The Frozen Struggle: A Mother Dog’s Fight to Bring Life Into a Harsh World
In the heart of a desolate, snow-covered field, the world seemed frozen in time. The wind howled across the barren landscape, sweeping up the icy snowflakes and carrying them in all directions. The temperature was a bitter 30°C below freezing, a chilling cold that could freeze breath mid-air and numb fingers to the bone. But amidst the harsh winter landscape, one desperate soul fought against nature itself.
A small mother dog, emaciated and shivering from the cold, lay on the ground. Her body, once full of energy, was now frail and weak from the exhaustion of carrying her unborn puppies for weeks. The snow around her was stained with blood, and her breathing was shallow, struggling to bring life into this world in the midst of a deadly winter storm. She had found shelter beneath the ruins of an old shed, where a small corner of the abandoned building offered some protection against the wind. But it was not enough to save her from the brutal cold.
Her name was Daisy. She had once been a playful puppy herself, her coat thick and soft, her spirit wild and full of hope. But now, she was a mother, forced to bring her puppies into the world under circumstances no living creature should ever face. Abandoned by her owners, left to fend for herself, she had wandered the streets for days, searching for food and shelter. The bitter cold had taken its toll on her, but still, she pressed on. And now, with the storm closing in and no human in sight, she was about to give birth to her puppies—alone, cold, and vulnerable.
Daisy’s body tensed as the first contraction hit. Her tail flicked nervously, but she didn’t cry out. Instead, she curled herself into a small, protective ball, trying to shield her belly from the snow. Each contraction brought more pain, and Daisy’s body trembled from both the strain of childbirth and the biting cold. She had been in labor for hours, her strength dwindling with each passing minute. But she couldn’t stop now. Her babies were coming, and she had no choice but to endure.
As the hours dragged on, Daisy gave birth to the first puppy—a tiny, fragile creature covered in the remnants of her labor. She licked it clean as best as she could, nudging it to life with her warm, gentle touch. But Daisy’s warmth was slowly being drained by the freezing air around her. Her body, already weakened by hunger and fatigue, struggled to keep up. She could feel herself growing weaker with each passing minute, but her instincts as a mother kept her going. She had to make sure that the first puppy survived, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.
But as Daisy nursed the first puppy, she felt another contraction. Her body screamed in pain, and she gasped for breath, her heart racing. She knew she didn’t have much time left. The second puppy came quickly, followed by a third. Daisy’s vision blurred as she lay there, exhausted, but she knew she had to keep fighting. She licked each puppy clean and nudged them toward her, trying to keep them warm against her cold body.
Minutes turned into hours. The storm raged outside, but inside the small shelter, Daisy was a mother. She had done it—she had brought new life into the world, even in the most impossible of circumstances. Her puppies were safe, for now, huddled together beneath her warm body. Daisy collapsed onto the cold ground, her energy spent, but her heart full of love for her little ones. Despite the cold, despite the pain, she had done what any mother would do—she had fought for her children.
But Daisy’s fight was far from over.
Both have two three-row benches in the second and third rows which can be removed or reconfigured, as well as the front driver and passenger seats.
Standard equipment on both the Vito Tourer and eVito Tourer above the Vito 119 includes electric sliding doors and tailgate as well as front cupholders, while the Distronic adaptive cruise control now has an automatic highway restart function.
Diesel Vito Panel Vans have a GVM/GCM of 3000/5500kg; crew cab variants 3200/5700kg; and eVito has a 3200kg GVM.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz V-Class passenger van – and battery electric Mercedes-Benz EQV passenger van – has also been given a range of updates as part of a refresh ahead of their replacement in 2026.
The V-Class brings its exterior update with the same three-model line-up for turbo-diesel models – offered in MWB only – led by the V250 Avantgarde powered by a carryover 140kW/440Nm turbo-diesel engine and nine-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive.
The facelifted V-Class features new variant-specific grilles and front fascia as well as a redesigned tailgate.
Priced at $113,823, the 2024 V250 Avantgarde price includes metallic paint and brings new keyless remote start, multibeam LED headlights with High Beam Assist and a multi-function steering wheel.
A new dual 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display has been added, hosting Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice commands in a dark open-pore olive wood-look dash.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and charging are new for 2024, as is a three-dimensional surround view camera, tyre-pressure monitoring system, Active Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.
A Burmester surround sound system is now standard across all V-Class.
The V300 AMG is the next step up, and starts with the AMG Night Package styling kit, side skirts, AMG black 19-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension.
There’s also black roof rails, AMG spoiler lip and a chrome-look tailgate protector, while the cabin includes a new panoramic sunroof, carbon-fibre-look trim, digital rearview mirror, black roof liner and AMG floor mats.
The V300 AMG also has a more powerful 174kW/500Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, also used by the V300 Exclusive.
The $143,193 V300 Exclusive comes with a standard seven-seat configuration – instead of the eight-seats on other V-Class – with nappa leather upholstery and offering more space, rear tray tables and illuminated trim.
On the outside, the V300 Exclusive has a five-louvre grille with a chrome-look trim and LED light band, with a Mercedes-Benz star mounted on the bonnet.
As an option, a luxury seat second-row package brings reclining and massage functions as well as three air-conditioning levels, integrated smartphone tray with USB-C ports.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 battery electric passenger van uses the same 150kW/365Nm electric powertrain as the eVito Tourer and is priced at $161,723.
The EQV 300 has the same equipment level as the A250 Avantgarde, but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an illuminated LED grille surround.
