Donna has seen all kinds of rescues during her time at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Some were heartbreaking, others joyful, but this one has left a lasting mark on her heart.
She moved carefully through the abandoned house and listened for any small sounds, hoping to catch a glimpse of the furry family she’d come to find. Suddenly, a curious head popped through a hole in an old, broken box spring.
Donna Meets A Scared Mama Dog
A smile crossed Donna’s face as she knelt down, gently speaking to the scared dog:
“Well, hello! You got babies in there? You have a boyfriend out here?”
As a long-time rescuer and animal lover, Donna knew that a gentle approach could make all the difference with animals who had been through hardship.
Earning The Dog’s Trust
She had barely finished her sentence when the skinny and weary Pit Bull came out. She moved slowly at first, cautious and skittish.
Donna extended her hand, offering a few treats she always kept on hand. The dog hesitated for just a second, but then curiosity got the best of her. She stepped forward, sniffed Donna’s palm, and eagerly took the treat.
Mama Dog Gets A Chance For New Beginning
Donna stood there for a few minutes, cuddling this sweet mama to help her relax. When it was time to leave the house, she was surprised to see that the dog instantly followed her to the car, as if she sensed that this was a chance for a new beginning.
Once they reached the car, Donna gently led the dog inside. She ensured this mama felt comfortable, before heading back into the house to get her puppies.
Donna Mets The Puppies
As she stepped back inside, Donna was met with the cutest little sounds – soft whimpers coming from under that old mattress, where a pile of six puppies was snuggled together.
They wiggled and stretched, sensing her close by, and Donna couldn’t help but smile as she knelt to take a closer look. Each little one had adorable markings, blinking up at her with curious eyes.
Making Sure The Pups Are Safe
The sight made Donna’s heart swell, and she couldn’t help but smile as she reached out. She gave each puppy a gentle touch, letting them know everything was going to be okay.
Fortunately, all of them looked healthy and happy, as Donna shared in a YouTube video:
“Mom actually did a super job with these puppies. For as thin as she was puppies were all chunky and happy.”
Reuniting The Family In The Car
One by one, Donna carefully scooped up the chubby pups and put them together in a carrier. With full heart, she headed to the car and placed them next to their mom.
Visibly relieved, the sweet mama leaned over and rested her head on top of the carrier. It was like they all understood at that moment that they were finally safe.
Furry Family Settles In The Shelter
When they reached the shelter, the staff welcomed them with open arms. The puppies were given warm beds, soft blankets, and all the nutrients they needed to grow healthy and strong.
Their mama kept them snuggled close under her watchful eye, curling her body protectively around each pup. She seemed to breathe a little easier now, knowing that the hard days were now behind them.
Shelter Finds New Families For Each One
In time, word spread about this little family, and one by one, each one found a loving family who couldn’t wait to bring them home. Donna stayed in touch with the families, happy to see the pups grow up with all the love they needed.
For Donna, it was a beautiful reminder of why she did what she did – helping animals find the love and security they deserved.