“This has never happened before …”
When Maple, a 3-year-old pug, stepped out of her cage on a cold November day, she was scared and unsure. She had just been rescued from a breeding farm in Iowa by Camp Companion and had never known kindness or love.
But when she met her foster parents, Izzy and Tyler, something gave her hope. Even though she was scared of being touched, Maple slowly walked up to them, as if she knew they wanted to help.
Izzy and Tyler were happy to see her come out of her crate but heartbroken by her condition. She was dirty, scared, and flinched every time they tried to pet her. Like many dogs from puppy mills, Maple had lived in overcrowded cages with no proper care or love.
Despite her sad past, Maple felt safe for the first time in her life. Izzy and Tyler worked hard to earn her trust. After a week, Maple rolled over for belly rubs and even played with a toy — her first time ever!
“She showed us her belly, which means she trusts us,” her foster parents shared.
But there was a reason she wasn’t very playful — Maple was 40 days pregnant with her last litter of puppies. Izzy and Tyler gave her lots of care and made sure she got the rest she needed.
On Christmas Day 2024, Maple gave birth to six beautiful puppies — three boys and three girls. Over the next few months, they all grew healthy and strong until they were adopted into loving homes.
After her puppies left in March, Maple’s personality began to shine. During her first spring walk, she looked truly happy, and a few days later, something amazing happened — Maple got the zoomies!
She ran all over the house, played with her foster brother Riggley, and for the first time ever, acted like a joyful dog.
Not long after, Maple found her forever home with a kind couple who had rescued pugs before. The moment Maple met her new mom, she ran straight to her like she knew they were meant to be together.
Saying goodbye was hard for Izzy and Tyler, but they knew Maple — now named Mabel — would have a wonderful life.
“We can’t change her past, but now she’ll always be safe, loved, and cared for,” they said.