I (Phyllis from Hearts & Paws Animal Rescue) first saw "Pumpkin" eating road kill by the side of the
road on busy route 21 on a Thursday morning. She seemed young and skinny and obviously lost or
dumped. I called Susan (Hearts & Paws Animal Rescue) on the cell phone and told her to watch for the
dog, but Susan didn't see her later in the day. We thought she had been hit or had gone on her way. Then
last Saturday (Halloween--thus the name Pumpkin) I saw her again. This time the poor little pooch was in
the median strip, again tearing away at some road kill. I called Susan on the cell phone and fortunately she
was home and able to help. We went to try to get the dog, all the time praying that she had not been hit
by a passing car.

When we approached the area where I had seen Pumpkin, we found that she had somehow crossed the
median and was walking along the side of the road. I pulled the van over and Susan got out. Pumpkin had
obviously just had pups! But, they were nowhere to be seen. The little dog started to bark and look at
Susan as if to say "Follow me--come on!" Honestly, it was a scene from an episode of Lassie! She would
bark, go a few dozen feet, look back, and bark some more. Susan threw dog treats to her to try to lure
her near, but Pumpkin was focused on leading Susan about a quarter of a mile away from where we first
saw her. Thank goodness Susan was patient. Down a short alley and in the middle of a grassy area was
pay dirt. SIX PUPPIES! As soon as Pumpkin saw that Susan wasn't going to hurt them, she started to
retrieve the treats.

By this time I had parked the van and brought several cans of food to her. These she ate up as if she hadn't
eaten in weeks (which may have been the case.) We then wrapped the puppies in a sheet and carried them to
the van. Mama watched protectively and reluctantly got in herself. We then took them to my garage where
we made a make-shift home for them for the night. I snapped a picture (attached) and marveled at the
miracle of survival we had just witnessed. I also petted Pumpkin and was humbled to think I could be a part
of this rescue.

We took the puppies and Pumpkin to the vet on Monday (November 2). He said that they all were in remarkably good condition, considering what they had been through. Mama, he guesses, is about 8 months. The puppies will probably be big boys and girls (three of each)! He said they are maybe 2 weeks old. Pumpkin did fine at the vet's and showed a loving, trusting side. By the way, she is wormed, had a DHLPP shot, and had her rabies shot. She is also heartworm negative! Our vet seemed to think that Mama and puppies will be off to a good start especially when they get stabilized in a secure environment.

This is where you come in. Thanks so much for offering to take them, Dottie. I've never done puppies, and we have two guest dogs that will be with us for a few months (in addition to our own brood of seven). Mama
Pumpkin is an excellent mother--she always has an eye out for her puppies.

She is currently living in our garage with an older cat, and I find the place a wreck in the morning. I think the two of them aggravate each other at night, but Pumpkin hasn't tried to hurt the cat. She is getting very little exercise right now, and I know she needs more. We let her out once a day at least, but she stays close to the puppies and seems very submissive when she is on her own. She craves human affection, as you will find out. She has let several people play with her puppies, but she watches carefully. She appears to be housebroken. We are feeding her puppy food for the extra protein. We also give her some milk replacement poured on the food. She drinks lots and lots of water and I keep two big bowls of it for her.

The first night we had her Pumpkin tried to bury her canned food. She hasn't done that lately, but she did bury a rawhide chew today! Poor little thing--she probably thinks she won't get any more to eat!

Anyway, Dottie--thanks again. Hope this little bio helps you get to know Pumpkin and the six dwarfs. I'm sure you will enjoy them and take good care of them.

Pumpkin is at my (Dottie Schira's) house now. She is very loving and listens well. She is a little shy only because of the new surroundings. She is quickly adjusting. Her puppies are so cute. I don't get anything done around the house. I am too busy loving on Pumpkin and hugging her puppies. Animal rescue is so rewarding. I am glad that I am able to help in some small way.

Update: Pumpkin and all of her pups got adopted out to loving homes. Her pups are very intellegant and were learning fast. They are eager to please just like their mother. It was a pleasure having Pumpkin and her pups at my house. I just love hugging puppies!

Feel free to email me. [email protected]

I am very proud of this award. My 13 year old daughter Amber drew it free handed! She's quite the artist.

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