The joy that a dog brings into a human life is often beyond words. Yet, before reaching that joy, there are moments of hardship that test both animals and the people who care for them.
Few understand this better than experienced rescuer Caitlin Evers, founder of Caitie’s Foster Fam in Houston, Texas. Over the years, she has saved countless animals and fostered more than 280 dogs.
So when a shop owner called to report a stray dog giving birth outside in the middle of a downpour, Caitlin did not hesitate. She rushed to the scene, prepared for the worst. Even with her experience, the sight that greeted her was heartbreaking.
From Storms To Shelter
In a TikTok video posted by @caitiesfosterfam Caitlin revealed that the dog, a Basset Hound later named Bentley, had given birth over the weekend in front of the shop. Employees discovered the family on Monday morning.
Houston had been hit by multiple storms that weekend, leaving Bentley and her newborns soaked, cold, and vulnerable. Caitlin admitted she was devastated when she saw them.
Eight puppies were huddled with their mother when Caitlin arrived. But in another TikTok video, she explained Bentley had actually delivered eleven babies. Three had not survived the harsh conditions.
The loss weighed heavily on Caitlin, but it strengthened her resolve to save the rest. She carefully gathered Bentley and each surviving pup, placed them gently in her car, and drove them to safety.
Once home, Caitlin immediately bathed them to treat a severe flea infestation. Finally, Bentley and her babies could rest in warmth and comfort. Watching them sleep peacefully in soft blankets after enduring so much was deeply moving for Caitlin.
Sadly, one more puppy crossed the rainbow bridge in the following days. Though it broke her heart, Caitlin poured her energy into ensuring the remaining litter had every chance to thrive.
With time, the family began to flourish.
Bentley and her puppies named Ford, Lincoln, Mustang, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, and Rover were safe, healthy, and moving toward brighter days. After enduring storms and loss, they were finally surrounded by love.
@caitiesfosterfam This poor mama gave birth this weekend alone, on the streets, in the pouring rain. She sought out shelter anywhere she could, and she found her way into a shop. When the workers got there this morning, they saw her with her newborns. They made a space for her to rest with her babies while they reached out to rescues. That’s when I heard about her and rushed that way. The eight surviving puppies are hanging in there. They’re active and nursing. But they were cold and covered in fleas when I got them. We are fighting an uphill battle for sure. There are 5 boys and 3 girls. The smallest girl is about half the size of her littermates and appears much weaker. I’ll continue to give her the best chance, but odds aren’t on her side. It’s going to be tough for all of these babies, but their mama has fought so hard for their survival. So now we’re all here to help them. It’s all up from here. I just updated our rescue Amazon wishlist to include things we need for mama and her babies. Direct link in bio! To donate: Venmo @ caitiesfosterfam Cashapp $caitiesfosterfam PayPal.me/caitiesfosterfam Caitiesfosterfam.org/donate #caitiesfosterfam ♬ Yellow – Acoustic – Beth
A Story That Touched Thousands
Caitlin has long shared rescue stories on TikTok, drawing attention from her followers and beyond. The videos of Bentley and her puppies were no exception, and one of her TikTok videos quickly went viral.
Among the many comments, we have highlighted just a few.
“Having her babies and her with fleas and yet she is still trying to protect them 😭❤️hoping they all get bigger and stronger,” one user wrote.
“You are an absolute saint. I’m moving to Houston soon and I really really would love to join your organization and help you! You are an angel.” another added.
And the third quipped: “Thank you for helping ❤️”
The gratitude was clear. While Bentley’s courage as a mother was remarkable, none of this would have been possible without Caitlin’s intervention. Alongside the shop employees who first discovered the family, she ensured that hope followed the rain.