This is a story of a mommy dog who was abandoned by her owner at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, California. Cora who was dropped off with another dog, showed a strange behaviour, Her body language was stiff, eyes were sad and she stood alone against a wall in kennel.
Staff at the Humane Society had no idea that Cora was a new mom then, the former owner decided to keep her puppies and abandon Cora, they pleaded with her to turn over the puppies. Not only was it a devastating loss for poor Cora, but it was in the best interest of the puppies as well.
Puppies need their mother, not just to learn appropriate behaviors, but also to survive. Puppy formula doesn’t contain colostrum, an important part of a mother’s milk that improves the pup’s immune system and protects it from common illnesses, like the deadly parvovirus, says a report by Texas A&M University’s Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. The puppies were too young for vaccines, meaning that until they could be vaccinated, they were at risk of contracting this and other deadly illnesses.
Mother’s milk also offers a number of nutrients that puppies need to grow strong, healthy bones and organs. Without their mother, the puppies were at risk of developing other health problems as they aged. Cora, herself, was also at risk without her puppies. Not only was she suffering from depression, but she had an increased risk of mastitis and other health problems from not being allowed to nurse her pups, says this report by Dogtime.com.
Giving the puppies back to Cora was in everyone’s best interest. Eventually, the staff at the Marin Humane Society convinced the original owners to return the puppies to Cora. The change in Cora’s demeanor was staggering.
Cora Gets Her Puppies Back
As a staffer sat on the ground, she began to pull Cora’s pups out of a pet carrier one at a time. As the first puppy emerged, Cora sat still. However, once the puppy started to whimper, there was instant alertness in Cora’s eyes, then her ears perked up. It was like she came back to life.
Cora ran up to check her puppy as the staffer brought out a second puppy and placed both in a whelping box. Cora immediately looked and acted like a different dog. Her tail wagged and she looked perky and happy as she checked over her pups, then ran in the pet carrier to see the remaining two before they could be removed by the Humane Society staff.
Cora then walked up to the staff member and showed her thanks for the return of her puppies as her puppies rushed to nurse from there mom. It was clear that the pups had missed her just as much as she had missed them.
Media Attention
This heartwarming story made headlines in the area. Thanks to the media attention it received, Cora and her puppies were all adopted quickly and went to their new forever homes once the puppies and Cora were ready, as reported by USA Today. You can see the love that Cora has for her puppies and understand the devastation of her situation.
Not only was she abandoned by her owner, but the owner selfishly chose to take her puppies from her before they were weaned, putting all of them at risk of illness. Fortunately, the staff at the Marin Humane Society identified the problem and were able to persuade the owners that returning the puppies to Cora was the best thing to do.
This story pulls on the heartstrings. It’s obvious that Cora was very thankful for this act of kindness. Please spread Cora’s story with your friends and family. The adage – adopt, don’t shop – is very applicable here. And tell us your comments in the section below!
