When Rachel Fusaro arrived at the Southern Oregon Humane Society in Medford, Oregon, where she regularly volunteers, she had no idea her life was about to change.
That day, she met Daffodil, a visibly pregnant dog whose situation was both urgent and heartbreaking.
Daffodil had been left behind by her former owners at a time when she needed care the most. She was underweight, clearly neglected, and in desperate need of a safe place to deliver her puppies. While it wasn’t confirmed whether she had been used for breeding, her condition suggested she had endured significant hardship.
Moved by what she saw, Fusaro knew she couldn’t leave Daffodil behind. She chose to foster the expectant mother and give her the love and security she had never known.
Daffodil Gives Birth In Her New Home
From the moment Daffodil entered Fusaro’s home, she seemed to sense she was finally in a safe place. She quickly bonded with her foster mom, leaning into her kindness and care.
Fusaro set up a whelping box and showered her with affection. Whenever the petting paused, Daffodil would gently place her paw on Fusaro’s arm, asking for more love.
Soon after settling in, Daffodil went into labor. Over the course of five hours, she gave birth to nine healthy puppies.
Fusaro stayed by her side the entire time, offering comfort and encouragement as Daffodil bravely delivered each pup. Reflecting on the experience, Fusaro shared her feelings online:
“Watching Daffodil bring life into a world that treated her so poorly with such grace changed everything within me,” Fusaro wrote on Instagram.
Supporting A Family Through Loss And Recovery
Fusaro was committed to providing the best care possible. She slept in the same room as Daffodil and her newborns, ensuring she was always nearby. Because of Daffodil’s past neglect, she needed extra support during her recovery.
The puppies were lovingly named Birdie, Maple, Aura, Juniper, Grover, Posie, Beau, Moss, and Huckleberry.
Tragically, three of the puppies Maple, Juniper, and Posie, became ill and passed away at three-and-a-half weeks old. Fusaro was heartbroken but remained strong for Daffodil and the six surviving pups.
Healing And Finding Forever Homes
With steady care and love, the remaining puppies grew stronger and more playful each day. When they were ready, the Southern Oregon Humane Society helped place them up for adoption.
Although Fusaro hadn’t planned to keep any of the puppies, she fell in love with Aura and decided to adopt her officially.
The rest of the puppies found wonderful homes nearby, allowing the siblings to stay in touch and visit each other.
Meanwhile, Daffodil continued to recover under Fusaro’s watchful care. Fusaro adored her and promised not to stop until Daffodil found the perfect forever home.
That promise was fulfilled when a retired couple met Daffodil and instantly connected with her gentle nature. They adopted her, giving her the love and comfort she had always deserved.
Now, Daffodil is thriving in her new home, leaving behind the pain of her past.
Thanks to Fusaro’s unwavering compassion, a neglected dog was not only able to safely deliver her puppies but also begin a new chapter filled with love and hope.