But dealing with the arrival of 11 St Bernard puppies with just two weeks’ notice is keeping Susie Hazlewood and partner Wayne Evans more than a little busy.
The mother, Beau, went into labour on the evening of Valentine’s Day, and delivered all of her offspring within 24 hours.
And it all came as something of a surprise for the couple – as St Bernards, which can weigh over 12 stone, don’t show they are pregnant until a couple of weeks before they are due to give birth.
Moreover, as Beau had three pups last June, and was not expected to be ready to breed until later this year, her owners had no reason to keep her away from the amorous advances of her mate, Gizmo.
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