A variety of life situations can create strong bonds that last a lifetime. And yet, even in the hardest of times, unshakable friendships are formed. I experienced such a moment when two mother dogs gave birth to 18 small puppies and raised them together.
After that they were inseparable.
The condition of two females was serious.
Photo collage with dogs and puppies
In late October 2023 the BC SPCA adopted two females. They just had 18 puppies. Each gave birth to two litters of nine litters. When an animal control officer found her on private property, what he found was more than he could have imagined.
In addition to caring for their young alone, these females suffered from severe malnutrition and neglect.
“The dogs received very little, if any food,” said Eileen Drever, senior animal protection officer for the BC SPCA. “It appears the owner left the dogs and puppies outside to fend for themselves with no visible food or water.”
She also said that the eighteen puppies were found huddled together in a completely inadequate, makeshift dog house surrounded by hazards, including sharp chicken wire.
These were not conditions in which even a single dog could live, let alone a mother who had to take care of her babies.
That’s why they simply had to react, and quickly.
They Required Emergency Care
“When dogs like these arrive, they often require emergency care and medical treatment. They may be riddled with parasites, under-weight, covered in matted fur and waste, or any of the other common problems we encounter,” BC SPCA stated.
Derver said that two moms, named Goldie and Honey, had very low body scores – two out of nine. Their ribs, hips, and spines were clearly visible.
“An animal protection officer observed the puppies trying to suckle, but the moms were so malnourished they did not have enough milk to feed this large number of puppies,” Derver said.
Because of this, the veterinarian put the moms on a very specific refeeding plan. Giving food and water little by little over a period of time was the only way for them to recover.
The puppies were also underweight, but not as severely as their moms – with a body score of four out of nine.
“The puppies were all suffering from diarrhea and were lethargic,” says Drever. “In a rare case for puppies this young, one had a urinary tract infection that is being treated with antibiotics.”
Despite everything, both Goldie and Honey as well as their little babies were recovering slowly but successfully.
They Didn’t Have The Heart To Separate Them
About a month after they were received in the shelter, the BC SPCA posted some good news on their official Facebook page.
“Thank you for showing these two brave moms and their 18 puppies that they deserve love. They will never have to go hungry again because of you; we are so grateful,” they wrote.
The BC SPCA thanked all the big-hearted people who donated money for the recovery of these two big families. Considering the results, there are still a lot of good people out there.
In addition to that, they announced that the puppies, as well as the mother dogs, were ready for adoption.
However, they emphasized that the shelter will only accept applications from people who are willing to adopt Goldie and Honey together.
These two “Super Moms”, as they called them, have been through so much together that their bond has become unbreakable. The two became one soul and two bodies, where without one, there is no other.
We believe that an adopter will be found who will recognize this and give these two brave moms the happy life together that they deserve.
