A mother’s instinct is truly one of the most powerful forces in the world — and dogs are no exception!
When it came time to bring her babies into the world, a frightened Pittie mom searched desperately for a safe place.
She ended up choosing an abandoned house in St. Louis, Missouri, believing it would offer protection. But hiding in a boarded-up, pitch-black house with no food or water was far from ideal.
Alone and exhausted, this brave mama did her best for her newborns — until rescuers came to her aid just in time.
Rescue Team Arrives At The Right Moment
The kind people at Stray Rescue of St. Louis received word about a Pittie hiding in an abandoned house with her litter. Volunteers Natalie and Donna, experienced in countless rescue missions, rushed to the site.
Calling out softly and offering snacks, they tried to coax her out. Eventually, a skinny little head peeked from beneath an old mattress. Starving and frail, she still had the strength to go for the treats.
Once she cautiously emerged, Natalie and Donna gently placed her in their jeep. Then it was time to retrieve her hidden treasure — her puppies.
Six Puppies Waiting Under The Mattress
Despite the freezing darkness, the volunteers carefully pulled out every puppy from their hiding spot. In total, there were six surviving babies, plus one tiny angel who had already crossed the rainbow bridge.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared:
“One mama, 6 babies, and another one who had crossed the rainbow bridge. They were living in this pitch black, very cold, boarded up house. She was so hungry and thirsty, and her little babies have skin infections. But, they are all safe now, thank God.”
Miraculously, the six puppies were in surprisingly good shape, aside from minor skin issues.
“Mom actually did a super job with these puppies. For as thin as she was, puppies were all chunky and happy,” Donna explained.
The pups were tucked safely into a crate and placed beside their mama in the jeep, ready to start their new chapter together.
Vicky Veggie Shows Her Gentle Side
Despite all she had endured, the Pittie mama — later named Vicky Veggie — was sweet and trusting from the very beginning.
Unlike many stray moms who instinctively guard their litters, she didn’t show aggression. It was as though she understood instantly that these rescuers were there to help, not harm.
With her puppies safe, the entire family was brought to safety and given the care they desperately needed.
Once the pups were weaned, Vicky Veggie moved into a foster home, preparing for her own chance at a forever family. The little ones stayed behind a bit longer to finish treatment for their skin infections before eventually being adopted into loving homes.
From Abandoned House To Forever Home
After spending a few months in foster care, Vicky Veggie’s big moment arrived — she was adopted!
Her new family welcomed her warmly, showering her with love and affection, and she quickly blossomed into the happy companion she was always meant to be.
“Vicky Veggie is adopted into the most loving family in the world. They give her all the hugs and snuggles she’s been dreaming of. Congratulations, sweet girl… we couldn’t be happier for you,” Stray Rescue shared on Facebook.
From hiding under a mattress in an abandoned house to being adored in her forever home, Vicky Veggie’s journey is a testament to a mother’s devotion — and the life-changing power of compassion.