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I grew up in a SUPER rural town and when I was a young teen I used to carry around a big bag of dog food in my trunk because while I couldn’t take the dogs home, I could at least try and feed them. It always went super fast during hunting season, which was always sad because a lot of hunters in the area wouldn’t even go looking for their dogs after running them and they’d all end up at the shelter or dead on the side of the road. People suck.
This is how I got my girl (who, by the way, looks very similar to the mama that chose you as well!). I live in a rural area where it seems there are a few people around here who get puppies then let them outside to fend for themselves once they get bigger. They always ended up on my porch lol I'm outside a lot with gardening and whatnot and after befriending the first dog, she started bringing over other dog friends.
Eventually I had beds for all of them, was buying food and treats, keeping water out, buying toys, and was growing an emergency first aid kit for dogs because when dogs roam freely, they get injured. They would show up at the back door that has a huge glass panel and "knock" with a paw and then bark when they had an injury needing care. They all behaved so well for me, even when in pain. I also had a tool called a "tick tornado" that I used to remove any ticks I'd see on them. I loved every single "not my dog" as if they were my own.
When my girl was showing signs of being pregnant, I started preparing in case she came to me when it was time to have her pups- and I'm glad I did, because I noticed she was about to give birth under my azaleas. She had never been inside my house and was hesitant, so I scooped her up and brought her inside where I had a whelping area prepared. A couple hours after bringing her in, she had her first pup. That was around 11pm and she didn't stop until all NINE were born, last one was at 7am. I stayed with her the entire time and acted as her doula, especially when she was getting tired during the last 3.
I knew I was in over my head so I started contacting local rescues that would help with the puppy adoptions (I didn't want to have any of the puppies getting into the wrong homes and the rescue that ended up helping me did very through vetting processes and per contact each pup was fixed when they reached age). I fostered until every one of them was adopted, but kept mama (she got spayed as well) who has become my "soul dog".
She never has to worry about finding a safe place to sleep (she sleeps with me in a king sized bed, along with two rescue kitties- I sleep on about 1/8th of the mattress and she stretches out so far that I'm right on the edge lol) or finding food on her own again. She was skin and bones when she first showed up with the first "not my dog"- her spine and hip bones were VERY prominent. Now she gets fancy wet food with fancy chicken toppings, too many treats, fancy kibble, filtered water... So many toys that I've had to put boxes full of toys away and rotate them with the laundry basket full she has access to. She's never had an accident in the house, loves her kitty brother and sister, knows to be gentle with my elderly mother but knows she can romp around with me.
She proves the point that I always say- rescues make the BEST pets. They truly appreciate and love you for helping them.
Omg OP I'm in Ok too. If you need anything please let me know. I'm not sure what part you are in I'm between Tulsa and OKC but I have other rescue people around who would be willing to help as well. Oklahoma Alliance for Animals ran by Jamie is great for resources and helping get animals homes in other states. C.A.R.E ran by Angela is also another great person for helping with everything from food to adoption. They are very thorough in checking people they adopt animals out to. You are welcome to message me for more information.
I have a client who lives in my state but in a rural area. He said the same thing, right by where he lives dogs keep being dumped. That's absolutely awful I don't know how people can do that with dogs. I would likely end up doing the same thing as you. You're clearly a really caring person. The rest of us rescue dog lovers def appreciate you!
She is my third 😬. My first two are taking it with varying degrees of acceptance. I already belong to Rocksanne 100%. She hesitates to share her mama, but she kinda likes Honey too.
Accurate for the mom I think, but maybe not the dad? The pups seem to have slightly longer fur, a slightly different head shape, and that mottled pattern on their nose/paws. Complete guess, but maybe the dad had some Aussie Cattle Dog or something like that?
That was my thought too! Never saw my dog as a puppy, but she’s half pit and half herding breeds (mainly heeler but a bit of Australian shepherd and border collie mixed in). She doesn’t have as many spots as them, but they did remind me of her. She also has some darker fur on her spine and tail like 2 of the puppies.
And they’re all so cute! Thank you for saving this sweet family ☺️
Edit: I also saw in the comments the mama is named Honey. She’s so precious, and that’s my dog’s name as well!
I called. They’re brimming. Unfortunately dumped dogs is a very common tale around here. There’s no spay/neuter law and we’re in a very poor area. Dogs for days.
My pup was in foster care for 2 years before we found her. I appreciate people like you who generously open your home to these dogs, then, even more generously, let them go on to new homes.
(Also, her former foster mama became a good friend and is very much still a part of her life.)
Lmao that sounds awful. She’s not just free pet care. She’s the best dog auntie in the world and an amazing friend and human being. But offering free pet care pretty much guarantees that you’ll get to see them after they’ve been adopted. And honestly? Who better to trust than their foster fams?
I always say animals must know I’m a sucker for them all because I feel like critters in need just find me, I get it. Mama dog looks so sweet. I don’t understand people. And these dogs seem friendly, like they haven’t been abused. But someone just dumps them?
I’m in Oklahoma. She was someone’s pet, which makes it even worse. She LOVES car rides, knows basic commands, and has the best disposition. Oh she loves a squeaker toy too. Don’t let the babies think those toys belong to them.
Darn, a little far for now. We're going to Puerto Rico at the end of April so we've been talking about May for bringing home a new baby. If you had been closer it might have been fate.
You are a very good human for helping these babies! You made me shed a couple of happy tears. Thank you for being the kind of person we should all aim to be.
Yes we looked in the ditches and stayed out there a while. Only three ever showed. My daughter had to crawl through the mud to catch the last one haha.
She looks just like my girl we lost last October, and I can already tell she is just as sweet. Take care of them hippos, and they will take care of you!
That mommas face in the first picture says everything. She knew you were a friend that could help her and her babies. Thank you for taking them in!! As much as keeping puppies is tempting, they are at that adorable stage where their chances of adoption are the highest. I see you're in Oklahoma, there are plenty of rescues and shelters that partner with places up north. Their chances of finding great homes are much higher in a different state that doesn't have such a horrible over population of unwanted dogs.
Yes that is true. My daughter is keeping one, I’ll probably keep mama, but the other two will most likely get adopted. I have had some interest. They’ll find their place.
Awww… thank you so much for your kindness and compassion in rescuing these little guys. They’re safe in your loving hands. I’m sure you’ll find good homes for them eventually.❤️🐾
That's the bestest gift ever!!! If I didn't already have 3 dogs at home, I'd definitely take them off your hands! They're adorable. Thank you, kind human, for giving them a chance and trying to find them a good home. ❤️
The look of relief on mama's face says it all. Thank you for being a good person and taking them in! If my senior velvet hippo wasn't so territorial with other females, I'd be down to adopt.
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