Welcoming a foster puppy into your home is an act of true kindness.
Opening your doors to dogs who have faced abandonment and helping them recover from trauma requires patience, compassion, and dedication.
Many of these animals arrive needing a second chance, and foster caregivers provide the love, attention, and time necessary for healing.
This story follows one such dog, whose arrival brought an unexpected surprise that no one anticipated.
An Arrival That Sparked Curiosity
When Kaitlin Devoto agreed to take in a foster dog, she had almost no details about what to expect.
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, she met a striking red poodle. She noticed the dog seemed to be lactating and 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 poodle was underweight and clearly in need of care, but Devoto was ready for the challenge. She brought her home and began a recovery plan immediately.
A Surprise Waiting Overnight
Just four days later, Devoto was startled by an unexpected discovery.
She went to check on the dog and found a newborn puppy snuggled in the dog bed. The birth had happened overnight without her noticing.
After searching the surrounding area for more puppies and finding none, she focused on making both mother and baby comfortable, laying out soft blankets and creating a cozy, safe space.
The puppy was a tiny boy, with a round, delicate body that reminded Devoto of a chicken nugget.
She shared, “He was very quickly named Chicky Nug. But I was stumped on a name for Momma that fit the same theme.”
Ultimately, she settled on the name Mickey D to match her little one’s playful moniker.
Two Lives Flourishing In Foster Care
Chicky Nug has grown rapidly, full of energy and curiosity. Devoto said, “He loves to run around and do zoomies. And he’s very interested in biting toes and toys.”
Mickey D is also beginning to embrace play, slowly shedding her initial shyness to reveal a more confident and lively personality.
Under Devoto’s care, both dogs are thriving. They will soon be ready for permanent homes through Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue in New York.
Although their adoption status is still unknown, it’s hard to imagine anyone turning down the chance to welcome these affectionate and spirited companions.