The vet was completely shocked by the results of the ultrasound. She was frozen in disbelief but tried to count again as soon as she snapped out of it. After seeing that the number stayed the same, she had a hard time believing what it meant. She had no idea that this was even possible in the first place. However, there was no time for her to stay in shock because time was of the essence here. She had to talk to the owners.
Overdue Pregnant Dog Would Not Give Birth But It Was Even More Complicated Than They Thought
Time To Choose One
Chris and Mariesa had been popping in and out of various animal shelters because they were interested in getting a new dog. Mariesa promised to get only one dog since they already had a lot of furry friends at home. However, it was always hard to pick just one when there were so many lovable dogs in need of a good home. They all looked at them with huge pleading eyes. It all changed when she saw one dog.
Time To Choose One
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
They were approached by a heavily pregnant dog who came over to lick their hands! Mariesa and Chris could see that her belly was full of unborn puppies. The look she gave Mariesa said that she needed a decent home. It did not seem right for this pooch to give birth to a litter of puppies in a place like this. Mariesa knew that they had already found the one, but they would then hear about something that would make her reconsider. What was it?
Belly Full Of Unborn Pups
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
It turns out that the pregnant pit bull had a story that was even sadder than most. Mariesa felt like crying for this beautiful dog, who was named Storie. She used to belong to a backyard breeder. However, she was brought to the shelter after her former owner decided that it was too expensive and difficult to take care of her and the litter that was on the way.
Bred And Then Surrendered At The Shelter
A Loving Home
At that moment, Mariesa and Chris knew that the right thing to do here was to give Storie comfort, love, and security. This was the least that they could do for her. However, this was not all there was to the story. They were shocked to hear what they were told.
A Loving Home
Fans Of Pit Bulls
Mariesa and Chris adored pit bulls. In fact, they already had a lot of dogs from this breed in their home! We will have you know that they are the parent of 10 pit bulls. Here are 8 of their lovely dogs.
Fans Of Pit Bulls
“Megabed”
With all those dogs, we can’t imagine how they could all fit in a single bed. Well, you should know that this couple has a “megabed.” Chris spoke to TODAY and said, “At nighttime all of the dogs want to sleep on the bed and sometimes it becomes too cluttered, and we end up being pushed off of the bed or sleeping on the couch. So we built the megabed.” It measures 7 ft wide by 14 ft long. Whoa.
“Megabed”
Misunderstood
Chris and Mariesa eventually decided that they could do a lot more for this breed of dogs. They loved pit bulls so much that they wanted to adopt yet another one. Even though they are not new to having dogs, the couple never knew that this visit to the shelter would change their lives forever. What happened?
Misunderstood
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
The two of them actually shared their love of animals. In one interview, Mariesa looked back on how she used to end relationships with other men since they did not know how to handle her dog obsession. These guys simply did not understand her dream, which was to fill a house with puppies and dogs!
Loving Parents To Many Dogs
Chris Was Different
We bet she was glad when she started going out with Chris, who was a big dog-lover himself. Their love for each other grew with their love for dogs! This is a great photo that sums up their relationship.
Chris Was Different
Friendly Faces In These Places
A lot of rescue centers and animal shelters find that they have too much on their plate. The truth is that they cannot always take care of all the animals that they want to help. They simply do not have the resources to do such a thing. When Chris and Mariesa dropped by the Pibbles & More Animal Rescue, they noticed that there was a dog breed that outnumbered the others: pit bulls. The two of them were shocked and saddened to see this since they knew how lovable these poor and misunderstood dogs are.
Friendly Faces In These Places
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
It is true that pit bulls have been given a bad rep, but they do not deserve this at all. It is a dog breed known for a big head and muscular physique. This has nothing to do with the risk that they pose, however. Still, it is illegal in many states to own one. It is why there are so many of them in shelters.
A Reputation They Did Not Deserve
Trying To Change The Stigma
The two of them knew that this was what it was like for the dogs, so they have decided to adopt as many pit bulls as they could. They will tell you that not once have their dogs behaved violently. Chris and Mariesa wanted to do everything in their power to give these misunderstood dogs a loving home.
Trying To Change The Stigma
Loving And Loyal Creatures
Even though many people think that pit bulls are naturally dangerous dogs, this is really not the case. The truth is that they can be just as loving and loyal as other dog breeds. Of course, they will also behave badly if you mistreat them. This is actually true for all dogs out there, so there is no reason to think that they are evil animals. If you give them the care that they need, these dogs will be awesome companions.
Loving And Loyal Creatures
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
The staff at the rescue center told them that Storie should have already delivered her puppies already. The did not know why this has not happened yet when this pit bull looked like she was about to pop!
The Pups Should Have Popped Out Already
Life And Death
Chris and Mariesa could tell that Storie was in trouble of some sort. She clearly needed help, so they had to make up their minds as soon as they could. After all, this was a matter of life and death at that point.
Life And Death
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Time was running out for Storie and her pups. If she did not get the care she needed, who knows what would happen? Chris and Mariesa had to talk about this matter some more before they could decide. However, Mariesa made up her mind the moment that Storie placed her huge head on her knee. That was this animal-lover needed.
Helping The Soon-To-Be Mom
Big Dog Family
Mariesa was determined to take care of this pregnant pit bull, but she was still unsure if this was the right thing to do. They already had a big family at home, so this would mean greatly expanding it. Could they really deal with a change like this? Unbeknownst to them, it was even more complex than this…
Big Dog Family
The Perfect Solution
Once Storie gave birth, they would have more than 10 dogs inside the house. Still, Mariesa did not think it was a good idea to keep Storie in the shelter. She deserved a proper place to give birth to her litter.
The Perfect Solution
An Idea
Chris and Mariesa talked about the situation and tried coming up with various solutions. They weighed the benefits and costs of every possible solution to their problem. They could not think of a practical way to deal with it. However, this changed when Chris had a great idea. This was the best shot they had.
An Idea
Foster Parents
He suggested that they could foster Storie and the pups. It was going to be temporary, and the animal rescue center could look for a permanent solution. We don’t blame them since they already had 8 dogs.
Foster Parents
Another Problem
It was a good idea, but there was still an issue they had to solve. They had to figure out what was going on with the pregnancy. Chris and Mariesa could not see why Storie had not yet given birth to her pups.
Another Problem
Looking For Answers Online
This was the first time that they have ever encountered a thing like this. They had no clue why Storie had not yet delivered a single one of her pups. They started to worry, so they looked it up online.
Looking For Answers Online
Terrifying
What they found online only made them more scared. It is usually what happens when you take to the internet for your problems. The couple started to feel more anxious about the situation with Storie.
Terrifying
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
It is true that humans often underestimate just how intelligent animals tend to be. When Mariesa and Chris started to look for answers online, they saw the reasons why a pregnant dog might resist the delivery of her litter. One article seemed to match the situation to a T.
Relationship Between Trauma And Birth
Stressful Conditions
The research revealed that animals in rescue shelters often experience a lot of trauma and stress. It was only natural for pregnant dogs to have a higher risk than others. Even though shelters were built to help dogs, it is not a secret that there are times when this environment does them more harm than good.
Stressful Conditions
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Mariesa and Chris continued to dig into this matter deeper, but they learned that things might be a lot worse than they had in mind. Storie was not only in danger of losing her puppies if things did not change but could also die. You can probably imagine how distressed the couple was.
Realizing How Dangerous The Situation Is
Traumatic Experiences
Mariesa found out that pregnant dogs worry a lot for their pups. In fact, they might get so stressed that they simply refuse to give birth completely. It happens when they think the pups would be in danger.
Traumatic Experiences
Off To The Vet
They knew that this was a very risky situation. They agreed to take Storie to the vet immediately since they could not handle the thought of losing her. Into the car they went before they raced to the vet.
Off To The Vet
What The Ultrasound Showed
At the clinic, the vet used an ultrasound on the pregnant dog. The results shocked her a lot. She could only shake her head after seeing what was on the screen. Could it be that she made a mistake?
What The Ultrasound Showed
Something Isn’t Right
No matter what she did, the shapes stayed the same. This meant that she was not simply seeing things. The white outlines revealed something that would change everything for everyone involved in this matter. Mariesa was able to tell that something was wrong. What was it this time?
Something Isn’t Right
The Shock Of A Lifetime
The vet then took a deep breath and talked to the couple what she just learned about the pregnancy. It was normal for pregnant dogs to have six pups in the womb, but the ultrasound showed something else.
The Shock Of A Lifetime
Frozen In Shock
The vet pointed out the white outlines to Chris and Mariesa before she started to count them. It started to dawn on the couple what was happening. The entire time, they thought that Storie was carrying six puppies. This was not the case, however. What was going on here?
Frozen In Shock
A Development No One Expected
It was totally unexpected, even to a professional like the vet. She recounted the outlines once more but came up with the exact same figure. There was nothing else to do but tell Chris and Mariesa about it.
A Development No One Expected
Unexpected
It turned out that Storie was not carrying six pups like they thought she was. The truth was that Storie was carrying not six but twelve! That was double the number they had in mind. This blew them all away.
Unexpected
Disbelief
They could not believe the piece of news that they just heard. Twelve was simply too much for them, but there were other things they had to do deal with in the meantime. For one thing, they wanted to know what it meant. Was Storie going to be okay? Would the entire dozen of puppies be fine?
Disbelief
Go Home And Wait
Even the vet could not answer why Storie had yet to give birth after all this time. It was good that they learned that the pups were all alive and well, however. What a relief! But what comes after this?
Go Home And Wait
Preparation
The vet told them that there was nothing they could do but return home and get ready for the birth. She wanted them to come in if Storie did not give birth in the next 48 hours. Would everything be alright?
Preparation
The Parents Are Anxious
Chris and Mariesa had been under plenty of stress as they made their way to their house. They just learned that Storie might lose twelve and not six puppies! They could not help but feel very nervous.
The Parents Are Anxious
A Brilliant Idea
It was a horrible situation, but there was not much that they could do for Storie and the pups at that point. The best thing they could do was help her be as comfy as possible. Mariesa then had a great idea.
A Brilliant Idea
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
At that point, the couple had already read a lot of articles about trauma and stress, so they knew that it was affecting Storie. They wanted to help her, so they the best and most comfortable space for her. Mariesa sequestered a spot in one bedroom and added pillows and blankets for her ultimate comfort.
Giving Her A Space Of Her Own
Sanctuary
They took Storie to her new abode and hoped that it was going to help her. Chris and Mariesa worked hard to make her feel better. They adjusted the room temperature, noise level, and materials for her.
Sanctuary
Oblivious
At the time, they did not have a clue that there was going to be a miracle soon. They retreated to their bedroom and decided to check up on Storie as soon as they got up. She should feel much better by now.
Oblivious
Extraordinary
The next day, the couple made their way to their spare room where Storie was resting. They could hear strange noises as they walked towards it! What was going on in there? They were about to find out.
Extraordinary
During The Night
They entered the bedroom and found Storie with 12 newborn puppies! They were all adorable little things, but they could not believe that Storie gave birth to the entire litter over the course of the night.
During The Night
Thrilled
The couple could not help but break into tears at that point. They were shocked that Storie finally did it. They were thrilled, to say the least. They soon learned what Storie had been waiting for all this time.
Thrilled
A Dozen Puppies
When dogs give birth in the shelter, it is stressful for both the mom and the pups. Storie knew that it was not going to be a good place for her puppies, so she waited for the arrival of good Samaritans.
A Dozen Puppies
Less Than A Day
Don’t you think that it is amazing that she spent less than 24 hours with Mariesa and Chris but already felt safe and comfortable? It is the reason that she finally gave birth to the entire litter of puppies. As you can see, Storie clearly knew what she was doing the whole time.
Less Than A Day
A Great Dog Mama
Storie looked after her puppies with all the love and devotion of the greatest dog mommy in the world. Soon enough, the adoption requests started to come in at the rescue center. Mariesa and Chris knew that it was not a permanent arrangement, but they still felt sad that they had to say goodbye to them.
A Great Dog Mama
Puppies For Adoption
A few weeks later, the puppies finally opened their eyes. Mariesa and Chris had been having a nice time with all the cute babies. They dominated their backyard and played to their hearts’ desire. Of course, Storie was always there to look after her little pups. Sadly, it was time for them to go their own ways.
Puppies For Adoption
Waiting For A Little TLC
As soon as Storie was in the right environment, she stopped resisting and let her body do what it had to do. In the end, she gave birth to twelve beautiful and healthy puppies! But what would happen now?
Waiting For A Little TLC
A Pack Of Her Own
This dog knew what she needed in order to give birth to all twelve of her pups. She just wanted security and protection! Chris and Mariesa gave her exactly that, which was how she finally delivered her litter.
A Pack Of Her Own
Heading For Their New Homes
It was impressive that they also found enough people to take in all the puppies by the time they were 10 weeks old. Mariesa and Chris loved the pups, but there was no way they could keep them. Adoption was the right course of action in this situation. It was heartbreaking, but there was no other choice for them.
Heading For Their New Homes
10 Weeks Old
When the puppies were 10 weeks old, they were brought to their new homes. But what did fate have in store for Storie? The puppies might have been in good hands by then, but Storie also deserved a place to call her forever home after everything she went through.
10 Weeks Old
Her Forever Home
The incredible story soon went viral on Facebook. People were inspired by the story, but there was one man in particular who reached out to Mariesa and Chris. He was hoping to meet Storie and see what he could do about the situation. Did anything come out from this meeting? Let us find out.
Her Forever Home
They All Found Homes!
He said that he wanted to bring her home! At last, she has found her forever home as all of her pups did. Not only that, but she also got spayed to avoid any more pregnancies that would cause her stress.
They All Found Homes!
The Best Dog Mom
Even though she gave birth to a lot of puppies, she managed to shower all twelve of them with the love and attention that they deserved. This pit bull really might be the best dog mommy in the whole world.
The Best Dog Mom
The End Was Nearing
Mariesa and Chris were very proud of their foster dog. Storie cleaned and nursed the pups. On top of that, she made sure they were all healthy. Sadly, the couple did not have the means to keep them all.
The End Was Nearing
If Not For Them
At this point, Storie and the twelve pups are thriving in their separate forever homes. They are all fine and healthy since their new owners give them the love they need. Storie stuck with the foster family until all the pups had been adopted. As you can see, she had always had strong maternal instincts.
If Not For Them
A Crucial Chance
We do not want to think about what might have happened if it were not for the kindness of Mariesa and Chris. Who knows, Storie might have lost the litter or died. We are glad that they took a chance on her!
A Crucial Chance
A Happy Note
Even though the story had a happy ending, you should always keep in mind that many animals never find their forever homes. Shelters are often overburdened, so they need all the help that they could get. If you cannot adopt a dog, there are many other ways to help them out.
A Happy Note
Helping Out
For one thing, you can always foster if you have the means to do so. It is also a good idea to spread the word about them and donate money or goods. These things will ease the burden for the fantastic individuals working at these rescue centers and animal shelters.
Helping Out
The Mr. Mo Project
You might be happy to hear that Chris and Mariesa founded a nonprofit to take care of sick and senior dogs. Called the Mr. Mo Project, they are often at risk of euthanasia. This is the reason the Hughes couple have devoted themselves to these dogs. The organization covers the medical and living expenses of these dogs. The “fospice” homes offer them the love and care that they need.
The Mr. Mo Project
A Family Affair
If you want to adopt or foster but have no space for the dogs to rest, might we suggest that you follow in the footsteps of Chris and Mariesa? Simply get a megabed. It is much bigger than a normal king bed!
A Family Affair
Happy Holidays!
As you already know by now, Mariesa and Chris Hughes are big dog lovers. The two of them post a lot of updates on ‘The Mr. Mo Project’ Instagram account. Take a look at this photo that was captioned, “Happy Easter and Passover from our dog house to yours #happyeaster #happypassover #lifeinthedoghouse #mrmoproject #gomrmo #18dogsandcounting #72paws #rescuelife #shelterdogs #rescuesdog #seniordogrescue #adoptdontshop #multidoghousehold #siblinggoals #squadgoals #packlife #easterbunnies #easterpictures #love #proudparents.”
Happy Holidays!