Taking in a foster puppy is a deeply compassionate act.
Opening your home to abandoned dogs and helping them recover from trauma is a selfless and powerful gesture.
Many of these animals are in desperate need of a second chance, and foster caregivers ensure they receive the time, patience, and love required to heal.
This is the story of one such dog who had endured hardship and who arrived with a surprise no one saw coming.
An Arrival That Raised Questions
When Kaitlin Devoto agreed to foster a dog, she had very little information.
She told The Dodo, “I didn’t know the gender or age. The first time we knew what she looked like was when she arrived in Cincinnati when I picked her up.”
At the pickup center in New York, Devoto met a striking red poodle. She noticed the dog appeared to be lactating but assumed it was leftover from a previous litter.
She added, “It’s not unusual to receive a puppy mill Momma who’s still lactating. When their puppies are weaned, moms are ‘no longer useful’.”
The dog was underweight and clearly in need of care, but Devoto was prepared. She brought her home immediately and began a plan to help her recover.
A Surprise No One Saw Coming
Just four days later, Devoto was awakened by something unexpected.
She went to check on the dog and was stunned to find a newborn puppy lying in the dog bed. The birth had happened overnight, and she hadn’t noticed.
After searching for additional puppies and finding none, Devoto turned her attention to making the mother and her new baby comfortable. She laid out soft blankets and created a cozy space for them both.
The puppy was a boy, and his round, tiny body reminded her of a chicken nugget.
The woman said: He was very quickly named Chicky Nug. But I was stumped on a name for Momma that fit the same theme.
Eventually, she settled on the name Mickey D to match her baby’s playful nickname.
Two Dogs Thriving In Foster Care
The little pup has grown quickly and is now full of energy. Devoto shared, “He loves to run around and do zoomies. And he’s very interested in biting toes and toys.”
Mickey has also begun to enjoy toys, and her once timid personality is slowly giving way to a more confident and playful spirit.
Devoto continues to foster both dogs, and they’re thriving under her care. Soon, they’ll be ready to transition into permanent homes through Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue in New York.
While it’s not yet known if they’ve been adopted, it’s hard to imagine anyone passing up the chance to welcome such lovable companions.