It's a sad fact that stray, pregnant dogs are often the most difficult animals to adopt out. Tito’s Vodka for Dog People (VFDP) and Houston-based nonprofit Three Little Pitties Rescue have teamed up to create a new "mutt-ernity" makeover suite aimed at helping these pups find forever homes.

“The investment from Tito’s Handmade Vodka has propelled the rescue's ability to completely change the future for thousands of puppies and mommy dogs in the Houston area," said Alayna Matranga Goodson, executive director at Three Little Pitties Rescue. "One right after the other, we are able to move in desperate nursing or pregnant dogs that have nowhere else to turn, and give them a comfortable and safe environment to have their babies. We are thrilled to have VFDP come in and revitalize the nurseries to make it a welcoming and joyful-looking environment not only for the dogs but also for the staff and volunteers who care for them. The time, attention, and investment from Tito's boost the morale among our team and validate the work that we are doing. We are honored to have Tito's trust to take this investment and save lives with it.”

The new suite includes better staging areas for photos so that dogs can reach more potential adopters, improved grooming facilities, a dedicated puppy-cuddling area for volunteers (always a top priority), and a new mural.

The suite is already a success. The Tito’s team and Three Little Pitties recently rescued Lucy, a stray who was forced to give birth to her litter in a landfill. Lucy received treatment and grooming at the mutt-ernity suite, and she and her litter are currently thriving. Another dog, a pit bull mix named Ruby, was treated and housed at the suite before being flown to Washington after a family there adopted her.

“Three Little Pitties has created something truly special – a safe, welcoming place for one of the most overlooked dog populations: stray pregnant dogs," said Beth Bellanti, program director for Tito’s Vodka for Dog People, in a statement. "Their work ensures that these dogs can safely bring their puppies into the world and find the loving homes they deserve. It's a one-of-a-kind mission, and we’re incredibly honored to help support it.""

Tito's is a vodka brand founded in Austin in 1997 by Tito Beveridge. The VFDP program has been part of the company almost since its founding, and has headed multiple homeless pet projects across Texas, including tens of thousands of spays and neuters. Three Little Pitties is one of Houston's best-known non-profit animal rescues, specializing in pit bulls.