Can you believe that a pregnant dog refuses to give birth? A great way to add to the joy of welcoming a new pet or pregnant dog into your family is to rescue an animal in need. Chris Hughes and Mariesa Caliguire, a couple living outside of Cleveland, knew this fact better than anybody.
One day, they went to the animal sʜᴇʟᴛᴇʀ with the idea of taking another dog who had been abandoned, ɪɴjᴜʀᴇᴅ, or otherwise ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ.
There, they met Storie, an adorable pup in particularly difficult circumstances; she was heavily pregnant. The couple quickly fell in love with the dog and agreed to adopt her. Little did they know that she had 12 puppies inside her belly…
The initial idea had been that Storie would give birth at the shelter, but it seemed to be that being there was preventing her. She didn’t feel safe. Although Storie’s stomach was swollen and it looked as though she could give birth any day, something was preventing her. It just wasn’t happening at the shelter.
Chris explains: “Dogs having puppies at shelters, it’s not the best thing for them. It’s stressful for her, stressful for the puppies.”
So Chris and Mariesa took Storie home, taking her to the vets on the way for a quick check-up. An x-ray revealed 12 tiny puppies waiting to be born!
The dog, finally out of the shelter and in a safe, warm home, gave birth to her litter only 18 hours after being brought home. As if she finally knew she was safe, Storie brought twelve happy and healthy puppies into the world — and not a moment too soon! Chris embraced the new mother as she took a well-deserved rest.
Since they got their first pup Moses early in their relationship, the couple’s lives revolved almost entirely around canines.
Within two weeks, the puppies began to open their eyes and show the world their unique personalities. The idea of having 13 dogs roaming around the house would be daunting to many, but Chris and Mariesa managed to get by.
Chris and Mariesa decided to take care of Storie and give her a safe place in their home where she could birth, feed and raise her puppies safely. After a few months, the organization Bubbles and More Animal Rescue helped to find new homes for all 12 of Storie’s pups.