery.

Veterinary clinics typically perform several key health checks before spay surgery to ensure an animal is safe for anesthesia and the procedure. Those checks include a thorough nose-to-tail physical examination, pre-anesthetic blood work to assess kidney and liver function, and imaging when indicated. It was through that standard protocol that Salem’s pregnancy was identified.

Houghmaster said Salem has settled into her household and is doing well. The dog is expected to deliver soon, and Houghmaster said she is preparing for the birth under guidance from her veterinary team. Veterinarians recommended monitoring for signs of labor and arranging a quiet place for delivery.

New owners caring for a pregnant dog are generally advised to adjust feeding and activity as the pregnancy develops. What should new dog owners know about caring for a pregnant dog? A balanced diet with increased food intake starting around the fifth week of pregnancy is commonly recommended, along with mild exercise while avoiding strenuous activity. Owners are also encouraged to prepare a warm, comfortable whelping area with soft blankets and towels for delivery, steps Houghmaster said she is taking in consultation with her vet.

Happy Tails Canine Rescue, the Memphis-based organization that facilitated the adoption, is known for helping dogs find new homes. When an individual adopts a dog from a shelter it directly contributes to community adoption-rate statistics tracked by organizations such as Shelter Animals Count.

The timeline in Salem’s case was compact: adoption on Oct. 26 followed by the spay appointment a little over a week later, when the pregnancy was discovered. Salem’s team of veterinarians provided immediate guidance on monitoring and follow-up care rather than proceeding with surgery. Houghmaster said the family is hopeful for a healthy delivery and is following veterinary instructions for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Cases like Salem’s often prompt rescue groups and adopters to share updates about unexpected developments after placement. Local and national outlets that covered the story noted both the rarity of single-pup pregnancies and the importance of routine preoperative assessments in uncovering them. For now, Salem remains in her adoptive home under veterinary care as she approaches delivery.

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