She had never had this situation occur before and was in utter shock. However, the vet realized that this poor dog’s life was on the line. With nothing else on her mind, she ran to the dog’s owners to tell them what was happening.
Time to Adopt a Dog
Mariesa and Chris decided it was time to give a special shelter dog a forever home. There were many available at the shelter, and they all had that “please take me with you” look. However, when their eyes stopped on one dog, they knew it was “the one.”
Heavily Pregnant Doggie
Soon, the couple was informed that they chose a beautiful pit bull that happened to be pregnant. That didn’t stop them, though. This gentle doggie deserved to have her puppies in a special home with a toasty warm bed. Did they make the right choice?
Once a Breeder, Now Abandoned
The couple was told that this mother-to-be, Storie, had belonged to someone who bred dogs for a living in their backyard. However, they discovered the pregnancy and its uniqueness and chose to abandon her, sending her to live at the shelter.
Their Only Choice
Chris and Mariesa realized the second they heard the story that they must intervene on Storie’s behalf. Ultimately, they knew they were the ones to make a huge change in this dog’s life. However, they just didn’t expect what they heard from the veterinarian.
Their Family Bed
Mariesa and Chris loved dogs so much and were fond of pit bulls. They already have 10 fur babies that they had adopted when they met Storie. In fact, they were so in love with doggies that they built a special bed so that they could all sleep together.
They Were Already Fans
Most pet-adopting beginners are often scared away by pit bulls. However, the couple didn’t have an issue with it because they already owned many pit bulls. Still, they had other types of dogs, too, because they didn’t discriminate!
The Obsession with Dogs Was Real
It’s quite lucky that Mariesa found another dog lover in Chris. She said in one interview that many previous relationships had ended because of her doggie devotion. Other guys just never understood why she was compelled to fill her house with dogs.
One Big Happy Family
Then, Mariesa met Chris, and it was a match made in heaven. These two were destined to be together. Chris was also a dog lover, so they decided to create an ever-growing dog family. How adorable is this couple?!
A Misjudged Breed
Pit bulls are definitely a misunderstood breed and get a bad reputation. They have a muscular build, which gives the impression that they’re always aggressive. That’s usually not the case, but they still end up in shelters.
Actually Many Breeds
Most people don’t know it, but “pit bull” doesn’t refer to a single breed. It’s an umbrella term, in a sense, for many breeds within the same category. They include the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Trying to Change Up the Stereotype
Knowing that pit bulls are often unfairly stereotyped as being aggressive or vicious, Chris and Mariesa tried to prove everyone wrong. Therefore, they adopted many pit bulls and chose Storie for that reason, too.
Loving and Loyal Animals
Ultimately, pit bulls are like every other dog out there. They’re loving and loyal companions if you let them. However, when any dog is mistreated, they lash out and potentially get dangerous. That’s why the couple gave Storie a big chance.
At the Shelter
Once the couple spent time at the shelter, they realized that many of the doggies there were pit bulls. It hurt their hearts to see so many unwanted dogs, so they knew they just had to help. However, they didn’t bargain on how much Storie needed them.
Shelter Statistics
According to the ASPCA, roughly 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters in the United States each year. About 3.3 million are doggies, and there are 3.2 million cats. As you can see, it’s critical to adopt animals.
Still No Puppies
At the shelter, the couple was told that the puppies should have been born now, and Storie was overdue. No one could say what was happening in her belly, but what could the reason be?
A Life on the Line
When the couple saw how heavily pregnant the dog was, they knew she needed a safe home to deliver the babies. She already crept into their hearts. This couple instantly knew her life was at stake, and the puppies’ lives were, too!
A Decision Must Be Made
Even though the couple wanted to help the pregnant dog, they worried. With Storie, the count in their house was over 10, and that didn’t include the puppies. However, they still didn’t know what else was to come.
She Asked for Help
Storie seemed to know what was happening. As the couple sat and discussed what to do, the dog rested her weary head on Mariesa’s knee. As she looked up with pleading eyes, Mariesa realized what she wanted.
Some Hesitation
Though Chris and Mariesa didn’t doubt their need to help, they worried about how to handle all the dogs at home. Storie needed them, but she was pregnant. In a short period, the house could have more than 20 dogs! There had to be a solution.
Not Even One Question
The couple deliberated, but Mariesa already knew that they had to take Storie with them. Therefore, the question was how to do it effectively. Then, they had a breakthrough idea!
The Solution That’s Best for Everyone
Finally, they found a solution that worked for everyone. This soon-to-be mom couldn’t stay here at the shelter anymore. After a lot of talk, they knew what to do to make it all work out.
If Not Adopting, Fostering
Chris came up with this idea that they could be foster parents for Storie. That gave them time to find permanent homes for her and the puppies. They knew this expectant dog mom wanted nothing more than to get out of the shelter.
Worry Along with Joy
Though the couple was happy with the solution and Storie leaving the shelter, they were still worried and fearful about the pregnancy. They had to know what was happening with her swollen body as soon as possible.
Now for the Puppies
Storie was now adjusting to her new house. The other dogs loved her, and they all got on well together. However, the puppies were still a huge concern. They should be here by now, so where were they?
The Internet Didn’t Help
Worried about Storie, the couple decided to look for answers online. They researched what possible reasons there are as to why she didn’t deliver her puppies already. However, this only made them more scared!
Not Knowing Just Made It Worse
The internet searches didn’t help, and now they had more questions than before. They grew more nervous by the hour. Since they didn’t know what was wrong, it made it worse. However, they never got discouraged and knew they could find out.
No Giving Up
While it seemed like the couple might never find the answers, they didn’t give up. Ultimately, they knew they could figure it all out if they kept searching. That’s what they did, and finally, they uncovered something that might help.
The Connection Between Birth and Stress
Finally, Mariesa and Chris found an article, which explained that shelter dogs often feel stress and trauma. A crowded environment isn’t good for any doggie. However, when it is pregnant, that makes it even worse.
A Dangerous Situation
After even more research, it was clear that this could be a bad situation for Storie and the puppies. The worst outcome was that the puppies could die. However, they might also lose Storie if they did nothing!
Severe Trauma Never Helps
The couple learned that pregnant dogs feel trauma. If it’s excessive, they can refuse to give birth, holding their puppies in for longer periods. That’s because they feel their current environment isn’t safe.
They Feared for Storie’s Life
Though Mariesa and Chris were happy that they found a potential answer to the problem, they were still concerned for Storie’s life. Plus, her unborn babies could get hurt. They had no other choice but to go to the veterinarian.
Time for a Vet Checkup
Finally, they realized it was time to go to the vet and find out for sure what was wrong with Storie. Could the vet help her and her unborn puppies? This was a terrifying time for them because they didn’t know what was in store!
The Results of the Ultrasound
Once they got to the vet, she immediately did an ultrasound. It was clear from the beginning that this was a unique case. In fact, the scan revealed something almost impossible to believe. If the veterinarian hadn’t seen it, she might not have believed it.
Now to Tell the Couple
After the shock subsided, the veterinarian knew she had to tell the couple what was happening with the dog. This wasn’t an ordinary pregnancy. Plus, they didn’t know what they might hear. How could she tell them gently?
An Extraordinary Pregnancy
Dogs often carry six puppies during one pregnancy. However, when the vet showed the ultrasound to the couple, she counted the outlines of those puppies. What she indicated was very unusual, and the couple was shocked!
This Unbelievable Situation
Everyone expected Storie to have the maximum of six cute puppies, but they didn’t find that at all! In fact, she was carrying double the amount. She actually had 12 puppies inside of her!
Everyone in Complete Shock
They just couldn’t believe their ears. It was way too many puppies for this mother’s small body to hold. What did it mean for the mom-to-be? Could they all survive this pregnancy? How could the couple help?!
An Influx of Worry
They knew what was happening now, which was a relief. However, the couple now had more problems to face. How could they help this poor dog get through her extraordinary and unusual pregnancy?
The Silver Lining
Despite the worry and concern that threatened to overtake all of them, the veterinarian assured the couple that these puppies were healthy and alive. Even with the stress and birth delay, Storie could have 12 beautiful puppies!
Time to Get Home
The vet told Chris and Mariesa to take Storie home and wait it out. However, if she hadn’t given birth 48 hours from that moment, she must come back to the vet for more tests.
The Waiting Game
These foster parents now had to wait anxiously for Storie’s puppies to come. However, they didn’t know that she had her reasons for holding out and keeping them inside for a bit longer.
Only Time Can Tell
No one could say why the puppies hadn’t come yet. Even the vet was stumped! Was there something the couple could do to help? Maybe she needed her own space to feel safe and more comfortable in her foster home.
Creating a Safe Place for Storie
The couple read many articles on how trauma might affect pregnant dogs. From that, Mariesa came up with an excellent idea. They decided to prepare a safe place in the corner of the room with some blankies and a pillow!
This Might Be the Ticket
Storie had her own area now, so the household went to sleep. However, they weren’t prepared for the miracle that was about to happen. Early the next morning, the couple checked on Storie to make sure she was still comfortable.
What a Marvelous Wake-up Surprise
As Mariesa and Chris made their way to see Storie, they heard noises. They rushed to see what happened but didn’t expect what presented itself. The mom-to-be gave birth to 12 puppies!
Proud Mama with Her Foster Parents
There she was, just lying in the comfortable bed and nursing her puppies. She had such a proud look in her eyes for giving birth by herself in the middle of the night. What a champion!
Excitement for the Household
Mariesa and Chris were very emotional and couldn’t help but burst into happy tears. They were so ecstatic. Finally, they realized why Storie took so long to give birth. Do you know why?
A Mother’s Instinct
Storie’s maternal instincts took over when she was alone at the shelter. She knew that wasn’t the best place to have her babies. Therefore, her body started taking over and prevented it from happening.
A Safe Place Was What She Needed
All Storie wanted was a safe place to give birth to the puppies. After spending a day at the couple’s house, she instantly felt loved. That made her body comfortable enough to give birth after so long.
Taking Care of the Puppies
Storie was a great mom and took good care of her babies. By now, the word got out that these puppies had made their appearance, and people already lined up to adopt them. How did Storie feel once she was separated from her pups?
Mama and the Puppies Bond
Once the puppies opened their eyes, they started bonding with Storie immediately. They loved running around the yard and were quite playful. However, the time soon came when they had to be separated from their mom.
An Exciting New Chapter
Chris and Mariesa fell in love with all the puppies and adored them. However, they knew that they couldn’t keep all of them. Amazingly, each puppy found a forever home. It wasn’t very easy to part with them, but it was the best choice.
Ready for Their New Homes
At 10 weeks old, these puppies were ready to go to their forever homes. However, what happened to their mom? The puppies had been taken care of, but Storie also deserved a loving home.
Potential New Home for Storie
The story of this pregnant dog made its rounds on social media. In fact, her story was inspiring to many people, so they all shared it. From there, one man saw this beautiful pit bull and knew what he had to do!
A Forever Home for Storie
This man read her story and fell in love with the dog. After contacting the couple, they met, and he confirmed what he had felt in his heart: He wanted to take her home with him. Now, Storie had a forever home!
Not Always a Happy Ending for Shelter Dogs
Because of the couple’s devotion and love, Storie found a happy ending. However, there are tons of other dogs in shelters that require people like Mariesa and Chris to make a difference. For those who want a dog, please think about adoption!
Mr. Mo Project
The couple ended up founding a nonprofit organization called Mr. Mo Project. It helps to care for sickly and elderly shelter dogs. Sometimes, Mariesa and Chris house them so that their remaining days are spent in a loving home. What an amazing thing to do!
Stats for Americans Owning Pets
The American Pet Products Association says that an estimated 85.8 million cats and 78 million dogs are owned in the US. About 44 percent of US households have a dog, with 35 percent having a cat. Most of these animals are bought from breeders!
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
Because of the sheer number of pets in shelters waiting to get adopted, there’s a national holiday to raise awareness for this situation. April 30 is a non-bank holiday that helps to encourage everyone to adopt pets instead of shopping for them.
Zac Efron Adopts
Many celebrities use their status and voices to bring awareness to the need for adopting pets. Zac Efron is an actor who chose to share this snapshot of his adopted dog, Maca. He captioned it with a hashtag #adoptdontshop, which helped increase awareness.
Tom Brady’s Dogs
Tom Brady is a quarterback for the New England Patriots. Though he has many Super Bowl rings, he’s also collected three shelter dogs as pets. Lua, Fluffy, and Scooby are his doggies, with Lua shown below!
Miranda Lambert’s Crew
Miranda Lambert is well-known for her singing voice, but she’s got a heart of gold, too. She’s welcomed many pups into her house for a total of seven. Plus, she started a shelter named Tishomingo Animal Shelter!
Pine’s Pit Bull
Chris Pine is quite a handsome Hollywood star, and he adopted a pit bull from the North Central Shelter in LA. These two pals couldn’t be cuter if they tried!