Let’s Adopt A Dog
Mariesa and Chris wanted to give a shelter dog a forever home. There were so many to choose from at the shelter, all giving them their best “take-me-home” look. However, once their eyes locked with a specific dog, they knew they had found the one.
Let’s Adopt a Dog
Heavily Pregnant Dog
They were soon informed that the beautiful pit bull they chose was heavily pregnant. But that didn’t make any difference. This gentle girl deserved to give birth to her puppies in a loving home with a warm bed. But did they make the right choice?
Heavily Pregnant Dog
Once A Breeding Dog, Now Abandoned
They were told that this mama, named Storie, belonged to someone who bred dogs in their backyard. When the breeders discovered the uniqueness of her pregnancy, they decided it was too much and abandoned her at the shelter. Poor girl!
Once A Breeding Dog, Now Abandoned
Their Only Choice
Chris and Mariesa knew the moment they heard about Storie’s life story that they had to intervene. They knew that they could be the ones who made a massive change in this dog’s life. But they simply did not expect what the vet told them next.
Their Only Choice
Their ‘Family Bed’
Mariesa and Chris absolutely adore dogs, especially pit bulls. They had already adopted 10 fur babies when they met Storie! They even built a special bed so all their dogs can sleep together with them in what they call their “Family Bed.”
Their ‘Family Bed’
They Were Already Fans
Now, many pet adopting first-timers could have been scared off by the fact that Storie is a pit bull. However, this was really not an issue for the couple, as Chris and Mariesa were already the proud owners of several pit bulls, as well as many other types of dogs!
They Were Already Fans
The Dog Obsession Was Real
It’s lucky that Mariesa met a fellow dog lover in Chris. She revealed in an interview that several of her previous relationships had ended due to her devotion to her dogs. The other men simply did not understand her desire to fill her home with dogs…
The Dog Obsession Was Real
One Big Happy Family
But then Mariesa met Chris! It really seems that these two were meant to be. Chris is a fellow dog lover, and so the two share a love for one another and also for their ever-growing family of dogs. How adorable are they?!
One Big Happy Family
A Misjudged Breed
Pit bulls have long been a misunderstood breed and have been given a bad name. That is why many have ended up in shelters. Their muscular build gives the impression that they are aggressive, but that’s not the case.
A Misjudged Breed
Did You Know?
Not many people know but the term “Pit Bull” does not refer to one breed of the dogs. It’s more of an umbrella term for several breeds that fall into a similar category. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier
Did You Know?
Trying To Change The Stereotype
Knowing that Pit bulls have been unfairly stereotyped as being vicious and aggressive dogs, Mariesa and Chris wanted to prove everyone wrong. That’s why they have adopted many Pit bulls and why they chose Storie.
Trying To Change The Stereotype
Loving And Loyal Animals
Pit bulls are just like any other dog and can be very loyal and loving companions if given the chance. If any dog is mistreated, then they can lash out and have the potential to become dangerous. That is why Mariesa and Chris gave Storie a chance.
Loving And Loyal Animals
At The Shelter
Once Chris and Mariesa spent some time at the dog shelter, they quickly came to a realization. An overwhelming number of the dogs that were living there happened to be pit bulls. Their hearts hurt for all of these unwanted dogs, and they knew that they had to help out. They just didn’t know how much they would be helping pit bull Storie.
At The Shelter
Shelter Stats
According to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), “Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.” This means that adopting animals is critically important.
Shelter Stats
Still No Pups
At the shelter, they were told that Storie’s pups should have been born by now, as she was overdue. No one knew what was really going on inside her belly. What could be the reason for her delayed delivery?
Still No Pups
Her Life Was At Stake
Seeing how heavily pregnant Storie was made the couple realize how badly she needed a home to deliver her puppies. She had crept into their hearts and they saw that her life and that of the puppies was at stake.
Her Life Was At Stake
A Decision Needed To Be Made
Even though they wanted to help Storie they knew it would mean that they’d now have more than 10 dogs, and that’s without the puppies..And they didn’t even know what was coming. What would they do?
A Decision Needed To Be Made
She Asked For Their Help
It was almost as if Storie knew what was happening. As Chris and Mariesa were discussing what they should do, Storie came and rested her head on Mariesa’s knee, looking up at her with almost pleading eyes. Mariesa knew what she wanted to do.
She Asked For Their Help
The Hesitation
While Chris and Mariesa never doubted the fact that they wanted to help, they were worried about how they would be able to handle so many dogs at home. They knew the had to help Storie, but the fact that she was pregnant meant that they could be potentially facing a house full of over 20 dogs soon! They had to come up with a solution…
The Hesitation
Not Even A Question
As Chris and Mariesa deliberated, she knew deep down inside that there was not even a question of whether they would take Storie home with them. However, the question was how they would do it. But then, they came up with a brilliant idea.
Not Even A Question
A Solution That Was Best For Everyone
Finally, they came up with a solution that would be what’s best for everyone. This momma definitely couldn’t stay at the shelter any longer. And after much discussion, they knew what they needed to do to make this work.
A Solution That Was Best For Everyone
If Not Adoption, Then Fostering
Chris came up with the idea to become Storie’s foster parents! That would give them the time to find a permanent home for her and her puppies. They knew she would love nothing more than to finally leave the shelter.
If Not Adoption, Then Fostering
Worry Despite The Joy
Although Chris and Mariesa were extremely happy they had come up with a solution for helping Storie leave the shelter, they were still weighed down with the fear and worry about her pregnancy. They knew that they needed to figure out what was going on as soon as they could.
Worry Despite Joy
Now About The Puppies
Storie was adjusting well to her new home. All of their dogs loved Storie and they got along really well. So the only concern at this point was the puppies. They should have been born by now. What was the problem?
Now About The Puppies
The Internet Was No Help
Worried about Storie, they decided to turn to the Internet for answers. They searched what reasons there could possibly be as to why she had not delivered these puppies yet. All that did was scare them even more.
The Internet Was No Help
Not Knowing Made It Worse
While their Internet searches provided them with more questions than answers, Chris and Mariesa began to grow more an more nervous. The fact that they had no idea what was wrong made them worry even more. But they did not get discouraged and were determined to figure it out.
Not Knowing Made It Worse
Not Giving Up
Although it seemed like they would never find the answer, Mariesa and Chris didn’t give up. They knew they could figure out this issue if they just kept looking. After much research, they finally found something that could potentially help…
Not Giving Up
The Connection Between Stress And Birth
Finally, Chris and Mariesa found an article that explained that shelter dogs feel stress and a degree of trauma. The crowded environment is not ideal for any dog, but especially for pregnant females, which could explain why Storie’s birthing was so delayed.
The Connection Between Stress And Birth
How Dangerous Is The Situation?
After they did a lot of research, it was very clear that this situation could be detrimental to Storie as well as her puppies. The worst possible outcome was the she would lose the puppies, and they could also lose Storie by waiting around not doing anything.
How Dangerous Is The Situation?
Severe Trauma Does Not Help
They learned that when pregnant dogs feel excessive trauma they deliberately refuse to give birth and hold the puppies in. This because they feel that the environment is not safe for her puppies and that they may be in danger.
Severe Trauma Does Not Help
They Feared For Her Life
While Chris and Mariesa were relieved that they seemed to have found an answer to the problem, they grew more and more concerned for Storie’s life, as well as her unborn babies. They knew that had no choice but to rush to the vet’s office.
They Feared For Her Life
Time To Visit The Vet
Finally, it was time to take Storie to the vet and see what was going on. Would the vet be able to help? This was terrifying for them as they had no idea what they would find out.
Time To Visit The Vet
The Ultrasound Results
Once the vet administered the ultrasound, it was very clear that this was an extremely unique case. What the scan revealed was almost unbelievable. Had the vet not seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed it.
The Ultrasound Results
How To Tell Them?
After the shock wore away, the vet had to explain to the couple what was going on with their dog. This was no ordinary pregnancy and they had no clue what they were about to hear. How would she let them know what was going on?
How To Tell Them?
An Extraordinary Pregnancy
Most dogs can carry up to six puppies during pregnancy. As the vet showed the couple the ultrasound, she counted the outlines of the puppies with them. But what she showed them on the ultrasound was quite unusual. They were shocked at what they saw.
An Extraordinary Pregnancy
An Unbelievable Situation
They all expected a maximum of six puppies, but that’s not what they found. Storie was, in fact, carrying double that amount! She had an incredible 12 puppies in her belly. No wonder she looked like she was ready to pop!
An Unbelievable Situation
Everyone Was In Utter Shock
They could not believe their ears! This was just too many puppies for this mama’s small body to carry. What did this mean for Storie? Would she and her puppies survive the pregnancy? How could Mariesa and Chris help her?
Everyone Was In Utter Shock
Their Worries Increased
Now that they knew exactly what was going on, Chris and Mariesa had a new set of problems to face. How would Storie get through this unusual and extraordinary pregnancy?
Their Worries Increased
The Silver Lining
Despite all of the concern and worry that was overtaking them all, the vet assured Chris and Mariesa that all of the puppies were alive and well despite Storie’s stress and delay in birthing.
The Silver Lining
Time To Take Her Home
The vet told them that they could take her home and all they could do was wait. If she didn’t give birth within the next 48 hours then they needed to bring her back to the vet for further examination.
Time To Take Her Home
The Waiting Game Begins
These foster parents were now waiting anxiously for the puppies to come. What they didn’t know is that Storie had her own reasons for holding out and keeping those puppies in a little while longer.
The Waiting Game Begins
Where Were The Puppies?
No one knew why these puppies were not coming, not even the vet. Was there anything they could do to help Storie along? Maybe if she had her own space, she would feel safe and comfortable enough to give birth.
Where Were The Puppies?
Creating A Safe Haven For Storie
Having read several articles explaining how trauma can affect a pregnant dog, Mariesa came up with a great idea. In the corner of their room, they prepared a safe haven for Storie. They put a comfy pillow and some blankets for her.
Creating A Safe Haven For Storie
This Should Do The Trick
Now that Storie had her own space they all went to sleep. Little did they know that the miracle was about to happen. First thing the next morning, they checked up on Storie to see if she was comfortable.
This Should Do The Trick
What A Surprise To Wake Up To
As they were making their way to see her, they heard funny noises. They hurried to see what was going on. They did not expect what they were about to see. She had given birth to all 12 puppies!
What A Surprise To Wake Up To
Proud Mama And Foster Parents
There she was, lying in her comfy bed, nursing her puppies with a proud look in her eyes. She had given birth in the middle of the night all by herself with no assistance at all. What an absolute champion!
Proud Mama And Foster Parents
Excitement In The Hughes Household!
Mariesa and Chris were both so emotional they couldn’t contain themselves and burst into tears of joy. They were ecstatic! Finally, they figured out why she had taken so long to give birth. Can you guess why?
Excitement In The Hughes Household!
A Mother’s Instincts
Storie’s motherly instincts took over while she was at the shelter. She knew that this was not the right place for her babies to be born, so her body took over and prevented the birth.
A Mother’s Instincts
A Safe Space Was All She Needed
All Storie was simply waiting for a safe place to have her puppies. Spending just one day at Chris and Mariesa’s house made her feel loved and comfortable enough to finally give birth.
A Safe Space Was All She Needed
Taking Care Of Her Babies
Storie was an amazing mom that took great care of her babies. By now, word got out that the puppies were born and people were lining up to adopt them. How would Storie feel after being separated from her puppies?
Taking Care Of Her Babies
Mama Her And Puppies Were Bonding
When the puppies finally opened their eyes, and they immediately started bonding with their mama. They were so playful and loved to run around the yard. Unfortunately, the time was nearing when mom and pups would need to be separated.
Mama Her And Puppies Were Bonding
An Exciting New Chapter
Mariesa and Chris had fallen in love with the puppies and absolutely adored them, but they knew they could not keep them. Amazingly, they found homes for every single puppy. It wasn’t easy parting with them, but it was the right thing to do.
An Exciting New Chapter
Ready To Go To Their New Homes
At 10 weeks old, the puppies were now ready to go to their forever homes. What would happen to their mama? The puppies would be taken care of, but what about Storie? She also deserved to have a loving home.
Ready To Go To Their New Homes
Possible New Home For Storie
As you can imagine, Storie’s amazing story made the rounds on social media. Her story was so inspiring that people shared it far and wide. Then one man saw the and immediately knew what had to be done.
Possible New Home For Storie
Storie’s Forever Home
A man that read her story instantly fell in love with Storie and contacted the couple. He wanted to meet her right away. When he met her, it was confirmed: he was taking her home! Storie finally found her forever home.
Storie’s Forever Home
Not All Shelter Dogs Get A Happy Ending
Thanks to this couple’s love, Storie got her happy ending. But there are still so many dogs in shelters that need more people like them to make a difference. If you’re wanting a dog, please consider adopting instead of buying.
Not All Shelter Dogs Get A Happy Ending
Mr. Mo Project
Mariesa and Chris founded a nonprofit named the Mr. Mo Project, which cares for elderly and sick shelter dogs. They help house them so they live their remaining days in a loving home. What a great way to make a difference in these dogs’ lives!
Mr. Mo Project
How Many Americans Own Pets?
According to the American Pet Products Association, “It’s estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat.” Of these, most are bought from a breeder!
How Many Americans Own Pets?
National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day
Due to the huge amount of pets at shelters waiting to be adopted, a national holiday has been designated in order to raise awareness to the situation. Thus, April 30th is the annual non-bank holiday called National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day that helps encourage people to adopt, not shop.
National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day
Zac Efron Adopted!
Many celebrities have helped use their voices to bring even more awareness to the need to adopt pets. Actor Zac Efron shared this adorable snap of his adopted pup, Maca, and captioned it with the hashtag #adoptdontshop, helping increase awareness.
Zac Efron Adopted!
Tom Brady’s Doggies
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has a collection of Super Bowl rings, but he has also collected three different shelter dogs as pets, including Fluffy, Scooby, and Lua, who is pictured below. Even Super Bowl champions adopt dogs!
Tom Brady’s Doggies
Miranda Lambert’s Dog Crew
While Miranda Lambert is known for her powerful vocals, she also has a big heart. She has welcomed many dogs into her home, seven total! She has even started her own shelter called Tishomingo Animal Shelter.
Miranda Lambert’s Dog Crew
Pine’s Pit Bull
Even handsome Hollywood stars adopt pit bulls! Chris Pine adopted this adorable pittie from LA shelter North Central Shelter. These two couldn’t get any cuter!
Pine’s Pit Bull