Pregnant Dog Left Tied Outside A Shelter With Nothing But Her Favorite Teddy Bear
When a kind team found a Labrador outside a shelter in California, they could see she was barely holding on.
She was skinny, weak, and could hardly lift her head. Her name was Amber.
Next to her was the only thing she had left—a small stuffed Teddy bear. She was tied up, clinging to that little toy, and the sight of it broke everyone’s heart.
But that was only the beginning of Amber’s story.
A Brave Mom With A Big Surprise
Not only was Amber in terrible shape—she was also pregnant.
That same night, just after arriving at the shelter in the Bay Area, Amber gave birth to six tiny yellow puppies.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
“Yellow lab Mama Amber was left tied to shelter fence in the middle of the night, very pregnant, and she delivered the next day at the shelter,” shared the team from Dogwood Animal Rescue Project (DARP) on Facebook.
The shelter staff stayed by her side and helped her through the whole process. Their gentle care gave Amber a little comfort in a very scary moment.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
The next morning, Dogwood Animal Rescue Project in Sonoma County heard about Amber and stepped in to help. They took in her and her newborns and gave them a warm, quiet space to recover.
Amber spent her first day there mostly sleeping. She was totally exhausted from everything she had gone through—being left behind, giving birth, and caring for her new babies.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
Her stuffed animal made the perfect little pillow as she finally rested.
Slowly Healing, One Day At A Time
Despite her tired body, Amber was a gentle and loving mom from the start. She watched over her babies, making sure they were fed and safe.
Sadly, one of her puppies passed away soon after they arrived. Everyone at the rescue was heartbroken.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
With Amber being so malnourished and stressed, it wasn’t unexpected—but that didn’t make it any easier.
Still, they stayed strong—for Amber and her five remaining babies.
In just a couple of weeks, Amber started to come out of her shell. Her true personality began to shine through, and the rescue team quickly fell in love with her sweet and playful nature.
Source: Dogwood Animal Rescue Project
Even while caring for her pups, Amber acted like a big puppy herself—full of love and always ready for cuddles.
Most of all, her rescuers were grateful that she was finally safe.
“It’s cold, rainy and blowing outside but Amber’s little family is warm and safe inside. We’re so thankful to be able to provide a safe, loving place for them,” the rescue wrote.
After everything she endured, Amber is now on the path to a better life. She and her babies are finally safe, warm, and surrounded by love.
And soon, they’ll each be waiting for the moment a family walks in ready to give them what they’ve always deserved—a forever home.
