Dog moms typically give birth to around six or seven puppies.
But Petunia was not an ordinary dog. This extraordinary girl welcomed an incredible litter of 11 puppies.
The four-year-old St. Bernard mix entered a foster program where she and her little ones were given a fresh start in life.
Yet Petunia’s story did not stop there. She amazed everyone when she accepted six more orphaned pups, showing that her heart was big enough to care for all of them.
From Stray To Proud Mama
Petunia’s journey had not been easy. Just weeks before giving birth, she was wandering the streets with no home, no safety, and no hope.
Her miracle came when a Minnesota couple, Stephanie Easley and her husband, welcomed her into their home. They were ready to help her through the final stages of pregnancy and were not surprised when Petunia gave birth to 11 little ones.
The new mother immediately showed her strength and devotion. Stephanie saw that Petunia’s maternal instincts had kicked in perfectly. She needed no help caring for her babies.
But just when the Easleys thought their house was full enough, the phone rang.
Orphans Arrive At The Doorstep
The call came from No Dog Left Behind, a Minnesota rescue group. They asked Stephanie and her husband if they could foster six orphaned puppies found inside an abandoned house.
The pups were in danger of starving without a mother’s care. The Easleys brought them home, hoping Petunia would accept them.
“When they arrived, my husband rushed them home to see if Petunia would allow them to attach to her,” Stephanie said. “Thankfully, she immediately started cleaning them without skipping a beat. There was absolutely no question that these six were now her babies as well.”
Petunia did not hesitate for a moment. She knew what it meant to be alone, and she was determined to protect the new little ones.
“She is showing zero signs of struggle. She truly is a saint. I know that people often say that humans could learn from dogs, but Petunia is able to love and accept with zero hesitation. She helped others in need even though it’ll be a burden on her. Imagine what the world would be like if humans could all do that.”
Life With Seventeen Puppies
With 17 puppies now in her care, Petunia had a busy household. Stephanie and her husband did their best to help by supplementing feedings and making sure all the pups thrived.
When it was time to transition from Petunia’s milk to solid food, the sweet mama wasn’t very happy about it. She loved nursing and found comfort in caring for her babies.
At a puppy socialization party, Petunia even tried to gather more pups from other moms, as if she wanted to bring them all home too. Her heart simply had no limits.
A Happy Ending For All
In time, every single puppy found a forever family. Petunia herself also found her own happy ending.
Stephanie reunited with her a few months later, and Petunia was still the same wonderful girl she had fostered and admired.
To this day, Stephanie says Petunia is one of the most remarkable dogs she has ever met.
After all, how many moms can say they lovingly raised 17 puppies at once?
Petunia is proof that some dogs truly have hearts of gold.