While driving through an orchard in Fresno, California, a passing motorist encountered a heart-wrenching scene that compelled him to stop. There, by the roadside, stood a distressed dog seemingly pleading for help.
Upon closer inspection, he realized the dog was not alone. Surrounding her were seven tiny puppies, reliant on their mother’s protection.
The man wanted to rescue them all immediately but recognized that he couldn’t manage it by himself. With a cautious mother and her young litter, extra help was necessary.
He reached out to Helga Weiss, the president of Paw Squad 559 and co-founder of California Spay and Neuter, relaying the urgent need for assistance.
Weiss assured him that she would be there first thing in the morning to help secure the family’s safety.
Before leaving, the compassionate driver ensured the dogs had food and water, marking their location to facilitate the rescue mission.
That night, Weiss couldn’t shake thoughts of the devoted mother dog and her puppies. “All I could think about was the puppies and the poor mom trying to defend her children,” she confided to The Dodo.
The following morning, Weiss set off for the orchard, determined to help. Upon arriving, she was met with a poignant sight; the puppies were clearly abandoned with their mother, who guarded them fiercely.
As Weiss gently called out to the puppies, they slowly wagged their tails, inching towards her with eyes full of hope. The mother, ultimately named Mother Goose, proved more defensive, barking a warning at Weiss to keep her distance.
A nearby ranch worker revealed he had been feeding the dog family for some days, likely preventing starvation. Tragically, he shared that the mother had originally had eight puppies, but one had fallen prey to a coyote.
This revelation made it clear why Mother Goose was so protective.
Determined to gain the mother’s trust, Weiss sat down nearby, offering her sausages. After two and a half hours of patient waiting, the cautious canine finally realized Weiss posed no threat.
She allowed Weiss to gently collect her and the puppies and place them in a car.
Once inside the vehicle, the exhausted and relieved Mother Goose began an endearing gesture. “As soon as I picked her up and loaded her into my car, she actually started licking the tears off my face. It was adorable,” Weiss recounted.
The family journeyed north to Washington, where Save-A-Mutt Rescue arranged for them to stay with a caring foster home.
Once settled, foster mom Christie West noticed the puppies were unwell. Concerned, she took them to the veterinarian, who diagnosed them with parvo, a dangerous and highly contagious virus.
Fortunately, Save-A-Mutt provided specialized treatment, leading to the puppies’ gradual recovery. Thanks to West’s diligent care, the pups soon regained their energy, once again engaging in playful antics with wagging tails.
The young dogs subsequently received charming nursery-rhyme-inspired names: Itsy Bitsy, Star Light, Little Bo Peep, Twinkle Twinkle, Humpty Dumpty, Peter Piper, and Miss Muffet.
Now back to full health and brimming with energy, these puppies are on the cusp of finding their forever homes. Within weeks, they will journey to Save-A-Mutt in Washington, starting their quest for affectionate families.
Until that day comes, they continue to bask in the nurturing environment provided by their foster mom.
Thanks to the kindness of a benevolent stranger, the dedication of a devoted rescuer, and a community that rallied to help, Mother Goose and her puppies are now safe, cherished, and looking forward to a bright future filled with love.
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