Most dogs will safely and happily give birth to an adorable litter of puppies if they feel happy and safe. When the vet performed an ultrasound on this pregnant dog, she was in complete disbelief at what she saw, was it even possible? After counting the unborn puppies a second time, the vet’s fear was confirmed. The vet didn't have much time to save the lives of the dog and her unborn puppies; she needed to act quickly.
The Pregnant Dog That Shocked Vets With The Unbelievable Reason She Couldn’t Give Birth
The Decision
Chris and Mariesa had initially rescued the helpless dog from a shelter. They visited numerous shelters in order to find a dog that would steal their hearts. The decision wasn't an easy one to make, especially considering the fact that so many animals were longing for a loving home. Despite the situation seeming futile, eventually, they locked eyes with the 'one'. It was the dog they knew they had been searching for, they immediately fell in love, and the rest was history.
The Decision
Heavily Pregnant and In Need Of A Home
Even though the decision had already been made, and they had fallen madly in love with the beautiful pit bull at the shelter, the dog was pregnant and almost ready to give birth. The pit bull approached the couple and took to them instantly, as though she was begging for a loving home for her unborn puppies. Chris and Mariesa knew exactly what they needed to do, although, they were not aware of the arduous journey that lay before them, upon taking her home.
Heavily Pregnant And In Need Of A Home
Rejection
Chris and Mariesa had no idea of the heartbreaking story as to how the pit bull ended up living pregnant in a shelter. Having been previously owned by a backyard breeder, the pit bull, named Storie, was dumped at the shelter upon the breeder's realization that a pregnant dog would be unbelievably costly. Storie was thus abandoned at the shelter. Devastated and pregnant, all she could do was hope that someone would save her, and take her home with them.
Rejection
Storie’s New Home
The couple had absolutely no doubt about what it was that Storie needed; a loving safe home where she could deliver her puppies. They were sure that if she was given a safe and comfortable environment that motherhood would be a happy and natural experience for her. Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there, Chris and Mariesa could not even begin to imagine what the vet was about to bring to their attention after Storie’s ultrasound.
Storie’s New Home
Dog Family
Storie wasn’t alone in her new home. Remarkably, the couple was already the proud owners of 10 thriving dogs, several of whom had been rescued and given a second chance at a better life. The husband and wife were huge fans of Pit Bulls and Storie was no exception. She seemed to get along with her new family well, both the human and doggy members. But there was something that was not sitting right with the pooch.
Pit Bull Lover’s At Heart
Bad Rep
Chris and Mariesa were on a mission to help Pit Bulls, mainly due to the fact that they had such a horrible reputation. However, they knew better, and so they dedicated a large portion of their lives to helping dogs in need. It is mainly due to the fact that so many pit bulls are bred for fighting that they get this reputation. Despite their determination, and effort to rescue helpless dogs, nothing could have prepared them for what they were about to face.
Bad Rep
A Love for Dogs, A Love for One Another
During an interview, Mariesa revealed some of her previous relationship struggles and described how her love for animals had ruined many of her relationships. It turns out, most of the men Mariesa had dated were not willing to endure what it took in order to provide a loving home for rescues. This is no small issue if you are not on the same page as Mariesa, and it is a huge and involving commitment for anyone. a
A Love for Dogs, A Love for One Another
Two Halves Make A Whole
When Mariesa met Chris, she would soon discover that he too was an animal lover with similar ambitions. Their shared love for dogs strengthened their relationship, and to Chris and Mariesa, their dogs were more than just house-pets, they were children. It might be hard for someone who does not share the same passion for animals this couple to empathize with this unusual family setting, but Chris and Mariesa would bond over their mutual love passion for giving animals a happy life.
Two Halves Make A Whole
Animal Shelters
When Chris and Mariesa arrived at the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue shelter, it was immediately made apparent just how horrible the conditions were. For numerous other animal shelters too, issues regarding lack of resources and overpopulation were deeply concerning. A large number of animals had been left at these shelters, an undeniably saddening reality. Chris and Mariesa knew that a large number of these dogs were Pit Bulls and had visited the shelter with the intention of changing only one pit bull's life. Little did they know however, it would be their lives that would be changed forever, just days after adopting their deer Storie.
Animal Shelters
A Misunderstood Breed
It is no secret that Pit Bulls are characterized as extremely violent and aggressive dogs. This may very well be the reason that so many of these dogs are abandoned at shelters, and only a few are adopted. While these dogs are portrayed as vicious killers due to their massive size and strength, the notion that these dogs should be feared is nothing more than a myth. Any animal can be turned vicious and aggressive if they are raised by cruel owners or breeders.
A Misunderstood Breed
Unraveling The Myth
The couple was aware of the reputation that was so unfairly given to Pit Bulls, and yet still opted to adopt several of them. Chris and Mariesa had never experienced any shed of truth in the common belief that these dogs were violent and aggressive, therefore they continued to house a number of them. This is because they loved their dogs unconditionally and raised them in happy and caring environments. Any animal could only dream of living in such a home.
Unraveling The Myth
The True Nature Of Pit Bulls
Despite the common notion that these dogs should be feared, there is no actual scientific evidence that proves Pits are violent in nature. In reality, this breed of dog often has a loving and loyal personality, rather than evil ruthless killers. Pit Bulls are protective of their owners and able to express an abundance of love, many people who own Pit Bulls usually describe them as being nothing but cuddly, fantastic companions. Upon visiting the shelter, the couple’s hearts were immediately stolen by one very special Pit Bull.
The True Nature Of Pit Bulls
Storie Was Already Overdue
After the couple decided that they would bring Storie home, the staff at the shelter broke the news that the Pit Bull needed more than they could have ever imagined. Storie should have already given birth, which was an extremely concerning situation, life-threatening in fact. Not just for her, but for her unborn puppies as well. It was clear that there was little time to waste, and yet Storie's hesitance was not affected by urgency.
Storie Was Already Overdue
Storie Needed Help
The Pit Bull needed medical attention immediately, thus, the couple made the decision to do whatever it would take to save her, even though they knew that their efforts could cause a devastating loss of Storie and her puppies. While Mariesa and Chris were discussing the adoption and the risks it posed, Storie rested her head on Mariesa knee and looked up at her with sadness and despair, as if the Pit Bull was pleading for help. It was enough for Mariesa to confirm her decision. She would do whatever it took to help the mom-to-be, despite any possible risks.
Storie Needed Help
Bringing Storie Home
The couple was bringing the heavily pregnant Pit Bull home to an already big dog family, and they knew they needed to help Storie. However, they were not fully aware of just how big their dog family would become, and just how trying the situation would soon become. Despite this couple having enjoyed many years of competent and caring experience with raising many dogs, this situation seemed beyond them. What could they have been doing wrong?
Bringing Storie Home
The Ideal Solution
Even though the couple knew that Storie and her puppies would be expanding their dog family to well over 10 dogs, Mariesa could not find it in her heart to leave Storie behind. She wanted to give the Pit Bull the loving home that she so desperately needed. You might think that having so many dogs would make parting with just one an easy experience, but that was not how it worked with Mariesa. Thankfully, all hope was not lost! Chris had a great idea.
The Ideal Solution
Fostering The Pups
Luckily, Chris had the ideal solution for their future problems. Chris made the brilliant suggestion that they would foster Storie and her puppies until the shelter could find permanent homes for each of them. They had the room and resources to spare, and had plenty of experience in helping dogs deliver their puppies. They were confident that they could handle this situation. However, there was another problem, why was Storie overdue and unable to give birth to her puppies?
Fostering The Pups
Searching For Answers
The animal-loving couple had never experienced this type of problem with any one of their dogs and had little experience that could shed light on the reasons for Storie being overdue. Chris and Mariesa searched online for answers, however, the internet just proved to be a scary place that only amplified their concerns for the mom-to-be. Despite the terrifying suggestions the internet provided, the couple searched on and came across one article that seemed to explain their situation.
Searching For Answers
The Stress Involved
The article suggested that the dog could be under immense stress as a result of trauma from being abandoned. Despite the fact that shelters are equipped to deal with animals that are pregnant, the large number of abandoned animals would make for a stressful environment for Storie and it affected her beyond comprehension. If you have ever been to a shelter, then you know that these are not the happiest environments for anyone to be in.
The Stress Involved
Overcrowded Animal Shelters
Research shows that animals living in shelters are pressured with stress and trauma as a result of overcrowding and other factors. Pregnant dogs are more susceptible to experience stress and trauma, especially if they are living in a shelter. Most animals need a safe environment where they can give birth in, where they can be sure that they will free of threats during the birthing process. They also need to make certain that their newborns will not be attacked.
Overcrowded Animal Shelters
Understanding The Dangers
The couple continued to search for answers, and in the midst of their extensive research, they realized the extreme danger that they were facing. Not only could the Pit Bull lose all of her puppies, but she could also die in the process of being unable to give birth. Storie could be so concerned for the wellbeing of her babies, that she might refuse to attempt giving birth altogether, which means that everyone was in grave danger. The couple knew the dog needed immediate medical attention.
Understanding The Dangers
Shocking News
After taking Storie to the vet, the ultrasound revealed the shocking news that would explain why the mom-to-be was unable to deliver her litter. Even after many years of professional work with animals, this vet struggled to comprehend what she was looking at. The screen displayed something even the vet could not believe! What could possibly have alarmed this animal care expert to the point that she struggled to think of a solution? It could only have been an extreme case.
Shocking News
Not Quite Right
The vet simply could not believe what she was seeing displayed on the ultrasound. She counted the white outlines twice over to make sure that what she was seeing was accurate. The news from the vet would alter the couple's lives, but what was wrong with the image? If you look closely at the image below, you might be able to guess what the issue was. But only the trained eyes of a vet could make proper sense of just how pressing this emergency pregnancy was.
Not Quite Right
The Shock And Disbelief
Despite the disbelief, the image displayed on the screen that revealed what was going on within the dog's womb did not change. Initially, everyone believed that Storie was carrying only six puppies, however, the ultrasound proved everyone wrong. After counting the white outlines, the couple discovered that the mom-to-be was carrying a much larger litter than anyone could have anticipated! Did you guess right? There certainly seemed to be an enormous amount of puppies in the previous picture's scan!
The Shock And Disbelief
A Recount
While the vet herself was so shocked that she felt the need to recount the outlines, recounting simply confirmed the shocking number of puppies that Storie was carrying. The vet finally broke the news to the hopelessly anxious owners that Storie was carrying a total of 12 puppies! Although dogs do give birth to several puppies at a time in most cases and can handle a fair amount of babies in their bodies at a time, this was a dangerously excessive number.
A Recount
Impending Concerns
The couple could not believe the news they were hearing. This was an extremely large litter of puppies! However, the couple would now be faced with even more concern, would Storie be able to safely deliver such a large litter of puppies? Would all the puppies be healthy? There were so many threats surrounding this case that many of the people involved feared the worse. It might have taken a miracle to get Storie through this crisis.
Impending Concerns
The Long Wait
The vet was unsure as to why exactly Storie was unable to give birth to the puppies and explained to the couple that the ultrasound did confirm that all the puppies were alive and without problems. The couple was then instructed to return home and prepare themselves for the birth. Additionally, they were also instructed to bring the Pit Bull back if she did not deliver the puppies within 48 hours. Things were getting incredibly worrying.
The Long Wait
Awaiting Birth
Storie's adoptive parents were extremely concerned about the wellbeing of the dog and her unbelievably large litter. They anxiously waited for any sign that Storie was about to deliver her puppies, not knowing that the dog mom had perfectly good reason to have waited so long. It was clear that whatever the reason was that Storie would need plenty of help from her owners. Mariesa had an ingenious idea to help Storie, one that may have been executed too late.
Awaiting Birth
Needing Space
At this point, the couple had done more than enough research and could understand the stress and trauma that Storie was experiencing. Mariesa decided that in order to give Storie some more comfort, the dog would need her own space and she set up the best possible environment for the mom-to-be in a bedroom with blankets and pillows. Storie was brought to her new private space and the couple hoped that their efforts would ease Storie’s stress.
Needing Space
A Litter Of 12
There was nothing more that the couple could do but wait. It had been an incredibly long and tiring day, and it was time for the pair two call it a day. While the couple retired for the night in hopes that they would find Storie more at ease in the morning in her own space, the couple had absolutely no idea that they would be greeted with an unbelievably shocking surprise in the morning!
A Litter Of 12
In The Middle Of The Night
When Chris and Mariesa awoke the next morning, they would walk out of their bedroom to find the shock of their lives. The couple found Storie nursing the 12 puppies that she had managed to safely deliver during the night. As happy as Chris and Mariesa were that Storie had given birth to her puppies and they were all now out of harm's way, they could not help but wonder why Storie had waited so long to deliver her babies.
In The Middle Of The Night
What Was Storie Waiting For?
Storie was wise. She was holding back because she was unwilling to deliver her babies in the stressful and overcrowded environment she had been living in at the animal rescue shelter. This made perfect sense to the couple considering all the recent research they had done. Storie was simply waiting for the ideal situation to have her puppies and somehow knew that her adoptive parents were on their way! Once the Pit Bull realized that she was in a safe environment, she delivered her litter of puppies, without any complications.
What Was Storie Waiting For?
The Pack of Pit Bulls
After just one day of Storie being in her new forever home, she was already comfortable enough to decide to deliver her litter. The comfort, security, and love provided by Chris and Mariesa were enough to let Storie feel safe enough to give birth. While no one could figure out why the Pit Bull was overdue and not delivering her puppies, Storie knew she needed to wait for her forever home. Thanks to Chris and Mariesa, Storie was able to deliver a dozen puppies safely and in comfort!
The Pack of Pit Bulls
Fostering A Dozen Puppies
Chris and Mariesa were having a ball with the adorable little Pit Bull puppies and it wasn’t long before they opened their eyes and started venturing out. The puppies took over the yard and played with each other without a care in the world. The proud mom was able to raise her puppies in a safe environment. She seemed tired after the stress and strain of the ordeal, but joyful at the same time, and the proud mom watched her babies play and run around with much pride in her eyes.
Fostering A Dozen Puppies
Happy Mama Dog
Storie took great love and pride in caring for her litter of puppies and it wasn’t long before they needed permanent homes too. Despite this being a daunting reality for the couple, they knew that they would not be able to keep all of the 12 puppies when they initially brought Storie home. They knew that this would eventually come to be, but they had been so focused on helping Storie through her troubled pregnancy that they had given the future much thought.
Happy Mama Dog
Finding Forever Homes
The couple was able to find forever homes for all the puppies when they were just 10 weeks old. Even though the couple loved each puppy, and it was heartbreaking to say goodbye, there just would not have been any way for the couple to keep them all. They were left with no choice but to find the 12 dogs their own forever homes. Only the most loving and capable owners would be selected as parents, and they would need to appreciate what a struggle it had been to bring these puppies into the world.
Finding Forever Homes
Leaving The Foster Home
Luckily, the pups all had homes waiting for them, at just 10 weeks old, the healthy and happy little Pit Bull pups started making their way to their new homes. But now the couple was faced with worrying about how Storie would cope with saying goodbye to her puppies that she was so dedicated to caring for. This was not a process that any mother in the world wants to experience. Would she be able to say goodbye to all her puppies?
Leaving The Foster Home
Storie’s Forever Home
The inspiring story of this amazing Pit Bull was not surprisingly spread around Facebook and it wasn't long before the heartwarming tale of Storie reached a man that fell in love with the amazing dog mom. The couple set up a meeting with the man as they felt that he needed to know the dog in order to make a decision. Everyone hoped that the two would get along and become fast friends. There was so much hanging in the balance!
Storie’s Forever Home
Everyone's Safe
The gentleman arrived to the home and was quickly introduced to the dogs. After meeting with Storie, the man decided that he needed to give her a safe and loving home. Amazingly, they were all able to find loving homes, and Storie was spayed to prevent any more pregnancies that could be immensely traumatizing for the Pit Bull, Storie will never have to know such stress and worry for the rest of her life thanks to her heroic three human saviors.
Everyone's Safe
A Dog Mom That Did Her Best
Even though Storie had a large litter of puppies, she made every effort to give each puppy with enough love and attention in the short time that she had to raise them. The Pit Bull was undeniably dedicated to each puppy and she raised them to be healthy, strong pit bulls until they were 10 weeks old. Nursing and cleaning the puppies were part of her daily care routine, and she was careful not to hurt even one of the many puppies.
A Mom Dog That Did Her Best
The Couple Saved Them All!
Storie stayed with her foster parents until all of the puppies were adopted. There was no way that this dedicated mom could be taken away from her children until she knew that they had all gone to safe homes. Everyone was strong and healthy as a result of the love and security that Chris and Mariesa provided. If it had not been for them, who knows what might have become of the Pit Bull who was terrified to give birth in an overcrowded animal rescue shelter!
The Couple Saved Them All!
A Happy Ending
Chris and Mariesa offered Storie a safe and loving home where she could deliver her puppies without trauma and stress. Had they not fallen in love with Storie at the shelter, the terrified Pit Bull may not have been able to experience the joys of motherhood and safely deliver her puppies. Thanks to this amazing couple, Storie and her puppies are healthy and happy! We do not like to think about what could have happened if Storie did not meet this couple.
A Happy Ending
Give A Dog A Chance
While Storie and her puppies were handed an opportunity to live a happy life, this is not the case for many other dogs who are abandoned at shelters. Animal rescue shelters are in serious need of as many helping hands as they can get and even if you are unable to adopt a dog, there are still plenty of other ways that you can help animals in need. Everyone can do something to help, no matter how small.
Give A Dog A Chance
How Can You Help?
If you cannot adopt a dog, fostering a dog, until someone else can, can make an enormous impact on the lives of helpless animals that have been abandoned. Additionally, even small donations to animal rescue shelters make a huge difference for animals and spreading the word can encourage others to donate, foster, and adopt animals in need. By simply lending a helping hand, even if in a small way, you can change the lives of helpless animals.
How Can You Help?