When visiting an animal shelter, there are many different types of pets waiting for a loving home, giving potential adopters a wide variety of options. While many people are drawn to the younger, more popular breeds, there are some compassionate individuals who seek out less obvious, often overlooked options. These kind souls tend to focus on animals that face more challenges in finding a home – such as senior dogs, dogs with disabilities, or dogs with special needs. These animals deserve love and companionship, but they often have to wait the longest for someone to take them home.
Adopting a special needs pet isn’t possible for everyone, but for those with the generosity and ability to foster such a pet, the rewards are immense. Joshua Feeney is one such person. He knew he wanted to make a difference and specifically wanted to adopt a dog who was about to become a mom.
Pregnant dogs often have a hard time finding homes, as most people are hesitant to take on the responsibility of caring for a litter of puppies. However, this challenge was exactly what Joshua was looking for. He thought that fostering a pregnant dog would be a unique and rewarding experience.
The expectant mother, found at her friend’s cabin, immediately bonded with Joshua. She had never experienced the comfort of a home before but quickly adapted. Joshua named her Kaia, and she showed complete trust in him from the start. She seemed to understand that she was finally safe and cared for.
As she was in the late stages of her pregnancy, Joshua took great care to ensure Kaia was comfortable. He prepared a cozy bath for her, filled with blankets, and spent the evenings lying next to her, providing comfort and companionship. As her due date approached, Joshua made sure she had everything she needed, from nutritious food to a safe space to give birth.
The signs of impending labor became more apparent as Kaia’s behavior changed. Joshua noticed unusual noises coming from her belly, signaling that the puppies would soon be arriving. Within a week, Kaia was in labor, delivering a puppy every hour throughout the night. Joshua stayed by her side the entire time, ready to assist if needed.
Ultimately, Kaia gave birth to six healthy puppies. Although one puppy did not survive birth, the remaining six puppies were all healthy and strong. Joshua provided Kaia with food and water as she cared for her newborn puppies, ensuring she had all the support she needed during this crucial time.
As the puppies grew, Kaia became more active, leading them on playful adventures around the house. Watching Kaia and the puppies chase each other, explore their new surroundings, and play in the yard brought Joshua endless joy. He cherished every moment, watching the puppies develop personalities and bonds with each other and their mother.
By weeks 9-10, Kaia begins to treat her puppies more like companions than children, playing with them in the yard and enjoying their company. She has transitioned from protective mother to playful companion, and the puppies love her very much.
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When it came time for the puppies to be adopted into new homes, Joshua knew it was necessary but bittersweet. Each puppy found a loving family, ensuring they would continue to thrive. Joshua had done his part in giving them a great start in life. After 16 weeks, the puppies went to their new families, leaving Joshua and Kaia to enjoy a peaceful life together once again.
Joshua’s decision to adopt Kaia had a profound impact on her life and the lives of her puppies. His willingness to take in a dog in need, provide her with a safe and loving environment, and care for her through the birth and raising of her puppies is a testament to the extraordinary bond that can form between humans and animals. This story serves as a reminder of the incredible difference one person can make by opening their heart and home to an animal in need.
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