A mom dog rescued in an alarming state of neglect, having given everything to make sure her puppies survived, is seeking a forever home to call her own.
An estimated 10 million animals die from abuse each year in the U.S., according to Shelter Animals Count, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on animal sheltering.
When Deb was first spotted wandering around outside the home of one of the foster carers at Shultz’s Guest House (SGH), a dog rescue shelter located in Dedham, Massachusetts, it was obvious she needed help.
“She was emaciated and clearly nursing. One of her puppies was seen wandering alongside her,” Merrill Fortier, from SGH, told Newsweek.
“We later discovered that the person responsible for her care hadn’t been feeding her or her litter, who were about 7 or 8 weeks old at the time. Deb was starving, and her milk was the only thing keeping her babies alive.”
According to Fortier, Deb’s owner was a “known drug user” who did little to care for his canine companion.
“Deb had been left to survive on her own. Her owner had told our foster that the filthy mattress by the side of the road was ‘her bed,’” she said. “Despite all this, she held on through the hardships. She’s only 2 or 3 years old, but what she’s endured is unimaginable.”
Aware there were likely more puppies around the property, the foster carer asked the man living with Deb and her pups to willingly surrender all of the dogs as it would “be in their best interest.”
He agreed and, soon enough, Deb and her puppies were taken away. It was good timing. “Just four days later, their owner’s house was destroyed in a meth-related fire,” Fortier said.
All of the dogs have made incredible progress in the time since their rescue. Having nursed them through such a difficult period, Deb has now watched each and every one of her puppies get adopted. Fortier would like to see the same happen with Deb.
“She’s great with other dogs, adores people including kids, and carries herself with confidence,” Fortier said. “Her strength and gentle heart shine through and there’s no trace of bitterness in her.”
As a video posted to the shultzsguest Instagram detailing her journey account sums up best, Deb “gave everything” so that her puppies could survive and ultimately thrive despite such difficult beginnings. Now it’s her turn.
“Mama dogs like Deb are among the most resilient and loving we encounter,” Fortier said. “As a pit bull, she also stands as a reminder of how misunderstood these dogs still are even though they make the most loyal, affectionate family pets.”
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