Dog Mom Adopts 6 More Puppies, Ending Up With Family Of 17
While most dogs usually give birth to litters of around six or seven puppies, Petunia welcomed no less than 11 puppies!
And the four-year-old St. Bernard mix still had room in her heart for more.
Petunia Is A One-Of-A-Kind Dog
Petunia ended up in a foster program that provided a new beginning for her and her babies.
Rescued from the tough streets, she was taken in by a loving couple in Minnesota, Stephanie Easley and her husband, who were eagerly anticipating the birth of her puppies, aware that she might deliver a large litter.
Source: Stephanie Easley
Petunia did not disappoint, giving birth to 11 healthy puppies.
Her maternal instincts kicked in immediately, and she embraced motherhood effortlessly. Stephanie was in awe of how naturally Petunia cared for her newborns.
A Call For Help
Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, Stephanie received a call from No Dog Left Behind, a Minnesota-based rescue group.
They had found six orphaned puppies in an abandoned house and needed a mother’s care for them to survive.
Source: Stephanie Easley
Stephanie and her husband did not hesitate. They brought the orphaned puppies home, hoping Petunia would accept them.
“When they arrived, my husband rushed them home to see if Petunia would allow them to attach to her,” Stephanie remembered. “Thankfully, she immediately started cleaning them without skipping a beat. There was absolutely no question that these six were now her babies as well.” she told to The Dodo.
Petunia’s love had no boundaries. She took in the orphaned puppies without hesitation, caring for them as if they were her own.
“She is showing zero signs of struggle. She truly is a saint,” Stephanie said to The Dodo. “I know that people often say that humans could learn from dogs, but Petunia is able to love and accept with zero hesitation. She helped others in need even though it’ll be a burden on her. Imagine what the world would be like if humans could all do that.”
Petunia’s Expanded Family
With 17 puppies to care for, Petunia had her paws full, but she managed it all with grace.
Source: Stephanie Easley
Stephanie and her husband helped by supplementing the puppies’ diet, ensuring they all received the necessary nourishment. Soon, it was time for the puppies to transition from their mother’s milk to solid food, much to Petunia’s relief.
Source: Stephanie Easley
Petunia thrived in her foster home, providing love and care to her large, blended family.
Eventually, the time came for the puppies to find their forever homes. Fortunately, all of Petunia’s puppies were quickly adopted by loving families.
She Finally Found Her Forever Home
Petunia’s journey didn’t end there.
Stephanie kept in touch with her and even had the chance to see her a few months later. Petunia had found her forever home too, and she was thriving just as much as her puppies.
Source: Stephanie Easley
Stephanie and her husband were grateful to have been a part of Petunia’s incredible story. She remains one of the most remarkable dogs Stephanie has ever met, embodying the true spirit of a loving and dedicated mother.
