When Donna Lochmann from Stray Rescue of St. Louis received word about a blue Pittie believed to be raising her litter all by herself, she knew she couldn’t ignore it.
Determined to locate the protective mother and her hidden puppies, Donna packed up food, got behind the wheel, and set out to bring them to safety.
A Careful Approach To Gain Trust
After driving for some time, Donna finally spotted the dog she had been searching for.
The Pittie mother looked wary but exhausted, and Donna immediately offered her some food, both to calm her hunger and to begin forming a fragile bond of trust. Once she finished eating, the dog quietly slipped back into the thick brush where her puppies were concealed.
Refusing to give up, Donna followed carefully. The mother, realizing someone was behind her, growled protectively and drew her tiny pups close.
Donna kept her voice soft and steady as she knelt down, extending treats toward the frightened dog. Bit by bit, the tension eased.
The Pittie emerged slightly from the bushes, cautious but curious, and eventually allowed Donna to fasten a leash around her neck.
“She was a little bit nervous, but for a mama dog with us literally being close to her puppies, she was good!” said Donna.
Once the mother was safely secured, the rescue team gently carried her to the car before returning to find her litter.
“It was way easier than we anticipated locating the puppies. She had done a really good job nursing them,” Donna said.
When all seven puppies were safe, Donna loaded them up and began the trip back to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, where warmth and safety awaited.
Foster Home Full Of Comfort And Healing
Within just a few days of arriving at the shelter, the resilient family was moved into a foster home, where they could rest and grow together.
The devoted Pittie, now lovingly named Crowned Candy, began adjusting right away. Her personality started to shine as she realized she was finally safe.
“She’s very affectionate with her puppies. Now that they’re getting older, they’re a little more independent. She leads them out of the room like ‘Hey, let’s come check this out’. She absolutely didn’t want to be by herself at all,” said Stacy, their new foster mom
Crowned Candy and Stacy quickly formed a deep connection, spending each day side by side.
“She’s my pal. I’m going to be taking care of Crown Candy and her puppies for a few more weeks, and then they will be able to be adopted,” said Stacy.
It won’t be long before Crowned Candy and her seven playful pups find families ready to love them unconditionally. Thanks to patience, care, and compassion, one fiercely protective mother and her babies now have the future they deserve.