The ultrasound results were out, but the vet could not help but frown at what they said. She was in complete disbelief at what she saw. Could she have made a mistake somewhere along the way? She tried to see if she made an error while counting. She did not. This could only mean one thing. She had to speak to the owners as soon as she possibly could. The life of this pit bull was on the line, after all.
This Very Pregnant Dog Resisted Giving Birth, But The Story Was Even More Complicated Than That
Time To Choose One
If you are interested in adopting a pet, there is nowhere to go but the animal shelter! Chris and Mariesa had been on the lookout for the newest member of their family. She promised to only choose one, but how was she supposed to pick when all of the animals there were so sweet and adorable? However, it all changed for her when she saw one particular dog in the shelter. What made her choose this pooch?
Time To Choose One
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
The dog in question went up to them and started to lick their hands. It was a heavily pregnant pit bull! Her belly was full of unborn puppies, and Mariesa could see that this dog was in desperate need of a place to call home. She knew that this pit bull had to be taken care of to ensure the health of her pups. She felt the need to bring this dog home, but there were several things that she had to first consider.
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
Mariesa found out that this pit bull is called Storie. When the staff at the center told the couple her story, they could not help but feel sad. It turns out that this dog used to belong to a backyard breeder. This person abandoned the pregnant dog upon realizing that it was going to be very hard and pricey to look after her puppies when they get there.
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
A Loving Home
Chris and Mariesa knew that it would be the right thing to give Storie the safety, love, and comfort she needed. However, they were surprised to hear the next detail that the staff member told them. They were in shock at what they just found out!
A Loving Home
Fans Of Pit Bulls
The couple adored pit bulls more than anything. In fact, this was not their first rodeo. No, they already had a lot of dogs from the breed. In case you wanted to hear the details, Chris and Mariesa had ten pit bulls in their home. Here are eight of the aforementioned dogs.
Fans Of Pit Bulls
“Megabed”
With all those dogs, it is hard to imagine what their house must look like. Have a look at the “megabed.” Chris explained it to 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.” It measures 14 feet by 7 feet and can fit all of their fur babies in it.
“Megabed”
Misunderstood
Chris and Mariesa knew that there was more they could do for the poor breed of dogs. They loved pit bulls so much that they decided to do this. Even though they were not at all strangers to these dogs, this visit was going to give them an experience that they had never had in the past.
Misunderstood
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
The couple had a passion together. They both loved animals dearly! In one interview, Mariesa recalled how she would break up with her boyfriends because they did not understand just how obsessed she was with dogs. Most people did not understand nor support the dream she had to fill a house with pups.
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
Chris Was Different
We are glad that she and Chris eventually found one another. He was a fellow dog-lover, so he could see where she was coming from. Together, their love for dogs continued to go stronger every single day.
Chris Was Different
Friendly Faces In These Places
We know that it is sad to hear this, but most rescue centers and animal shelters are overburdened. The truth is that they do not usually have the necessary resources to look after all the animals that they want to help. When Chris and Mariesa went to the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue, they noticed that there was one breed that they saw more than the others: pit bulls. They felt sad to see so many of these sweet dogs in the cages. Chris and Mariesa had no idea that one of them would change their lives forever.
Friendly Faces In These Places
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Most people think negatively of pit bulls, but this is just a misunderstanding. The dog breed is actually known for a huge head and muscular physique. Do not worry because this has nothing to do with how dangerous they can be. Even if this is the truth, it is still illegal to have a pit bull in a number of states.
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Trying To Change The Stigma
Chris and Mariesa were well-aware of these things, and they have actually adopted a number of these dogs for those reasons. They will be the first to tell you that their dogs have never behaved violently. The couple wanted to do everything in their power to give these dogs a better future.
Trying To Change The Stigma
Loving And Loyal Creatures
Even though many pit bulls immediately associate pit bulls with danger, there is no truth to this claim. In fact, dogs from this breed can be just as loving and loyal as any other dog out there. It is only natural for them to behave badly if they are ever mistreated, but nothing in their genes gave them the predisposition for evil and violence. They are actually awesome companions if you ever give them a chance! In the meantime, let us take a look at what Chris and Mariesa have decided to do with Storie.
Loving And Loyal Creatures
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
The employees told Mariesa and Chris that Stories should have already given birth. They were not sure why it has not happened already. She looked like she was going to pop at any moment now. What is up?
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
Life And Death
The couple knew that there was something wrong about this situation. Clearly, Storie was in need of help. They had to decide right away since a delay might mean very bad things for Storie and the pups.
Life And Death
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
They were already running out of time, and Storie needed attention as soon as possible. Still, it would be bad to rush into things. As they talked some more, the pit bull came over and put her head on Mariesa’s knee. She looked up with those puppy dog eyes of hers. Mariesa knew what she had to do next.
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Big Dog Family
She was determined to bring home this pregnant pit bull, but was it the right choice in this situation? It would mean that they were going to expand their huge family some more. Could they actually handle a challenge like this one? They did not know it yet, but the situation was about to get more complicated.
Big Dog Family
The Perfect Solution
Even though she knew that they would have more than 10 dogs in the house once Storie gave birth, Mariesa still wanted to provide this pit bull a safe place for her delivery. She only wanted to ensure that the pregnant dog was going to feel comfortable no matter what.
The Perfect Solution
An Idea
Chris and Mariesa talked about it in detail, weighing the benefits and costs of this plan. However, it was hard to come up with a practical solution to the problem they had on their hands. That was the moment that Chris thought of something that would make it easier for everyone involved in this story.
An Idea
Foster Parents
He said that they could simply foster Storie and the puppies. It was going to be a temporary fix, but the animal rescue staff could look for people to adopt them on a permanent basis. This was ideal for them!
Foster Parents
Another Problem
It was a sweet idea, but this did not solve all of the issues that they had at that moment. For one thing, they still did not know what was up with the pregnancy. How come Storie had not given birth just yet?
Another Problem
Looking For Answers Online
It was the first time that they have heard of a problem like that. They had no idea what was stopping the dog from giving birth to all her pups. They could not help but worry, so they started to look for answers.
Looking For Answers Online
Terrifying
What they found out on the web only made them feel even more scared than they were. Isn’t this what happens when you go online to look for expert advice? They only felt more anxious about this situation!
Terrifying
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
Generally, humans fail to understand just how smart animals actually are. When Chris and Mariesa looked up answers online, they found several reasons why a pregnant dog would resist the delivery of her puppies. They saw an article that matched the circumstances they were currently dealing with.
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
Stressful Conditions
Their research led them to find that animals undergo quite a lot of stress and trauma when they live in rescue shelters. Pregnant dogs have a higher risk than other animals there. Even though shelters were made to help dogs, it is not a good idea to cram so many dogs in one place. They all knew that Storie would fare better if she was taken to a proper home.
Stressful Conditions
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Chris and Mariesa researched this problem some more and realized that things were even worse than they had in mind. Storie did not only risk losing the puppies but also risked losing her life in the process. They had to do something right away if they did not want this to happen.
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Traumatic Experiences
Mariesa found out that pregnant dogs that suffer trauma usually worry a lot for their pups. In fact, they might refuse to give birth instead. This happens when they think the babies would only be in danger.
Traumatic Experiences
Off To The Vet
The couple knew that this was a very dangerous situation. They had to bring Storie to the vet if they did not want to lose her so soon after meeting her! Mariesa and Chris strapped her in and went to the vet.
Off To The Vet
What The Ultrasound Showed
The vet used the ultrasound on Storie but could not believe what she saw. She was very shocked to see what it said. What did the results show her and why did she think there must be a mistake?
What The Ultrasound Showed
Something Isn’t Right
The figures on the results did not change or disappear no matter how long she waited. It meant that her findings were true. The white outlines told her something that was going to shock the couple as well. Mariesa could sense that something was not right here. What was it?
Something Isn’t Right
The Shock Of A Lifetime
The vet inhaled deeply and then told them what she saw in the result of the ultrasound. She said that it was normal for pregnant dogs to carry six pups, but this was not what she found in Storie’s womb.
The Shock Of A Lifetime
Frozen In Shock
The vet pointed to the white outlines and counted them for the couple. Chris and Mariesa were starting to see what was going on. They thought that they were getting six puppies, but the ultrasound had a different story to tell. What was going on here?
Frozen In Shock
A Development No One Expected
The vet was shocked by what she saw. No matter how much she recounted the pups, she only got the same number again and again. At last, she knew that it was time to talk to Chris and Mariesa about it.
A Development No One Expected
Unexpected
In the end, Storie did not have six puppies in her womb like all of them thought. She was not carrying six but twelve! It turns out that Chris and Mariesa will have to deal with six more pups than they thought.
Unexpected
Disbelief
They could not believe what they just learned. Six was already too much for them, so a dozen was surely going to make things even harder. Of course, they were also concerned about what it meant for Storie.
Disbelief
Go Home And Wait
The vet had no answers for them when they asked why Storie had yet to give birth to her puppies. It was a relief to learn that they were all fine through the ultrasound result. What should they do after this?
Go Home And Wait
Preparation
The vet told them to simply go home and try to get ready for the upcoming birth. They were asked to return if Storie still did not deliver in 48 hours. They had no clue that she was just waiting for something.
Preparation
The Parents Are Anxious
Can you imagine just how stressed out Chris and Mariesa must have been by then? They just found out that Storie could lose an entire dozen of puppies. What would the next 48 hours have in store for them?
The Parents Are Anxious
A Brilliant Idea
They knew that it was a rough situation, but the truth was that the only thing they could do was to wait and see. Chris and Mariesa decided that they could at least make Storie feel safe and comfortable!
A Brilliant Idea
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
Chris and Mariesa already read a lot of articles that talked about the way trauma and stress could affect a pregnant them. They wanted to help her, so they made her a very comfy bed. Mariesa took aside a spot in a spare bedroom and placed some pillows and blankets there. She hoped it would help Storie.
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
Sanctuary
After this, they took Storie to the room and placed her on top of the heap. Chris and Mariesa made sure to adjust the room temperature, materials used, and noise level to make it an ideal place for resting.
Sanctuary
Oblivious
They did not know what was going to happen in the next 2 days. Chris and Mariesa were both tired, so they decided to sleep and just come back there in the morning. Hopefully, Storie can also get some rest.
Oblivious
Extraordinary
Mariesa and Chris went to the room as soon as they woke up. On their way to check up on Storie, they could hear unusual noises from that room. Worried, they rushed in and got a wonderful surprise.
Extraordinary
During The Night
They entered the room and found Storie inside. She was accompanied by twelve of the cutest little puppies they ever saw. She gave birth to them over the course of the night. Good job, Storie!
During The Night
Thrilled
Chris and Mariesa could not help but cry when they saw the pups. Storie finally did it! They were very thrilled about this development. In the end, they found out what she had been waiting for all this time.
Thrilled
A Dozen Puppies
A shelter is hardly the ideal place for a pregnant dog and her unborn puppies. Animals often feel very stressed when they are in this situation. Storie knew that it was not the best place for her and the pups!
A Dozen Puppies
Less Than A Day
It only took Storie less than one day with Mariesa and Chris to know that they were no threats to her and the puppies. They helped her feel comfortable enough to give birth to these puppies. It was a total miracle since no one could understand why she was overdue for such a long time before this happened.
Less Than A Day
A Great Dog Mama
Storie looked after the puppies with great care. Of course, she did – she is the best dog momma in the world! Soon enough, Chris and Mariesa started to get adoption requests that came from the rescue center. They knew that this moment would come, but it was hard for them to let all of the puppies go.
A Great Dog Mama
Puppies For Adoption
After a few weeks, the babies finally opened their eyes! Mariesa and Chris had such an awesome time with this litter of puppies. They dominated their yard and played as much as they wanted to. Storie was always there to keep an eye on them. She looked so content, but this was not meant to last.
Puppies For Adoption
Waiting For A Little TLC
As soon as Storie was in a safe and proper place, she only had to let her body do what had to be done. In the end, she managed to give birth to all twelve puppies she had been carrying all this time. What now?
Waiting For A Little TLC
A Pack Of Her Own
It seems like the pit bull had a list of requirements before she gave birth! We think that it is only reasonable for her to look for the feeling of protection and security. Chris and Mariesa had acted like good Samaritans and helped her out in her time of need. It was a good thing they arrived just in time.
A Pack Of Her Own
Heading For Their New Homes
We think that it is neat that they found people who wanted to adopt all of the puppies by the time that they were 10 weeks old. Mariesa and Chris loved the pups, but they had no resources to look after them all. Adoption was the best course of action here. It was heartbreaking, but it was the right thing to do.
Heading For Their New Homes
10 Weeks Old
They were adopted by their new owners when they were 10 weeks old. But what was going to happen to Storie? The pups might be in good hands now but let us find out what would happen to their mom. We daresay that she deserved only the best possible future after what she did!
10 Weeks Old
Her Forever Home
We bet that you have already guessed that the story blew up when it made it to Facebook. This was how this man found out about Storie and her incredible story. He contacted Chris and Mariesa to ask for a meeting. He just wanted to meet this incredible dog and then see what they could do after that.
Her Forever Home
They All Found Homes!
In the end, he was so charmed by Storie that he decided to bring her home with him. At last, Chris and Mariesa managed to find forever homes for all of their foster dogs. Storie also got spayed to prevent more pregnancies like that from happening. No one wanted her to experience the same thing again.
They All Found Homes!
The Best Dog Mom
While Storie gave birth to a total of twelve pups, she always showered each one of them with the love and care that they needed. They did not have a long time together, but she was very devoted to them.
The Best Dog Mom
The End Was Nearing
Chris and Mariesa were thrilled and happy to see how good of a mother Storie was. She made sure to clean and nurse her puppies until they were all in good health. Sadly, they could not stay together.
The End Was Nearing
If Not For Them
If you were curious about the pups, we want you to know that they are very happy in their homes right now. They are all healthy and loved. Storie stuck around with Chris and Mariesa for a little while longer. She did not go until all twelve of her puppies had been taken away.
If Not For Them
A Crucial Chance
If Mariesa and Chris did not take a chance with her, there is a good chance that she would not even be around right now. It was a good thing that the couple had good hearts. They could have simply left Storie on her own but decided to bring home the helpless dog. Without a doubt, they are good people.
A Crucial Chance
A Happy Note
We are definitely glad that this story came with a happy ending. However, there are lots of dogs there who will never have a place they can call home. Shelters are often overburdened and underfunded, so a little help can go a long way. Don’t worry, you can help in other ways if you cannot adopt.
A Happy Note
Helping Out
Perhaps fostering is a better option for you. If not, you can always donate in kind or simply spread the word about these rescue homes and animal shelters. Trust us, these things will go a long way when it comes to helping out the people who work at these places.
Helping Out
The Mr. Mo Project
Chris and Mariesa Hughes have also founded a nonprofit called The Mr. Mo Project. This was established to help out sick and elderly dogs, who are often at risk of euthanasia. They wanted to help these poor dogs find a place to live out their days. The organization covers the expenses of these lovely creatures. They receive TLC from the “fospice” as well.
The Mr. Mo Project
A Family Affair
Do you want to adopt or foster but feel like you do not have enough space for all of them? Perhaps it is time to have a megabed built! Chris and Mariesa own a giant bed that measures almost double a normal king bed. This option is always available, just so you know.
A Family Affair
Happy Holidays!
It is no secret that Chris and Mariesa are big dog lovers. If you want to keep up with them, you should hit the follow button on ‘The Mr. Mo Project’ Instagram account. They recently posted this lovely photo and captioned it, “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!