One mom dog who survived being shot four times shortly after giving birth to 11 puppies is making a miraculous recovery thanks to the kindness of generous donors.
According to WREG Channel 3 News, the Streetdog Foundation has raised over $14,000 for the mother dog and her pups, and one generous dog lover has offered to match donations up to $15,000.
As for how the mom dog ended up with four bullets in its body, local police said they received a call on Sunday, Jan. 5, about an injured animal in Southwest Memphis, Tenn. A man at the residence told the officers that he shot the stray dog after it charged toward him, his wife, and his kids.
X-rays revealed that one bullet went through the dog and that three more were still inside her body. Thankfully, the remaining bullets did not hit any vital organs. Per a Jan. 6 Facebook post from Streetdog Foundation: “One bullet hit a spinous process (a bony part of her vertebrae), and the shockwave may have bruised or shocked her spinal cord.”
Kent and Melanie Pafford, who founded the Streetdog Foundation, said it’s a miracle the dog is alive after being shot four times.
“At this point, we are hoping we won’t have to operate, that those will stabilize where they are, but one grazed the shoulder blade, causing bone fragments to travel,” Kent told WREG. “There was one in the back that came straight through the skin and out the other side and two more back in the shoulder. So, she took several direct hits.”
According to WREG, Memphis police said the puppies were only “days old” when they were recovered with their mother. Grace Animal Hospital in Memphis is treating the mom dog and her pups, who are receiving “nearly around-the-clock care.”
“She has to feed overnight as well. Three times a night, we are able to get in her and rotate the puppies,” Kent told the outlet. “At least three feeding cycles help get her outside and feed her more. She’s eating ravenously at the moment while her body is trying to fuel her recovery.”
According to the Paffords, the Streetdog Foundation has taken in around 1,500 dogs over the last 15 years, but this is the first time they’ve rescued a dog with gunshot wounds.
“We didn’t have the budget for this, and this is going to be a big budget,” said Melanie of the precedent-setting rescue. “We appreciate everything and will need fosters for these pups.”
The volunteer-based group is grateful for the immense community support and is actively seeking someone to foster the mother and all her puppies.
“They are well taken care of by the sweet momma now,” Melanie said. “I talk to her all the time and say, ‘Momma, I don’t know how you do it because you are in pain.’ I see it when she walks.”
Throughout the week, the Street Foundation has provided several updates on the mom dog, who they call “Mama,” and her 11 puppies, seven males and four females.
“Your prayers and good juju are WORKING because Mama is walking!” they wrote in a Jan. 7 Facebook video post showing the mom dog out on a stroll with a slight limp.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In the photos and videos shared by the group, Mama chows down on dog food as she nurses all of her pups.
“The sweet girl is a fighter, a fighter, and a genuinely incredible mom,” the nonprofit added.
In its most recent Facebook post, dated Jan. 9, the Street Foundation offered a new update, teased an “exciting name announcement,” and thanked everyone for all the support.
“Mama’s 7 boys and 4 girls are doing well today, and while most are nursing like champs, we’re keeping a close eye on the two smallest runts,” they shared in the Jan. 9 post. “We’re making sure the tiniest little brown angel gets extra nursing time without competition from her bigger siblings.”
The rescue group continued: “Last night, Mel tried bottle-feeding to help Mama out, but these babies wanted nothing but the real thing. Their bond with Mama is strong, and it is beautiful to see how much she loves and protects them.”
Read the full article here
