Stray dogs roam the streets longing for a gentle touch and the warmth of a kind smile. These dogs live without love, care, food, or shelter.
The life of a stray is harsh, but for a stray mother dog, it’s especially challenging.
These devoted moms care for their pups while dreaming of the day when loving humans will take them in and offer their puppies a forever home.
Marla, a courageous stray mom found on the docks, shared that same dream.
Discovering Marla
When Kristin Erwin learned there was a stray dog near her workplace in Channelview, Texas, she immediately drove out to see if she could help.
When she arrived, she spotted a sweet dog strolling along the dock. Seeing her alone tugged at her heart.
As soon as the dog noticed Erwin, she approached, happily wagging her tail and rubbing against her legs.
Erwin gently stroked her head, and the pup gazed up at her with a smile, her face brightening with joy.
Erwin knew then that she couldn’t leave this gentle dog behind.
After giving her food and water, she noticed the dog was lactating and realized her puppies must be close by.
Finding Her Secret
With some help from a local, Erwin discovered where the puppies were hidden. “They were stashed at an old, rundown, closed restaurant on the porch area.
They were only 3-4 weeks old. It was December, the temperature was dropping, and I couldn’t leave her,” Erwin shared.
She soon learned the poor dog had been abandoned weeks earlier while still pregnant.
Despite her exhaustion, this brave mom had kept her eight puppies alive in difficult conditions.
Erwin gently placed the puppies in a crate and brought them to her car, where they wagged their tiny tails in relief.
Marla, completely worn out, fell asleep as they made their way to Erwin’s home.
The Start of a Happy Life
Erwin’s home was filled with joy as the playful puppies and their loving mom settled in.
After a month, they moved to another foster home, and once the puppies were old enough, they received their first vaccinations.
With the help of Paddy’s Paws and Misfit Mutts Dog Rescue, Marla and her babies were matched with loving families in Wisconsin.
Though Erwin missed them, she was thrilled, knowing the puppies would grow up safe and cherished.
They’d never be strays again, and Marla’s dream of a forever home for her babies had finally come true.