Rescue Momma Dog Saves Rescue Puppies

We received a phone call about 6 orphaned boxer mix pups. The mother was tragically killed as a driver of a car swerved to miss a 4-wheeler that shot into the road. The driver veered into the yard of the mother dog, hitting and killing her. She was survived by 6, 12-day-old pups. Many rescues were called, and the Humane League was able to help. The pups were taken in and were hand nursed around the clock. Now, you may think you have read this story before; however, the story does not end here.

We also received a phone call about a Bassett-mix dog that had lost her pups. She was taken into rescue, as well. She, now dubbed Ms. Muffin, was isolated and given time to heal.

Meanwhile, the boxer mix puppies, after their first week in rescue, took a turn for the worse. Everything they ate started coming back through their noses. It was so pitiful to watch as they struggled to eat and breathe. As one of the foster moms, I was up during the day and night, too. The littlest one was 28oz. and the biggest pup, within days, was almost as small. They were losing weight and nothing seemed to work. We spent many days at the vet, trying figure out what was wrong. We tried different drugs, different bottles, different formulas and countless hours trying to find something that would help them. Nothing seemed to make a difference. They still would try to eat and the same response. Gagging and choking as the food came right through their little noses.

Finally, on the longest and scariest night of all, I was spent and so were they. They were not getting the nurturing I am sure only a mother dog could give. The love and licking and cleaning. The snuggling and warmth. As I continued to try and slowly feed, feeling futile... what happened next can only be described as a miracle. I turned and, into the small crate used to house the pups, went Ms Muffin. Still having the desire to nurse (without milk at the time), she nuzzled and nursed and licked and cleaned. She had her babies after all.

The next day, we all made one final trip to the vet. The vet tried one last form of treatment. And with Ms Muffin's help, the pups started to improve. Within 24 hours, these fragile little things were turning the corner. I can only believe this was not a mere coincidence. Ms. Muffin was sent to help. The pups are now almost eight-weeks-old, and you would never know they ever had a rough week in their little lives. And you will never convince Ms. Muffin that she is not the proud Momma of Boxers.
Below: Ms. Muffin volunteers to snuggle with her adoptive puppies.


Link: Read the original story about these rescue boxer puppies.

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