Dog moms usually welcome litters of six or seven puppies.
Petunia, however, was anything but typical. This incredible St. Bernard mix delivered an astonishing 11 puppies and then opened her heart even wider.
After entering a foster program with her newborns, Petunia shocked everyone when she welcomed six orphaned puppies as if they were her own. Her gentle nature and devotion turned her into a mother of 17.
A Stray’s Life Transforms Overnight
Petunia had endured a difficult past. Only a few weeks before giving birth, she was found wandering the streets with no shelter and no one to care for her.
Everything changed when a Minnesota couple, Stephanie Easley and her husband, agreed to foster her. They knew she was close to delivering her puppies and prepared their home for her arrival.
When Petunia gave birth to 11 healthy puppies, Stephanie immediately noticed her strong maternal instincts. She tended to each pup with care, never missing a moment to check on them.
The Easleys believed they had reached their limit, but their phones rang with a request they had not expected.
Six Orphans In Desperate Need
The call came from No Dog Left Behind, a Minnesota rescue group that had discovered six abandoned puppies in a vacant home. Without a mother, the puppies faced starvation.
The rescue team hoped Petunia could become their lifeline. The Easleys brought the orphans home and anxiously watched as Petunia met 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 seemed to understand their situation. She never hesitated to accept them and quickly folded them into her growing family.
“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 A Family Of Seventeen
Suddenly responsible for 17 lively puppies, Petunia had her paws full.
The Easleys stepped in to help by bottle-feeding the smallest ones and making sure every pup received the nourishment they needed.
When it came time to transition the puppies from nursing to solid food, Petunia was reluctant. She enjoyed caring for her babies and seemed to want to stay close to them for as long as she could.
During a puppy socialization gathering, Petunia even attempted to collect more puppies from other mother dogs, as if she hoped to expand her family once again. Her love appeared endless.
A Beautiful Ending For A Remarkable Mother
One by one, all 17 puppies found loving forever homes.
Petunia also received her own happy ending when she was adopted by a family who adored her just as much as the Easleys did.
Stephanie later visited Petunia and found her just as affectionate and steady as she had been months before.
To this day, Stephanie considers Petunia one of the most extraordinary dogs she has ever known.
Not many mothers can proudly say they raised 17 puppies, but Petunia can. Her story shows how powerful a mother’s love can be, even when the odds seem overwhelming.