Welcoming a stray or abandoned dog into your home, helping them heal, and preparing them for a loving forever family is nothing short of heroic.
Many of these dogs have faced heartbreaking hardships, and foster parents play a crucial role in giving them a second chance.
This story is about a dog who had already endured so much—only to surprise her foster mom in a way no one saw coming.
When Kaitlin Devoto first agreed to foster a dog, she had little information. In fact, she knew almost nothing at all. Devoto told The Dodo:
“I didn’t know the gender or age. The first time we knew what she looked like was when she arrived in Cincinnati when I picked her up.”
At the pickup center in New York, Devoto laid eyes on the most beautiful red poodle. As she looked closer, she noticed something curious—the dog seemed to be producing milk.
At first, she assumed it was simply a result of having had puppies in the past. As she explained later on:
“It’s not unusual to receive a puppy mill Momma who’s still lactating. When their puppies are weaned, moms are ‘no longer useful.’”
Beyond that, the dog appeared severely malnourished, clearly in desperate need of food and care. Devoto didn’t hesitate—she scooped the poodle up and brought her home.
Four days later, something completely unexpected happened.
Devoto awoke to an unusual noise and rushed to check on her foster dog. That’s when she saw something that left her completely stunned—a tiny, newborn puppy lying in the dog bed.
Somehow, the poodle had given birth overnight without anyone realizing she was even pregnant!
Devoto immediately checked to see if there were more puppies on the way, but this little one was an only child.
Acting quickly, she made sure that both mom and baby were warm and comfortable, bringing in cozy blankets to create the safest space possible for the new family.
When she examined the newborn pup, he was small, golden, and fluffy—reminding her of a chicken nugget. And just like that, he had a name:
“He was very quickly named Chicky Nug. But I was stumped on a name for Momma that fit the same theme.”
Keeping the fun theme alive, she named the mama poodle Mickey D.
As time passed, little Chicky Nug grew stronger and more playful. As Kaitlin said:
“He loves to run around and do zoomies. And he’s very interested in biting toes and toys.”
Mickey D also blossomed, her shy demeanor fading as she grew more comfortable and playful.
For now, the adorable duo is still with Devoto, enjoying every moment together. However, soon they will be looking for their forever homes through Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue in New York.
While it’s unclear whether they’ve found their families just yet, one thing is certain—whoever adopts them is in for a lifetime of love and joy.