The veterinarian could not believe her eyes. There must be something wrong with the ultrasound. In disbelief, she tried to count a second time. When the number remained the same, she was utterly shocked. However, she could not stay that way because she had to talk to the parents as soon as possible.
No One Could Figure Out Why This Pregnant Dog Won’t Give Birth
Time To Choose One
Chris and Mariesa were looking to adopt a dog and headed into a shelter to look for one. Although Mariesa only wanted to take home one, she still had a hard time choosing among the dogs. They pleaded with their eyes, but Mariesa finally saw the dog they were looking for.
Time To Choose One
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
The dog that caught her attention came up to them and licked their hands. She was also very pregnant. She had the sweetest eyes, pleading for a warm home. Mariesa knew right there and then that they were taking this dog. However, there was something that made them rethink their decisions.
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
They did not expect how sad the story of this dog was. Mariesa was emotional over the story of this dog called Storie. She was once in the hands of a backyard breeder, who decided to ditch her and the puppies after realizing how expensive and hard it would be to care for all of them.
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
A Loving Home
It is nice to hear that Mariesa and Chris knew it would be the right thing to do to give Storie love, shelter, and comfort. Unfortunately, the terrible tale did not end there. They couldn’t believe what the vet said.
A Loving Home
Fans Of Pit Bulls
Chris and Mariesa love pit bulls. They were already the proud parents of several pit bulls! At home, they had ten of these lovely dogs. Eight of their pets can be seen in this photo.
Fans Of Pit Bulls
“Megabed”
When your the owner of so many dogs, it only makes sense that you need enough beds to fit everyone. Here you can have a look at their massive bed! Chris told TODAY, “At nighttime, all of the dogs want to sleep on the bed and sometimes it becomes too cluttered, and we end up being pushed off of the bed or sleeping on the couch. So we built the mega bed.” This beauty is 14 feet long and 7 feet wide! They need all the space they can get.
“Megabed”
Misunderstood
Eventually, they decided there was more they could do for this breed of dogs. Their love moved them to drop by the animal shelter, but they had no idea that they would be in for the surprise of a lifetime.
Misunderstood
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
The couple was passionate about their love of animals. In one interview, Mariesa explained she broke up with other men since they did not understand her dreams. They did not understand her love of dogs.
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
Chris Was Different
Everything changed for her when she was introduced to Chris. A lover of dogs himself, their mutual passion only strengthened their relationship over the years. Take a look at this photo of the sweet family!
Chris Was Different
Friendly Faces In These Places
Many rescue centers and animal shelters are dealing too much on too little resources. As much as they want to help every creature there, they often do not have the means to do it. When the two dropped by the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue, they noticed that most of the dogs were pretty similar.
Friendly Faces In These Places
Life-changing Experience
The couple was overwhelmed with joy when they visited the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue, and they quickly noticed that an overwhelming number of the dogs in the shelter came from one breed: pit bulls. They were blown away by how just how many friendly dogs filled the space. Unaware at the time, one of these pit bulls was about to change their lives.
Life-Changing Experience
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Pit bulls have earned a bad reputation, but this is actually a big misunderstanding. The dog breed has a large head and muscular physique, but they are not a threat. Unfortunately, they are illegal to have as pets in numerous states.
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Trying To Change The Stigma
Chris and Mariesa are aware of this and adopted numerous dogs for this reason. They have never experienced violence from their pets. This is the reason they tried to do more for these beautiful dogs.
Trying To Change The Stigma
Loving And Loyal Creatures
Many think pit bulls are the most dangerous dogs, although there is no science behind this. Like other dogs, they can be loving and loyal dogs. Treat them badly and they will also act badly.
Loving And Loyal Creatures
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
The rescue staff told the couple that Storie should have given birth by then. They did not know why it has not happened yet. The pit bull was in trouble. It was now a matter of life and death.
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
Life And Death
These two were genuine animal lovers. They could not bear to leave this pit bull to suffer alone. They had to decide because it was a matter of life and death for Storie and her puppies.
Life And Death
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Time was running out. Storie needed to be taken care of as soon as possible. The couple talked about this some more, but Storie placed her head on Mariesa’s knee and looked at her with pleading eyes.
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Big Dog Family
Mariesa knew then that it was time to bring this pit bull home with them. Still, she did not know if this was the right thing to do. They already had a huge family. Could they take care of all the dogs together?
Big Dog Family
The Perfect Solution
Even though they knew that the pregnant mother and her puppies would take its toll, Mariesa wanted to give Storie a safe place to stay at. Luckily, Chris came up with an excellent solution to the problem.
The Perfect Solution
An Idea
Before making a decision, the couple went back and forth debating ideas and weighing out the pros and cons. All of their ideas were not practical enough. Suddenly Chris thought of the best solution. He knew it would be the best way to help both their family and Storie too.
An Idea
Foster Parents
Chris suggested they foster the pit bull and her puppies as animal rescue looked for their homes. It was a good idea, but they first had to deal with the pregnancy. What was going on in her womb?
Foster Parents
Another Problem
Although Chris did have a fabulous idea, they still had a problem in their future. What was up with the pregnancy? How come Storie wasn’t giving birth? This was their major focus and concern at the moment and they were determined to get to the bottom of it.
Another Problem
Looking For Answers Online
They never saw a problem like this one before. What was stopping Storie from delivering the puppies? Chris and Mariesa began to worry so much they decided to go online and find out for themselves.
Looking For Answers Online
Terrifying
Looking online was just terrifying. This typically happens when we look to Google as our therapists and advice-givers. Chris and Mariesa became even more anxious about the situation, not sure the best way to help poor Storie.
Terrifying
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
We humans often underestimate just how smart animals are. When Mariesa and Chris went online and researched, they saw all the reasons why this might happen. One article was perfectly fitting for the current situation.
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
Stressful Conditions
The research said that animals often experience high amounts of trauma and stress in rescue shelters. Pregnant dogs are particularly vulnerable to this, but even they know that shelters are not a good place for babies.
Stressful Conditions
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Chris and Mariesa continued to do more research. Storie could not only lose her puppies, but it could also be fatal for her! Apparently, traumatized pregnant dogs worry for their babies if they think they would be in danger.
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Traumatic Experiences
Marrisa discovered that sometimes pregnant dogs who’ve experienced trauma, worry so much about their puppies that they can’t even physically give birth. This occurs when they fear their babies may be in some sort of danger.
Traumatic Experiences
Off To The Vet
The couple was aware of how dangerous the situation was. If they wanted to save the newest addition to their family then they needed to rush to the vet as soon as possible. They immediately got into the car and rushed to the local vet.
Off To The Vet
What The Ultrasound Showed
When the vet looked at the ultrasound of the pregnant dog, she was shocked. She shook her head, in disbelief at what she was seeing. There has to be a mistake of some sort, she thought.
What The Ultrasound Showed
Something Isn’t Right
However, she could not deny it when the shapes remained the same the whole time. The outlines revealed a groundbreaking thing. Mariesa felt that something was not right. What could be the matter?
Something Isn’t Right
The Shock Of A Lifetime
The vet explained what she found in Storie’s womb. They were expecting to see six puppies, but the results showed them a different picture. The ultrasound did not reveal six puppies. What was going on?
The Shock Of A Lifetime
Frozen In Shock
The vet helped them understand the ultrasound by counting out the puppies through the outlines. Soon the couple realized something they were not expected. They stood in complete shock, they could not believe what they were looking at. Yes, they expected six puppies but the ultrasound showed something very different. What was happening and why hadn’t Storie given birth yet?
Frozen In Shock
A Development No One Expected
The vet did not expect this. She counted the puppies again and again, but the number stayed the same. She then informed the nervous dog parents that there weren’t just six pups in the womb but twelve!
A Development No One Expected
Unexpected
Storie shocked everyone, including Chris, Marissa, and the vet. Rather than holding just six puppies in her womb. She actually had double that number! Can you believe 12 little puppies were developing inside Storie’s belly?
Unexpected
Disbelief
They could not believe the news they just heard. It was way too much, and they had no idea what it meant for Storie. Was the pregnancy going to be fine? Would the entire litter of puppies be alive?
Disbelief
Go Home And Wait
Even the vet did not know why Storie had not yet given birth. Luckily, the ultrasound showed that the babies were fine in her womb. The vet told them to come back if she didn’t deliver in the next two days.
Go Home And Wait
Preparation
The vet instructed the couple to go home and prepare for the birth. The vet also said that have this mama pup didn’t give birth in the next 48 hours, then they must come back for another examination. Storie had a great reason for putting off her birth.
Preparation
The Parents Are Anxious
The couple was stressed out when they got home. Can you imagine losing a dozen puppies? They were very nervous about the next 48 hours. Luckily, Mariesa had a great idea to help Storie out.
The Parents Are Anxious
A Brilliant Idea
The situation was so terrible yet there was nothing to be done. All they could do was make Storie feel as comfortable as possible. Mariesa felt hopeless until an idea popped into her head as she drove home from the shelter.
A Brilliant Idea
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
At the time, the couple already read a lot of articles about the situation. They tried to make it easier for her by making a comfortable environment. Mariesa put blankets and pillows for Storie in a bedroom.
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
Sanctuary
They finally brought Storie to her new sanctuary, hoping that it would help. Mariesa and Chris worked as hard as they could to ensure that everything was perfect. Even the temperature of the room, the noise and the materials. They wanted it to be comfortable enough for this pup.
Sanctuary
Oblivious
The two lovebirds were completely unaware of the life-changing moment about to occur. They went to bed that night like any other and checked up on Storie the second they woke the next morning. They hoped the pit bull would be feeling more comfortable now.
Oblivious
Extraordinary
When Chris and Mariesa approached the room where Storie was staying. They suddenly heard strange noises, so they quickened their pace and opened the door. However, what awaited them was truly extraordinary.
Extraordinary
Tiptoed
They were unsure if something bad was going on with Storie. They organized the best spot for her to feel home and they didn’t want to disturb her. At the same time, they needed to check on how she was doing so they tiptoed to the room she was staying in.
Tiptoed
During The Night
Once they walked in the bedroom they were immediately filled with joy. She managed to give birth to twelve little puppies all overnight! It was such a beautiful and joyous sight to see. They were so happy for Storie.
During The Night
Thrilled
The couple mutually broke down into tears. They were so proud of Storie for actually giving birth and they were absolutely thrilled. In the end, they figured out what she waited so long for. Any ideas why??
Thrilled
A Dozen Puppies
They then went to bed and only checked on their foster dog when they got up in the morning. They hoped she felt much better now. Despite everything, they weren’t prepared for what they saw.
A Dozen Puppies
Less Than A Day
After less than a day being with Chris and Mariesa, Storie felt comfortable enough to give birth to her puppies. It was truly a miracle, becuase nobody could understand why she just wouldnm’t budge! The situtaion could have gone very differently.
Less Than A Day
A Great Dog Mama
Storie was the best mama dog in the world. She took amazing care of her young puppies but it wasn’t long before adoption requests came in pouring in from the rescue center. Although the couple knew they would not have the puppies forever, it was hard to let go. They couldn’t fathom how Storie would feel separating from her newborns.
A Great Dog Mama
Puppies For Adoption
Only after a couple of weeks the puppies finally opened their eyes. Chris and Mariesa were enjoying their time with this enormous litter of puppies. Storie was excited and looked happy with her pups. Unfortunately, now they needed to be separated…
Puppies For Adoption
Waiting For A Little TLC
Giving birth inside a shelter can be typically stressful for everyone. Storie was such a smart dog. She knew it was better to wait for kind people to come along and take her in. Once Storie met Chris and Mariesa she finally felt comfortable to give birth. Smart dog!
Waiting For A Little TLC
A Pack Of Her Own
Storie only spent less than an entire day with Chris and Mariesa, but she was comfortable enough to deliver her puppies. It seems like this smart dog knew exactly what she needed to give birth to her litter!
A Pack Of Her Own
Puppies For Adoption
After a few weeks, the puppies could see perfectly. Mariesa and Chris clearly loved the big litter of adorable little pups. They took over the yard and played as much as they wanted with Storie watching.
Puppies For Adoption
A Great Dog Mama
Storie was not only good at delivering them, but she was also great at taking care of the pups. Adoption requests started to flood in from the rescue center as well. It was sad, but they couldn’t keep them.
A Great Dog Mama
Heading For Their New Homes
Only 10 weeks after their birth, the puppies were all set to go to their forever homes. Although the couple loved the puppies, they did not have the means to keep them. Adoption was the best option.
Heading For Their New Homes
10 Weeks Old
They were then brought to their new homes. What was next for Storie, however? What was going to happen to her? Where was she going to go? She deserved nothing but the best, that much is certain.
10 Weeks Old
Her Forever Home
To no one’s surprise, the story went around on Facebook. The story touched many people and made its way to a man who loved Storie right away. He contacted the couple because he wanted to meet Storie.
Her Forever Home
They All Found Homes!
He wanted to take her home with him, which was how Storie found her home at last. She also got spayed to prevent massive pregnancies and additional stress in the future. Good for you, Storie!
They All Found Homes!
The Best Dog Mom
Although she had a huge litter of puppies, she made sure to shower them all with attention and love. She was completely devoted to taking care of them when they were still together. Isn’t Storie amazing?
The Best Dog Mom
The End Was Nearing
The couple was so proud of Storie for doing such an amazing job. She nursed and cleaned the puppies all by herself and they were in perfect condition. However, the couple could not keep them for much longer…
The End Was Nearing
If Not For Them
The twelve puppies are now doing fine in their forever homes. Let us hope that they will always receive love and affection! We hope that the same can be said for Storie and her foster family.
If Not For Them
A Crucial Chance
If the couple didn’t take a chance on her, Storie would probably have lost the puppies or even died! We are happy they allowed her to stay at their homes. We bet they are proud of their decision as well.
A Crucial Chance
A Happy Note
While Storie had a happy ending, let us not forget that there are dogs who will never be adopted. Shelters need help when it comes to taking care of the animals. There are many ways to do this.
A Happy Note
Helping Out
Of course, it is best to foster if possible. However, donating to or spreading the word about these rescue homes and animal shelters can also go a long way. The people who work at these places are amazing people who are often overburdened!
Helping Out
The Mr. Mo Project
Chris and Mariesa are the founders of a nonprofit organization that works by taking sick and elderly dogs out of the shelters, to make them more comfortable. The project is called “The Mr. Mo Project.” These dogs, unfortunately, face a high risk of euthanasia, so Hughes try to place them in homes for the rest of their lives. “The Mr. Mo Project” covers logistics like living and medical expenses.
The Mr. Mo Project
A Family Affair
If you’re an animal lover yourself and decide to adopt or foster dogs like Chris and Mareisa you may find you don’t have enough bed space. While the average king bed is 6.6 feet long, theirs is almost double! Just so you know, you always have options!
A Family Affair
Happy Holidays!
With the holiday season, Chris and Mariesa wanted to get into the spirit on their Instagram account. ‘The Mr. Mo Project’. They uploaded this adorable photo with the caption “Happy Easter and Passover from our dog house to yours #happyeaster #happypassover #lifeinthedoghouse #mrmoproject #gomrmo #18dogsandcounting #72paws #rescuelife #shelterdogs #rescuesdog #seniordogrescue #adoptdontshop #multidoghousehold #siblinggoals #squadgoals #packlife #easterbunnies #easterpictures #love #proudparents
Happy Holidays!
A Crucial Chance
If it wasn’t for Mariesa and Chris giving Storie a chance then she could have lost all her puppies, and she could have died herself. We are so grateful for this loving couple who took a chance on her when they saw her suffering in the shelter. They are true heroes!
A Crucial Chance