The squishiest puppy faces!

The truth is their innocent faces don’t tell the full story. While these nine babies were born in the warmth of a safe kennel at a BC SPCA Animal Centre, their sweet mama hasn’t had life so easy. Her name is Ellie, and calling her a supermum is an understatement.

This summer, Ellie was rescued from a very sad situation along with two other dogs. As Animal Protection Officers arrived at the home, they could smell the stench of feces and urine before they even entered. The house was in disarray, covered in garbage with around 20 resident rats hiding behind the fridge, crawling through the walls and sifting through the garbage for food scraps.

Seeing people and pets living in this way is so hard to witness for our Animal Protection team. It’s clear that both the humans and animals in this situation were suffering – this was no home for either to be living in. But in those difficult moments, hope is important to hang on to. Hope for a brighter future is something people like you can make possible for animals who are suffering.

Sweet Ellie was heavily pregnant on arrival. She was taken straight to the vet to check her over and ensure she was healthy before giving birth. With such a large litter on the way and little time to find her a specialized foster home, Ellie was placed in a quiet kennel at the closest BC SPCA Animal Centre to give birth.

Last month, this wonderful mum brought 10 new lives into the world. Thankfully, these wee ones will never have to live through the suffering Ellie has experienced. From their first breath, they have only known love, safety and kindness, surrounded by animal-loving people like you, who are doting on their every need.

Very sadly Ellie lost one of her puppies immediately after birth and she quickly latched on to a toy for comfort. It was a moment that shows us just how much mums go through – we may be different species, but we all grieve. Staff are lovingly calling it her “emotional support croissant” and Ellie won’t go anywhere without it.

We are all grateful she is now in the right place to receive the best care and quality of life possible for her and her babies. Will you share your kindness with Ellie and her nine puppies today by contributing towards their care? 

Considering her past, it’s no surprise that Ellie is on the skinny side. We’ve been doing everything we can to help her gain weight and stay happy, but these things take time when a mum is producing milk for so many puppies. She’s on the right path and everyday Ellie and her babies grow a little stronger.

This resilient mama deserves a bright future, where she receives the love and kindness she needs to get back to the dog we know she should be. Right now, she is giving everything to ensure her babies have the best start in life.

Please find a space in your heart for Ellie and her puppies today. It’s a gift to be part of a story of such resilience. I hope you will be part of Ellie’s story too.

*in the extraordinary case where funds raised go above and beyond the needs of this group, your loving kindness will help the next animal in need