When a little pug named Maple first stepped outside of her crate, she was unsure of everything around her. All she knew was that the new world felt overwhelming.
After spending three long years in a breeding facility in Iowa, Maple finally found safety in the care of Camp Companion staff, who had been waiting to welcome her.
It wasn’t long before Izzy and Tyler, her new foster parents, brought her home. They gave Maple the most secure and loving environment she had ever known, slowly helping her feel safe enough to trust people again.
Maple had no idea, but she had just entered the softest place she could ever call home.
Taking It Slow
Although Izzy and Tyler were thrilled to see Maple bravely walk out of her crate, their happiness was quickly shadowed by sadness when they realized how badly she had been neglected.
“She was filthy, under-groomed and flinched every time we went to pet her. Puppy mills often keep dogs in overcrowded cages with little to no medical care, proper nutrition, or opportunities for exercise and play. These mamas never get to experience the joy of being pets — just the endless cycle of breeding,” Maple’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
Despite everything she had endured, Maple was finally able to find what she had wanted for years, and that was a sense of safety.
Learning to Trust
During the following days, Izzy and Tyler worked hard to help Maple adjust. Their patience was rewarded when she rolled over, asking for belly rubs.
She even discovered how to play with a toy for the very first time.
As the weeks passed, Maple started to settle in. But her past still lingered. She began slowing down as it became clear she was carrying what would be her last litter.
Once again, her foster family gave her everything she needed while she grew six strong and healthy puppies. Then came Christmas. While most people were unwrapping presents, Maple was giving the best gift of all: three daughters and three sons.
With the devoted care of Izzy and Tyler, Maple raised her cheerful puppies until March, when each one left for their forever homes.
That’s when everything changed for Maple.
On her first spring walk with Izzy and her foster dog sibling, Riggley, Maple seemed lighter in spirit. She moved with a bounce in her step and a sparkle in her eyes. Just days later, she surprised everyone by zooming around the house.
The little pug who once hesitated to leave her crate was now racing through the rooms, finally living like the happy pup she was always meant to be.
A New Beginning
A few weeks later, a couple who had rescued pugs before came to meet Maple, and they instantly knew she belonged with them.
“The minute we walked into the store, Maple ran right up to her new mom. It was like she knew this was supposed to be her person,” Maple’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
Maple, now called Mabel, instantly bonded with her forever mom from the moment they met.
Even though it was bittersweet for Izzy and Tyler to let her go, they knew she was finally where she belonged.
“We can’t change Maple’s past, but we can promise her a future filled with love, care and plenty of snuggles. From here on out, she’s safe, loved and will always have people looking out for her,” Mabel’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
Thanks to everyone who helped Mabel get the life she deserved, she now has the best future ahead of her. Her journey is a reminder that when people come together, amazing things can happen.