“She was so sweet.”
A very pregnant dog was recently found wandering by herself through the streets of Brookhaven, Mississippi. She had no home, no safety and nowhere to go.
Animal control officers eventually found her and brought her to the city pound. But the pound was already full, which meant the expectant mother was in serious danger. If another place could not be found for her soon, she could be euthanized.
Thankfully, Safe Haven Rescue of Mississippi heard about her situation and stepped in just in time. The rescue team quickly signed her out of the overcrowded pound and arranged for her to stay with foster mom Kristi Buffington Wilcox.
Once she was safe, rescuers were touched by how gentle and loving the young dog was. Even though she had likely never experienced a comfortable life with steady food, fresh water and cool air conditioning, she seemed grateful for every bit of kindness.
Because of her sweet nature, the rescue named her Sweet Caroline.
Barely 14 hours after she was pulled from the pound, Sweet Caroline gave birth. The next morning, she welcomed nine healthy puppies — seven boys and two girls.
Thanks to the rescue’s quick action, the puppies were born in a safe foster home instead of on the streets or inside a crowded shelter. Sweet Caroline quickly settled into motherhood and proved to be a devoted mom. She watched over her babies carefully, fed them and kept them close.
Now, Sweet Caroline and her puppies are still living with their foster family, where they can rest, grow and recover. The puppies will stay with their mother until they are old enough to begin looking for homes of their own.
The rescue hopes Sweet Caroline’s story encourages more people to help animals in their communities. Spaying and neutering pets, reporting animals in need and opening a home to foster can all make a huge difference.
For now, Sweet Caroline and her nine little ones are safe, loved and finally able to relax. After such an uncertain beginning, their future is looking much brighter.