Doña Ana County Animal Control Officers picked up a boxer-mix dog that was found tied up at a vacant property on Monday, deputies said.

They said once she was loaded in the truck, the dog went into labor, gave birth to seven puppies by the time they reached the shelter.

The total number in her litter is now 13. According to Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock, director at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, dogs brought to the shelter in this condition are hard to rehabilitate.

“When this dog was brought in, she was emaciated and extremely malnourished. Dogs like this don’t thrive in a shelter environment, so we hope someone will adopt her quickly.”

The Animal Services Center is looking for foster homes to temporarily care for animals waiting to be adopted.

For more information, you can stop by the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, 3551 Bataan Memorial West, or call 575-382-0018.