I know what you mean. I feel guilty about what I haven't been able to do with my animals, but I needed more help than I was able to get. And I get lectured about how the animals hurt us.

Once upon a time everyone had animals. If you wanted milk, eggs, etc. you had to have a way to produce it. If you wanted clothes you would have to grow the wool, spin it, weave it, etc. These days people who have means usually don't want to be bothered and people who want to have animals and produce for themselves can't afford to do it right, and have to compromise somewhere or do without. The situation we are in as a civilization terrifies me. It is so mixed up.

You are a good animal lover, and you do what you can do. I don't know how to get people to help you when you need help. If they don't want to or don't think it is their job, they probably aren't going to. I wonder if you could get a 4-H club to put in some time helping you and get some hands on experience.

I'm sure the puppies will be beautiful and someone will want them. You will find the right people. And you have given homes to more animals than this litter of puppies, so your net contribution is definitely positive. They will be special and somebody will be glad that they were born. The best dogs and cats I have known were results of unplanned breedings, but I'm sure glad that they did happen. I still feel guilty for the litters that have been born under my care though, because I should have done better than that.