The vet could not believe what the ultrasound was showing her. In utter disbelief, she counted a second time. When she realized the number did not change, she froze because she couldn’t believe that something like this was even possible. However, there was little time to remain in shock because it was imperative for her to talk to the owners right away. Decisions needed to be made quickly – after all, their dog’s life was on the line.
Pregnant Dog Didn’t Give Birth, Vet Was Shocked By The Reason
Time To Choose One
Chris and Mariesa were interested in adopting a dog, so they went to numerous shelters in search of a dog to bring home with them. Mariesa swore that they would bring home only one dog, but they were now having a hard time choosing among the sweethearts there. They all looked at her with those big pleading eyes that begged her to pick them. All of a sudden, however, her eyes landed on the dog they had been looking for.
Time To Choose One
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
The dog that approached them and licked their hands had been a heavily pregnant one. Her belly was swollen with unborn puppies, but the look she gave Mariesa communicated how much she needed a proper home. Clearly, this pit bull needed a loving space to give birth to her puppies. Without a doubt, Mariesa knew this was the dog they would bring home. However, something happened to make them wonder if they were making the right decision. What could it be?
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
The story of this very pregnant pit bull was sadder than they had been expecting. Mariesa wanted to cry for the dog, who they learned was named Storie. She once belonged to someone working as a backyard breeder. When they realized it would too difficult and expensive to take care of her and the puppies on the way, they brought and surrendered Storie to the shelter.
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
A Loving Home
Chris and Mariesa knew right then that they needed to give this dog love, comfort, a shelter, and a place to deliver her puppies. However, there was actually more to the story than the tragic tale. They could not believe what the vet told them next.
A Loving Home
Fans Of Pit Bulls
Chris and Mariesa were big fans of Pit Bulls. As a matter of fact, the couple already rescued several dogs from this breed already. If you want to be specific, they were the proud parents of 10 happy fur babies! Pictured below are 8 of their adorable dogs.
Fans Of Pit Bulls
“Megabed”
With so many dogs, you need enough beds for all of them, right? Take a look at their “megabed”! 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 megabed.” This beauty is 14 feet long and 7 feet wide! The space is necessary for all of the rescue dogs they bring into their home.
“Megabed”
Misunderstood
The couple eventually decided they could do even more for such a misunderstood breed of dogs. Their love for Pit Bulls propelled them to this decision. They might have had tons of experience with dogs under their belt, but one specific visit to the animal shelter would show them something they had never seen before.
Misunderstood
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
This admirable couple had a shared passion: their love of animals. During an interview, Mariesa explained to a reporter that she used to break up with her significant others because her obsession with dogs interfered with her relationships. Most men did not understand and support her dream of filling a house with puppies.
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
Chris Was Different
However, things changed when she met Chris, a fellow dog-lover. Aside from their love for one another, their love for dogs also grows stronger with each passing day. This photo sums up their love for their furry children.
Chris Was Different
Friendly Faces In These Places
Many animal shelters and rescue centers find themselves with too much on their plate. Sadly, they do not have the proper resources to take care of the animals even though they want to save each and every one of them. When the couple visited the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue, they were quick to notice that an overwhelming number of the dogs in the shelter came from one breed: pit bulls. They could not believe just how many friendly dogs filled the space. Chris and Mariesa did not know it at the time, but one of these pit bulls would alter their lives.
Friendly Faces In These Places
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Pit bulls have gotten a bad rep, but it is actually the result of misunderstandings. This is a dog breed known for its muscular physique and large head, but this does not indicate the risk they pose. Despite this, many states make it illegal to own a pit bull. This explains how many of these dogs end up going to animal shelters.
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Trying To Change The Stigma
Chris and Mariesa knew about this and have since adopted numerous pits. Not once did they experience any display of violence from their fur babies. They wanted to do more to help the beautiful dogs go to loving homes, but they had no idea what fate had in store for them.
Trying To Change The Stigma
Loving And Loyal Creatures
Although pit bulls are considered by many people to be the most dangerous dog breed, science has not backed it up. In reality, these dogs have every capacity to be loyal and loving dogs. Like any other dog, they can behave badly when they are mistreated. Their genes did not give them a predisposition to be evil creatures. You will discover these dogs make for wonderful companions when you give them the chance. At the shelter, Chris and Mariesa were about to come face to face with one particular pit bull.
Loving And Loyal Creatures
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
The rescue staff told Chris and Mariesa that Storie should have delivered the pups already! They had no idea why she had not given birth already, especially when she appeared ready to pop. It was obviously a precarious situation, what was going on?
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
Life And Death
The animal-loving couple could tell that this sad pit bull was in trouble, and that she needed help. The pair needed to decide as soon as possible because it might just be a matter of life and death for Storie and her puppies.
Life And Death
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
They were running out of time. Storie had to be cared for right away and the couple talked about it some more. As they were discussing, she rested her head on Mariesa’s knee and looked up with pleading eyes. That was all it took for this woman to come to a decision.
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Big Dog Family
Mariesa was bringing the pregnant pit bull home, but she did not know if it was the right choice. After all, it would mean their already big dog family would expand further. Were they ready for such a huge challenge? They had not yet learned that the situation was more complex than they were initially thinking.
Big Dog Family
The Perfect Solution
Although they knew that Storie and her puppies would mean they would end up with over 10 dogs, Mariesa did not want the dog to stay at the shelter any longer. She wanted to help this beautiful dog and ensure she would have a safe place to give birth.
The Perfect Solution
An Idea
The couple went back and forth debating different ideas, weighing the costs and benefits of each. But, nothing they came up with seemed to be practical. That was when Chris came up with a brilliant solution. He was sure it would be the best option for both their family and for Storie. What could it be?
An Idea
Foster Parents
Chris suggested that they foster Storie and the litter! This would be temporary while animal rescues looked for forever homes. It seemed the best solution since they were already at almost full capacity with their other 8 dogs.
Foster Parents
Another Problem
Chris’ idea was a great idea, but they still had another problem. What was going on with the pregnancy? Why wasn’t Storie birthing the puppies despite her swollen belly? This was their main concern at the moment and had to be their primary focus.
Another Problem
Looking For Answers Online
They had never seen a problem like this one in the dogs they had before. What could have been preventing Storie from giving birth to her puppies? The couple began to worry so much, they went online and conducted research of their own.
Looking For Answers Online
Terrifying
However, what they learned from the Internet only terrified them more. This is usually the case when we look up expert advice online. 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
In general, we humans tend to vastly underestimate the intelligence of most animals. When Chris and Mariesa went online to look for answers, they looked up reasons why a dog might resist delivering her puppies. They found one article that seemed to fit the current circumstances.
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
Stressful Conditions
According to the research, animals tend to undergo lots of stress and trauma inside rescue shelters. Naturally, pregnant dogs experience a higher risk than others. Although shelters had been built with the intention of helping dogs, the crowded environment is clearly not the best place for these creatures. A home like Chris and Mariesa’s would be a much better fit.
Stressful Conditions
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Chris and Mariesa kept researching about the matter and realized things were worse than they initially thought. Storie would not only lose all of the puppies if the situation did not change, but she could also die. Wow, things were much worse than they initially thought.
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Traumatic Experiences
Mariesa learned that pregnant dogs undergoing trauma worry so much for their puppies that they might even refuse to deliver them altogether. This happens because they feel that their babies would be in danger…
Traumatic Experiences
Off To The Vet
The couple could see how dangerous the situation was. They needed to take the pregnant dog to the vet right away if they did not want to lose the newest addition to their family. They got in the car and raced to the local vet.
Off To The Vet
What The Ultrasound Showed
When the veterinarian used the ultrasound on Storie, she could not believe the results. She only shook her head, completely shocked by what the screen was showing. There must be some sort of mistake!
What The Ultrasound Showed
Something Isn’t Right
However, the shapes did not disappear or change, which meant it was true…The little white outlines meant news that would be groundbreaking for the couple and everyone else. Mariesa could tell that there was something wrong. What else could it possibly be?
Something Isn’t Right
The Shock Of A Lifetime
The vet took a deep breath and then dove into an explanation about something unusual in Storie’s womb. Although they expected her to carry six puppies, this was not what the ultrasound showed. What was in her belly?
The Shock Of A Lifetime
Frozen In Shock
The vet directed them to the outlines and counted them out. The couple realized what was going on and froze in shock. Six puppies were what they had been expecting, but the ultrasound told a different story. What was happening and why hadn’t Storie given birth yet?
Frozen In Shock
A Development No One Expected
The vet did not expect it at all. She recounted the puppies. After that, she tried again but only ended up with the same number. At long last, she knew it was time to inform the anxious dog parents about what was going on…
A Development No One Expected
Unexpected
Storie was not carrying what Chris, Mariesa, or the vet had expected. Instead of six puppies in her womb, there was double that number! A whopping 12 little ones were currently growing inside of Storie’s belly!
Unexpected
Disbelief
They were in utter disbelief upon hearing the news. It was simply too much, but there were more pressing matters on their hands. What would it mean for Storie? Would she be okay through the pregnancy? Would all 12 of her puppies be okay?
Disbelief
Go Home And Wait
The vet herself could not figure out why Storie had not given birth to the puppies already. Luckily, the ultrasounds revealed that the babies were all alive and well. Whew! But, now what was the next step?
Go Home And Wait
Preparation
According to the vet, they should go home and prepare for the birth. If Storie did not have them in the next 48 hours, they should come back for another examination. Unbeknownst to the humans, Storie had an excellent reason for waiting.
Preparation
The Parents Are Anxious
Chris and Mariesa were under a lot of stress when they went home. Not only could Storie lose six babies, but a dozen of them! They felt nervous about the next 48 hours. Would she be fine if she did not deliver the puppies in that time?
The Parents Are Anxious
A Brilliant Idea
It was a terrible and dangerous situation, but there was nothing they could do for the pregnant pit bull. Their best bet was to make her feel as comfortable as possible. As they drove home from the shelter, Mariesa thought of something brilliant.
A Brilliant Idea
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
By then, Chris and Mariesa had gone through enough articles about stress and trauma to know it was affecting Storie a lot. To help her out, they tried to make the most comfortable environment possible for the pregnant dog. Mariesa set aside a spot in a bedroom where she placed blankets and pillows for comfort.
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
Sanctuary
They then brought Storie to her new sanctuary and hoped it would help. Mariesa and Chris worked so hard to make everything just right, including the temperature of the room, the noise level and the materials used.
Sanctuary
Oblivious
The couple had no idea at the time that a miracle was about to happen. Chris and Mariesa went to bed that night and checked up on Storie the moment they woke up. They hoped the pit bull would be feeling more comfortable now.
Oblivious
Extraordinary
As Chris and Mariesa made their way to the room where they had left Storie, they heard strange noises, so they quickened their pace and quickly opened the door. What awaited them was something next to extraordinary…
Extraordinary
During The Night
They walked into the bedroom and to their delight…found Storie nursing 12 adorable little pups! She managed to give birth to all of them during the night! It was an incredible sight and accomplishment.
During The Night
Thrilled
Both Chris and Mariesa broke into tears. They both couldn’t believe Storie had actually done it! They were absolutely thrilled. Eventually, they figured out what she waited so long for. Any ideas why??
Thrilled
A Dozen Puppies
When dogs have their puppies in a shelter, it is a stressful experience for both the mother and puppies. Storie somehow knew it was not the best environment to do so and waited for good Samaritans like Chris and Mariesa.
A Dozen Puppies
Less Than A Day
Storie had been with Chris and Mariesa for less than a whole day when she finally felt comfortable enough to give birth to her puppies. It was an absolute miracle since nobody could figure out why she was overdue. The result of this situation could have been a whole lot different.
Less Than A Day
A Great Dog Mama
Storie took great care of her puppies, which was expected of the best dog mama in the world. Not long after, however, adoption requests began to come in from the rescue center she came from. The couple knew from the beginning that they would not have the puppies forever. How would Storie react to separating from her babies?
A Great Dog Mama
Puppies For Adoption
After a couple of weeks, the puppies opened their eyes. Chris and Mariesa were having a great time with the large litter of cute babies. The puppies dominated the yard and played with one another in the way that only puppies can. Storie was excited and looked happy with her pups. Unfortunately, now they needed to be separated…
Puppies For Adoption
Waiting For A Little TLC
When Storie found herself in the proper environment, she simply allowed her body to do what needed to be done. The result? Let us just say that they were right in front of her, all twelve of them. But, now what?
Waiting For A Little TLC
A Pack Of Her Own
The pit bull knew exactly what she needed to birth her children, which was the feeling of security and protection. The adoptive couple made her feel safe at long last, which led to the birth of her twelve healthy babies. What a smart dog!
A Pack Of Her Own
Heading For Their New Homes
Impressively, they found people to adopt all of the puppies by the time they reached 10 weeks old. Chris and Mariesa adored the little puppies, though there were far too many for them to keep. They had no choice but to give them up for adoption. It was obviously very heartbreaking, but they knew it was the right decision.
Heading For Their New Homes
10 Weeks Old
At 10 weeks old, they were taken to their respective new homes. But what was next for their mother? We all know the pups are in good hands, but what would happen to Storie? After her dedication to her little ones, we only want the best for this tough mom.
10 Weeks Old
Her Forever Home
As you might have expected, Storie’s story circulated on Facebook. Her inspiring story soon reached a man who fell in love with her. Right away, he got in touch with Chris and Mariesa to set up an appointment. He wanted to meet the dog and then decided then and there what to do. What was it exactly?
Her Forever Home
They All Found Homes!
He wanted to bring her home…Storie found her forever home at long last! She and all of the pups found amazing homes. Aside from this, she was spayed to avoid massive pregnancies like this in the future. Hopefully, she will never again have to contend with so much stress.
They All Found Homes!
The Best Dog Mom
Despite the fact that she gave birth to a lot of pups, Storie did not fail to shower each and every one of them in love and attention. During her time with them, she was devoted to caring for all twelve babies.
The Best Dog Mom
The End Was Nearing
Chris and Mariesa were glad and proud to see her do such a great job. She nursed and cleaned the puppies and they were all perfectly healthy. Unfortunately, the couple could not keep them for a long time…
The End Was Nearing
If Not For Them
The twelve puppies now thrive in their new forever homes. They are all doing well and receive lots of love. Storie stayed with the foster family until every single one of her puppies had been adopted. Clearly, her maternal instincts are intact.
If Not For Them
A Crucial Chance
If Chris and Mariesa did not give her a chance, she would likely have lost her puppies or suffered a fate even worse than that. We are glad they took a chance on the very pregnant dog she had been back in the shelter, and we bet the puppies are too!
A Crucial Chance
A Happy Note
Although Storie’s story ended on a happy note, there are more dogs that will never have a place they can call their home. Shelters often need a lot of help caring for the animals they keep. If you do not have the capability to take a dog in, there are other ways to lend a hand.
A Happy Note
Helping Out
You can foster if you have the means. It is also possible to donate or help spread the word about the shelters and rescue homes. All of these little things can go a long way to help out the amazing individuals who work to give these animals a better life.
Helping Out
The Mr. Mo Project
Chris and Mariesa are the founders of a nonprofit that takes sick and elderly dogs out of shelters called The Mr. Mo Project. These dogs unfortunately face a high risk of euthanasia, so the Hughes help place them in homes for the rest of their lives. The Mr. Mo Project covers the living and medical expenses, while the “fospice” homes provide love and care.
The Mr. Mo Project
A Family Affair
If you end up adopting or fostering dogs and find yourself in the same situation of lack of bed space, you can always do what Chris and Mariesa did. While the average king bed is 6.6 feet long, theirs is almost double! Just know that the option exists if it comes to that!
A Family Affair
Happy Holidays!
As you are definitely aware, Chris and Mariesa are huge dog lovers. They are very active 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!