Pregnant Dog Refuses To Give Birth, Then The Vet Sees Exactly Why

Published on February 2, 2021
Nothing could have prepared the vet for this adopted pit bull’s ultrasound. She counted and counted again, yet the result was the same. She’d never encountered this before and was in complete shock. As the vet knew the dog’s life was on the line, she knew she had to rush to tell the dog’s owners what was going on.

Let’s Adopt A Dog

Mariesa and Chris wanted to give a shelter dog a forever home. There were so many to choose from at the shelter, all giving them their best “take-me-home” look. However, once their eyes locked with a specific dog, they knew they had found the one.

Let's Adopt a Dog

Let’s Adopt a Dog

Heavily Pregnant Dog

They were soon informed that the beautiful pit bull they chose was heavily pregnant. But that didn’t make any difference. This gentle girl deserved to give birth to her puppies in a loving home with a warm bed. But did they make the right choice?

ADVERTISEMENT
Heavily Pregnant Dog

Heavily Pregnant Dog

ADVERTISEMENT

Once A Breeding Dog, Now Abandoned

They were told that this mama, named Storie, belonged to someone who bred dogs in their backyard. When the breeders discovered the uniqueness of her pregnancy, they decided it was too much and abandoned her at the shelter. Poor girl!

ADVERTISEMENT
Once A Breeding Dog, Now Abandoned

Once A Breeding Dog, Now Abandoned

ADVERTISEMENT

Their Only Choice

Chris and Mariesa knew the moment they heard about Storie’s life story that they had to intervene. They knew that they could be the ones who made a massive change in this dog’s life. But they simply did not expect what the vet told them next.

ADVERTISEMENT
Their Only Choice

Their Only Choice

ADVERTISEMENT

Their ‘Family Bed’

Mariesa and Chris absolutely adore dogs, especially pit bulls. They had already adopted 10 fur babies when they met Storie! They even built a special bed so all their dogs can sleep together with them in what they call their “Family Bed.”

ADVERTISEMENT
Their 'Family Bed'

Their ‘Family Bed’

ADVERTISEMENT

They Were Already Fans

Now, many pet adopting first-timers could have been scared off by the fact that Storie is a pit bull. However, this was really not an issue for the couple, as Chris and Mariesa were already the proud owners of several pit bulls, as well as many other types of dogs!

ADVERTISEMENT
They Were Already Fans

They Were Already Fans

ADVERTISEMENT

The Dog Obsession Was Real

It’s lucky that Mariesa met a fellow dog lover in Chris. She revealed in an interview that several of her previous relationships had ended due to her devotion to her dogs. The other men simply did not understand her desire to fill her home with dogs…

ADVERTISEMENT
The Dog Obsession Was Real

The Dog Obsession Was Real

ADVERTISEMENT

One Big Happy Family

But then Mariesa met Chris! It really seems that these two were meant to be. Chris is a fellow dog lover, and so the two share a love for one another and also for their ever-growing family of dogs. How adorable are they?!

ADVERTISEMENT
One Big Happy Family

One Big Happy Family

ADVERTISEMENT

A Misjudged Breed

Pit bulls have long been a misunderstood breed and have been given a bad name. That is why many have ended up in shelters. Their muscular build gives the impression that they are aggressive, but that’s not the case.

ADVERTISEMENT
A Misjudged Breed

A Misjudged Breed

ADVERTISEMENT

Did You Know?

Not many people know but the term “Pit Bull” does not refer to one breed of the dogs. It’s more of an umbrella term for several breeds that fall into a similar category. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier

ADVERTISEMENT
Did You Know?

Did You Know?

ADVERTISEMENT

Trying To Change The Stereotype

Knowing that Pit bulls have been unfairly stereotyped as being vicious and aggressive dogs, Mariesa and Chris wanted to prove everyone wrong. That’s why they have adopted many Pit bulls and why they chose Storie.

ADVERTISEMENT
Trying To Change The Stereotypeaa

Trying To Change The Stereotype

ADVERTISEMENT

Loving And Loyal Animals

Pit bulls are just like any other dog and can be very loyal and loving companions if given the chance. If any dog is mistreated, then they can lash out and have the potential to become dangerous. That is why Mariesa and Chris gave Storie a chance.

ADVERTISEMENT
Loving And Loyal Animals

Loving And Loyal Animals

ADVERTISEMENT

At The Shelter

Once Chris and Mariesa spent some time at the dog shelter, they quickly came to a realization. An overwhelming number of the dogs that were living there happened to be pit bulls. Their hearts hurt for all of these unwanted dogs, and they knew that they had to help out. They just didn’t know how much they would be helping pit bull Storie.

ADVERTISEMENT
At The Shelter

At The Shelter

ADVERTISEMENT

Shelter Stats

According to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), “Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.” This means that adopting animals is critically important.

ADVERTISEMENT
Shelter Stats

Shelter Stats

ADVERTISEMENT

Still No Pups

At the shelter, they were told that Storie’s pups should have been born by now, as she was overdue. No one knew what was really going on inside her belly. What could be the reason for her delayed delivery?

ADVERTISEMENT
Still No Pups

Still No Pups

ADVERTISEMENT

Her Life Was At Stake

Seeing how heavily pregnant Storie was made the couple realize how badly she needed a home to deliver her puppies. She had crept into their hearts and they saw that her life and that of the puppies was at stake.

ADVERTISEMENT
Her Life Was At Stake

Her Life Was At Stake

ADVERTISEMENT

A Decision Needed To Be Made

Even though they wanted to help Storie they knew it would mean that they’d now have more than 10 dogs, and that’s without the puppies..And they didn’t even know what was coming. What would they do?

ADVERTISEMENT
A Decision Needed To Be Made

A Decision Needed To Be Made

ADVERTISEMENT

She Asked For Their Help

It was almost as if Storie knew what was happening. As Chris and Mariesa were discussing what they should do, Storie came and rested her head on Mariesa’s knee, looking up at her with almost pleading eyes. Mariesa knew what she wanted to do.

ADVERTISEMENT
She Asked For Their Help

She Asked For Their Help

ADVERTISEMENT

The Hesitation

While Chris and Mariesa never doubted the fact that they wanted to help, they were worried about how they would be able to handle so many dogs at home. They knew the had to help Storie, but the fact that she was pregnant meant that they could be potentially facing a house full of over 20 dogs soon! They had to come up with a solution…

ADVERTISEMENT
The Hesitation

The Hesitation

ADVERTISEMENT

Not Even A Question

As Chris and Mariesa deliberated, she knew deep down inside that there was not even a question of whether they would take Storie home with them. However, the question was how they would do it. But then, they came up with a brilliant idea.

ADVERTISEMENT
Not Even A Question

Not Even A Question

ADVERTISEMENT

A Solution That Was Best For Everyone

Finally, they came up with a solution that would be what’s best for everyone. This momma definitely couldn’t stay at the shelter any longer. And after much discussion, they knew what they needed to do to make this work.

ADVERTISEMENT
A Solution That Was Best For Everyone

A Solution That Was Best For Everyone

ADVERTISEMENT

If Not Adoption, Then Fostering

Chris came up with the idea to become Storie’s foster parents! That would give them the time to find a permanent home for her and her puppies. They knew she would love nothing more than to finally leave the shelter.

ADVERTISEMENT
If Not Adoption, Then Fostering

If Not Adoption, Then Fostering

ADVERTISEMENT

Worry Despite The Joy

Although Chris and Mariesa were extremely happy they had come up with a solution for helping Storie leave the shelter, they were still weighed down with the fear and worry about her pregnancy. They knew that they needed to figure out what was going on as soon as they could.

ADVERTISEMENT
Worry Despite Joy

Worry Despite Joy

ADVERTISEMENT

Now About The Puppies

Storie was adjusting well to her new home. All of their dogs loved Storie and they got along really well. So the only concern at this point was the puppies. They should have been born by now. What was the problem?

ADVERTISEMENT
Now About The Puppies

Now About The Puppies

ADVERTISEMENT

The Internet Was No Help

Worried about Storie, they decided to turn to the Internet for answers. They searched what reasons there could possibly be as to why she had not delivered these puppies yet. All that did was scare them even more.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Internet Was No Help

The Internet Was No Help

ADVERTISEMENT

Not Knowing Made It Worse

While their Internet searches provided them with more questions than answers, Chris and Mariesa began to grow more an more nervous. The fact that they had no idea what was wrong made them worry even more. But they did not get discouraged and were determined to figure it out.

ADVERTISEMENT
Not Knowing Made It Worse

Not Knowing Made It Worse

ADVERTISEMENT

Not Giving Up

Although it seemed like they would never find the answer, Mariesa and Chris didn’t give up. They knew they could figure out this issue if they just kept looking. After much research, they finally found something that could potentially help…

ADVERTISEMENT
Not Giving Up

Not Giving Up

ADVERTISEMENT

The Connection Between Stress And Birth

Finally, Chris and Mariesa found an article that explained that shelter dogs feel stress and a degree of trauma. The crowded environment is not ideal for any dog, but especially for pregnant females, which could explain why Storie’s birthing was so delayed.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Connection Between Stress And Birth

The Connection Between Stress And Birth

ADVERTISEMENT

How Dangerous Is The Situation?

After they did a lot of research, it was very clear that this situation could be detrimental to Storie as well as her puppies. The worst possible outcome was the she would lose the puppies, and they could also lose Storie by waiting around not doing anything.

ADVERTISEMENT
How Dangerous Is The Situation?

How Dangerous Is The Situation?

ADVERTISEMENT

Severe Trauma Does Not Help

They learned that when pregnant dogs feel excessive trauma they deliberately refuse to give birth and hold the puppies in. This because they feel that the environment is not safe for her puppies and that they may be in danger.

ADVERTISEMENT
Severe Trauma Does Not Help

Severe Trauma Does Not Help

ADVERTISEMENT

They Feared For Her Life

While Chris and Mariesa were relieved that they seemed to have found an answer to the problem, they grew more and more concerned for Storie’s life, as well as her unborn babies. They knew that had no choice but to rush to the vet’s office.

ADVERTISEMENT
They Feared For Her Life

They Feared For Her Life

ADVERTISEMENT

Time To Visit The Vet

Finally, it was time to take Storie to the vet and see what was going on. Would the vet be able to help? This was terrifying for them as they had no idea what they would find out.

ADVERTISEMENT
Time To Visit The Vet

Time To Visit The Vet

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ultrasound Results

Once the vet administered the ultrasound, it was very clear that this was an extremely unique case. What the scan revealed was almost unbelievable. Had the vet not seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed it.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Ultrasound Results

The Ultrasound Results

ADVERTISEMENT

How To Tell Them?

After the shock wore away, the vet had to explain to the couple what was going on with their dog. This was no ordinary pregnancy and they had no clue what they were about to hear. How would she let them know what was going on?

ADVERTISEMENT
How To Tell Them?

How To Tell Them?

ADVERTISEMENT

An Extraordinary Pregnancy

Most dogs can carry up to six puppies during pregnancy. As the vet showed the couple the ultrasound, she counted the outlines of the puppies with them. But what she showed them on the ultrasound was quite unusual. They were shocked at what they saw.

ADVERTISEMENT
An Extraordinary Pregnancy

An Extraordinary Pregnancy

ADVERTISEMENT

An Unbelievable Situation

They all expected a maximum of six puppies, but that’s not what they found. Storie was, in fact, carrying double that amount! She had an incredible 12 puppies in her belly. No wonder she looked like she was ready to pop!

ADVERTISEMENT
An Unbelievable Situation

An Unbelievable Situation

ADVERTISEMENT

Everyone Was In Utter Shock

They could not believe their ears! This was just too many puppies for this mama’s small body to carry. What did this mean for Storie? Would she and her puppies survive the pregnancy? How could Mariesa and Chris help her?

ADVERTISEMENT
Everyone Was In Utter Shock

Everyone Was In Utter Shock

ADVERTISEMENT

Their Worries Increased

Now that they knew exactly what was going on, Chris and Mariesa had a new set of problems to face. How would Storie get through this unusual and extraordinary pregnancy?

ADVERTISEMENT
Their Worries Increased

Their Worries Increased

ADVERTISEMENT

The Silver Lining

Despite all of the concern and worry that was overtaking them all, the vet assured Chris and Mariesa that all of the puppies were alive and well despite Storie’s stress and delay in birthing.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Silver Lining

The Silver Lining

ADVERTISEMENT

Time To Take Her Home

The vet told them that they could take her home and all they could do was wait. If she didn’t give birth within the next 48 hours then they needed to bring her back to the vet for further examination.

ADVERTISEMENT
Time To Take Her Home

Time To Take Her Home

ADVERTISEMENT

The Waiting Game Begins

These foster parents were now waiting anxiously for the puppies to come. What they didn’t know is that Storie had her own reasons for holding out and keeping those puppies in a little while longer.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Waiting Game Begins

The Waiting Game Begins

ADVERTISEMENT

Where Were The Puppies?

No one knew why these puppies were not coming, not even the vet. Was there anything they could do to help Storie along? Maybe if she had her own space, she would feel safe and comfortable enough to give birth.

ADVERTISEMENT
Where Were The Puppies?

Where Were The Puppies?

ADVERTISEMENT

Creating A Safe Haven For Storie

Having read several articles explaining how trauma can affect a pregnant dog, Mariesa came up with a great idea. In the corner of their room, they prepared a safe haven for Storie. They put a comfy pillow and some blankets for her.

ADVERTISEMENT
Creating A Safe Haven For Storie

Creating A Safe Haven For Storie

ADVERTISEMENT

This Should Do The Trick

Now that Storie had her own space they all went to sleep. Little did they know that the miracle was about to happen. First thing the next morning, they checked up on Storie to see if she was comfortable.

ADVERTISEMENT
This Should Do The Trick

This Should Do The Trick

ADVERTISEMENT

What A Surprise To Wake Up To

As they were making their way to see her, they heard funny noises. They hurried to see what was going on. They did not expect what they were about to see. She had given birth to all 12 puppies!

ADVERTISEMENT
What A Surprise To Wake Up To

What A Surprise To Wake Up To

ADVERTISEMENT

Proud Mama And Foster Parents

There she was, lying in her comfy bed, nursing her puppies with a proud look in her eyes. She had given birth in the middle of the night all by herself with no assistance at all. What an absolute champion!

ADVERTISEMENT
Proud Mama And Foster Parents

Proud Mama And Foster Parents

ADVERTISEMENT

Excitement In The Hughes Household!

Mariesa and Chris were both so emotional they couldn’t contain themselves and burst into tears of joy. They were ecstatic! Finally, they figured out why she had taken so long to give birth. Can you guess why?

ADVERTISEMENT
Excitement In The Hughes Household!

Excitement In The Hughes Household!

ADVERTISEMENT

A Mother’s Instincts

Storie’s motherly instincts took over while she was at the shelter. She knew that this was not the right place for her babies to be born, so her body took over and prevented the birth.

ADVERTISEMENT
A Mother's Instincts

A Mother’s Instincts

ADVERTISEMENT

A Safe Space Was All She Needed

All Storie was simply waiting for a safe place to have her puppies. Spending just one day at Chris and Mariesa’s house made her feel loved and comfortable enough to finally give birth.

ADVERTISEMENT
A Safe Space Was All She Needed

A Safe Space Was All She Needed

ADVERTISEMENT

Taking Care Of Her Babies

Storie was an amazing mom that took great care of her babies. By now, word got out that the puppies were born and people were lining up to adopt them. How would Storie feel after being separated from her puppies?

ADVERTISEMENT
Taking Care Of Her Babies

Taking Care Of Her Babies

ADVERTISEMENT

Mama Her And Puppies Were Bonding

When the puppies finally opened their eyes, and they immediately started bonding with their mama. They were so playful and loved to run around the yard. Unfortunately, the time was nearing when mom and pups would need to be separated.

ADVERTISEMENT
Mama Her And Puppies Were Bonding

Mama Her And Puppies Were Bonding

ADVERTISEMENT

An Exciting New Chapter

Mariesa and Chris had fallen in love with the puppies and absolutely adored them, but they knew they could not keep them. Amazingly, they found homes for every  single puppy. It wasn’t easy parting with them, but it was the right thing to do.

ADVERTISEMENT
An Exciting New Chapter

An Exciting New Chapter

ADVERTISEMENT

Ready To Go To Their New Homes

At 10 weeks old, the puppies were now ready to go to their forever homes. What would happen to their mama? The puppies would be taken care of, but what about Storie? She also deserved to have a loving home.

ADVERTISEMENT
Ready To Go To Their New Homes

Ready To Go To Their New Homes

ADVERTISEMENT

Possible New Home For Storie

As you can imagine, Storie’s amazing story made the rounds on social media. Her story was so inspiring that people shared it far and wide. Then one man saw the and immediately knew what had to be done.

ADVERTISEMENT
Possible New Home For Storie

Possible New Home For Storie

ADVERTISEMENT

Storie’s Forever Home

A man that read her story instantly fell in love with Storie and contacted the couple. He wanted to meet her right away. When he met her, it was confirmed: he was taking her home! Storie finally found her forever home.

ADVERTISEMENT
Storie’s Forever Home

Storie’s Forever Home

ADVERTISEMENT

Not All Shelter Dogs Get A Happy Ending

Thanks to this couple’s love, Storie got her happy ending. But there are still so many dogs in shelters that need more people like them to make a difference. If you’re wanting a dog, please consider adopting instead of buying.

ADVERTISEMENT
Not All Shelter Dogs Get A Happy Ending

Not All Shelter Dogs Get A Happy Ending

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr. Mo Project

Mariesa and Chris founded a nonprofit named the Mr. Mo Project, which cares for elderly and sick shelter dogs. They help house them so they live their remaining days in a loving home. What a great way to make a difference in these dogs’ lives!

ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Mo Project

Mr. Mo Project

ADVERTISEMENT

How Many Americans Own Pets?

According to the American Pet Products Association, “It’s estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat.” Of these, most are bought from a breeder!

ADVERTISEMENT
How Many Americans Own Pets?

How Many Americans Own Pets?

ADVERTISEMENT

National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

Due to the huge amount of pets at shelters waiting to be adopted, a national holiday has been designated in order to raise awareness to the situation. Thus, April 30th is the annual non-bank holiday called National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day that helps encourage people to adopt, not shop.

ADVERTISEMENT
National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

ADVERTISEMENT

Zac Efron Adopted!

Many celebrities have helped use their voices to bring even more awareness to the need to adopt pets. Actor Zac Efron shared this adorable snap of his adopted pup, Maca, and captioned it with the hashtag #adoptdontshop, helping increase awareness.

ADVERTISEMENT
Zac Efron Adopted!

Zac Efron Adopted!

ADVERTISEMENT

Tom Brady’s Doggies

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has a collection of Super Bowl rings, but he has also collected three different shelter dogs as pets, including Fluffy, Scooby, and Lua, who is pictured below. Even Super Bowl champions adopt dogs!

ADVERTISEMENT
Tom Brady's Doggies

Tom Brady’s Doggies

ADVERTISEMENT

Miranda Lambert’s Dog Crew

While Miranda Lambert is known for her powerful vocals, she also has a big heart. She has welcomed many dogs into her home, seven total! She has even started her own shelter called Tishomingo Animal Shelter.

ADVERTISEMENT
Miranda Lambert's Dog Crew

Miranda Lambert’s Dog Crew

ADVERTISEMENT

Pine’s Pit Bull

Even handsome Hollywood stars adopt pit bulls! Chris Pine adopted this adorable pittie from LA shelter North Central Shelter. These two couldn’t get any cuter!

ADVERTISEMENT
Pine's Pit Bull

Pine’s Pit Bull

ADVERTISEMENT