Earning the trust of a dog who has never known kindness is never simple. It takes patience, devotion, and a whole lot of love.
The team at Hope For Life Rescue in Virginia was ready for that challenge.
When a shelter asked if they would take in a fearful mama dog named Lovebug and her fourteen newborn puppies, they didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Lovebug had been found wandering the streets, and she was extremely wary of people.
The staff welcomed her little family with open hearts, determined to show them love and win her trust.
The Mama Dog And Her Babies Are Safe
At first, Lovebug would not allow the rescue team near her or the babies. Just seeing staff members approach filled her with terror.
“I remember walking in the room and seeing her cowered in the corner over top of her two-day old babies. She was so scared. Shaking and not letting us get too close to her or the babies,“ one of her rescuers told The Dodo.
Their hearts broke for her.
Determined to help, they set up a private space at the Hope Center just for Lovebug and her little ones.
Caring for fourteen puppies was a huge burden for a malnourished mother, and the staff worried about her fragile weight. To help her recover, they made sure she had plenty of nourishing food.
Miss Susie, one of the volunteers, even cooked chicken for her every single day.
Slowly Learning To Trust Love
Within a few days, Lovebug began to allow the staff to handle her puppies long enough to weigh them and see which ones needed supplements. While she was still hesitant, she was slowly starting to place her trust in them.
She still wasn’t ready to be petted, but her rescuers were patient. They never pushed her, always letting her take her time.
Volunteers worked with her daily, hand-feeding her, talking to her softly, and even lying on the floor beside her.
They admired how tenderly she cared for her babies.
Her puppies flourished under her watchful eye, chasing after her constantly in hopes of another drink of milk. The staff loved playing with them and getting to know their little quirks.
In time, Lovebug finally realized she was safe. She allowed gentle strokes from the people who had been caring for her all along.
When the puppies grew old enough for adoption, each one found a forever home.
Lovebug could now focus on herself. Her caregivers showered her with affection, wishing they could erase all the fear from her heart.
With her babies placed, she began to put on weight. Volunteers kept visiting her often, sitting with her, and even reading to her to continue helping her adjust.
A New Beginning For Lovebug
To rebuild her trust fully, Lovebug was moved into a foster home filled with kindness.
There, her foster family gave her all the love she needed. She also bonded with her foster dog brothers, who helped her feel more secure.
The once-frightened dog began to smile, her eyes shining with new confidence. She loved curling up with her foster parents and soaking in all their affection.
At last, she was ready to find her forever home.
Her wish came true when she met her adoptive family. They fell in love with her right away.
Lovebug moved in permanently, and her new parents renamed her Ruby. They adore her and give her all the love she deserves.
Now living happily in Virginia, Ruby enjoys camping trips with her family and playing with her furry siblings, Beamer and Charlotte.