While navigating a busy roadway in Texas, seasoned rescuer Kristin Erwin caught sight of something moving just off the road. Her curiosity piqued, she quickly decided to stop and investigate.
Stepping out of her car, Kristin encountered a heart-wrenching scene: a mother dog and her six puppies huddled together in the rain, trying to keep dry next to the roadside.
The weary mom lay beside her pups, watching them frolic in the wet grass, seemingly unaware of the potential dangers surrounding them.
When she met Kristin’s gaze, the sadness and defeat in her eyes were evident. Kristin immediately understood the hardships the dog had faced.
Kristin later discovered that animal control had been attempting to catch the elusive mother dog for almost a year, but her fear of humans always led her to flee.
As Kristin cautiously approached, the protective mother gathered her puppies closer and retreated. Respecting her need for space, Kristin quietly followed behind.
“Mom was skittish of people, but she tried her best to keep them safe,” Kristin shared on TikTok.
Soon enough, the dogs found their way into a nearby crate. Kristin seized the opportunity, closing the door swiftly to prevent any escape.
She stayed with them until assistance arrived, reassuring the uncertain mother that this was truly the start of a new and better chapter for her family
Bringing them all home, Kristin noticed that on the first day, the mother remained on edge, watching her intently while staying on guard.
Despite this, there were hopeful signs of progress; the mother allowed Kristin to handle her puppies and change their bedding.
“She lets me handle her chunky babies and change their bedding. These are all good signs. She’ll come around, poor girl just needs time to trust,” she noted on Facebook.
The puppies snuggled closely with their mother, enjoying the warmth and security they had long been without. The mother clung to the safety of the crate, the only stability she’d ever known.
Patiently, Kristin approached her with kindness, feeding her by hand and speaking softly without applying any pressure. Each day saw the mother relaxing just a little more.
The breakthrough moment came when the mother finally wagged her tail and allowed Kristin to hug her, signaling the beginning of a special bond. Gradually, she was starting to see that she was finally in a safe place.
As trust replaced her fear, the dog’s demeanor transformed noticeably. Her eyes, once weary, now sparkled with warmth and hope as she embraced affection and began exploring her environment with newfound ease.
“She was so tired and ready to be helped. Now we can celebrate all her accomplishments and tell her how loved she is,” Kristin expressed.
Soon, Forgotten Coast Animal Rescue in Houston, Texas, took over the care of the mother dog and her six puppies. Each will eventually embark on the journey to find a forever home.
What once seemed uncertain now holds the promise of a future filled with safety, stability, and love.
