Proving Mother Nature can be a confusing soul sometimes, a number of pictures have emerged showing the moment a puppy was born while still inside the amniotic sac.
The graphic yet incredible images see dachshund Cosmo in the perfectly intact protective layer - showing what a pup looks like while still inside its mother's womb.
Striking, red veins can be seen running along the sac, while a gelatinous film reveals the puppy's tiny paws, tail and belly.
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Just like a human is formed, a dog's amniotic sac is filled with fluid that cushions the developing doggo in the womb and helps the lungs, digestive system and musculoskeletal system develop.
Normally the sac is broken during the birthing process, but in this case it remained completely intact, shocking owner Karis Small in the process.
While supervising her miniature dachshund Maggie through her labour earlier this month, Karis noticed one had come out 'en-caul' and so of course whipped her phone out to take a couple of photos.
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Karis, of Newton Abbot, Devon, said: "It's always such a magical experience watching as the puppies are born but it was extra special seeing Cosmo born still inside the sac.
"Usually when a puppy is passing through the birth canal, the amniotic sac will break but this time it was perfectly intact. It was amazing.
"I wanted to quickly get the photos because I knew this was something most people will never get to see."
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Once she'd snapped the dog, the 29-year-old broke the seal, so to speak, so the pup could start breathing.
While it was an 'amazing' moment, the mum-of-one said it could have been risky for little Cosmo had she not been on hand to help out.
But thanks to her eight years of experience running Devondax breeders, Cosmo, his two siblings and their mum Maggie are all doing well.
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Karis added: "I wanted to show people what actually goes on being a breeder.
"People think dogs have their puppies and then you just leave them to it but we have to be so much more involved.
"This time I had to break the sac myself. It could have been risky if we hadn't been there but all three puppies are doing amazingly and so is their mum.
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"The photos have brought up loads of emotions for people who've seen them.
"Everyone has been saying how wonderful and fascinating they are. It's nice to show people something they've never seen before."
Featured Image Credit: Kennedy News and MediaTopics: UK News, Interesting, Animals