Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Heavenly Creatures

Home
New Visions
Indigo, Orphan pups and a gift of Mercy – a heartwarming dog rescue tale

Indigo, Orphan pups and a gift of Mercy – a heartwarming dog rescue tale

Last updated on: February 21, 2013 at 11:13 pm by Joanne Brokaw

Indigo, Orphan pups and a gift of Mercy – a heartwarming dog rescue tale 2013-02-21T23:13:02-05:00 Joanne Brokaw

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Indigo was pregnant and headed for the shelter when she was instead surrendered to Pitty Love Rescue. Just a few days later, on January 31, she gave birth to 11 pups! (photo courtesy Pitty Love Rescue)

Here in Rochester, NY we’re fortunate to have a wonderful animal group, Pitty Love Rescue, that does remarkable work rescuing, rehabing and rehoming pit bulls and pit mixes. They, along with other great groups in our area, are advocates for responsible dog ownership and a well-trained dog community. There are sad stories – puppy mills, overcrowded shelters, abandoned dogs. Working in the inner city, and especially with such a misunderstood breed, can really take its toll on volunteers.

So I just had to share a wonderful story with you, because it highlights the amazing work these groups do and the joys that come from their rescue efforts.

A few weeks ago, the girls at Pitty Love Rescue got a call from a dog owner who was going to take a very – very – pregnant pit bull to the shelter (and certain death) unless someone could come forward to help. Although they were already bursting at the seams, Pitty Love fosters and volunteers stepped up to take the dog – named Indigo – and within a few days assisted as she gave birth to 11 puppies. It was a joyous event, waiting, watching, and then celebrating as new life came from what could have been a tragic situation. Hundreds of volunteers and dog lovers from across the country were riveted to the online updates and the photos of the new mama and her babies.

Indigo and her pups (photo courtesy Pitty Love Rescue)

Then this week, the rescue was called when someone left a box of puppies on the doorstep of Penfield Animal Hospital. According to a story at 13WHAM.com, Dr. Kirsten Mueller, the Veterinarian who treated the pups, said the umbilical cords were still attached and she believed that the puppies were only a day or two old at the time.

Eleven one-day-old pups were left on the doorstep at Penfield Animal Hospital, with no sign of their mother. After getting their initial care, they were transferred to Pitty Love Rescue. (photo courtesy Pitty Love Rescue)

Pitty Love volunteers took the pups, dubbed “The Orphans”, and volunteers have spent the past week bottle feeding and caring for the babies round the clock. There was no word on what happened to the mother dog; despite searches of the area and shelters, there’s been no sign of her.

With 22 pups in their care, along with dozens of other dogs being fostered, the rescue has its hands full. Jenn Fedele, founder of Pitty Love Rescue, says, “We are super lucky to have such a GREAT network of volunteers and supporters. Seriously lucky.” The problem, though, is that even the most devout human care isn’t a substitute for a warm mother dog. These little pups – just a few days old – need a mama.

Enter a miracle named Mercy.

Just a week ago, Mercy and her 5-week-old pup were on “death row” at the city shelter (which is bursting at the seams) when the folks at Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions came to her rescue. (Just a side note: often in a shelter, sick dogs, dogs in need of extensive medical care, or very young newborns are often at the top of the “death row” list, simply because there aren’t enough resources to meet their needs for any length of time.)

Rescued Treasures got Mercy and her pup into a foster home. But now that she’s just finished nursing her own little one, the two rescue groups got together to see if maybe Mercy would accept the orphan pups.

And, clearly living up to her name, she did.

Living up to her name, Mercy accepts The Orphans and offers them a chance at survival. (photo courtesy Pitty Love Rescue)

So as we speak, Indigo and her 11 pups are safe and sound. Mercy and her pup, along with 11 orphans, are being cared for together. And here’s where you come in. Pitty Love Rescue now has 22 puppies, ranging from just a few days to a few weeks old, who are going to need vaccinations, spaying/neutering and foster or forever homes, along with two mamas who will be spayed and vaccinated, too.

That’s 24 spay/neuters, 24 rounds of vaccinations, and 24 homes.

If you’ve ever considered supporting a dog rescue, now would be a good time to make a donation. Here’s how you can help:

1) Pitty Love Rescue is in immediate need of blankets, towels, puppy pads, and in the near future toys for the pups and kibble. The pups will eat Earthborn Puppy Vantage.

2) Monetary donations can be made to Pitty Love Rescue on their website. You can also send checks directly to their vet’s office to help cover the cost of spay/neutering. (Make sure you write “For Pitty Love Rescue” on the check.)

3) Consider fostering or adopting a dog! Indie’s pups are only 3 weeks old, and The Orphans just a few days, so it’ll be a while before they’ll be able to go to homes. But Indigo will need a home, and so will Mercy and her pup. Jenn told me that Mercy “is beyond sweet and everyone who has met her absolutely adores her. Mercy is special. I’m really hoping this story will help her to get a fantastic home.” About Indie, she adds, “Indie is a fantastic, sweet mom” who is going to make a wonderful addition to someone’s family. These are two very special mother dogs who shouldn’t be overlooked in all of the new puppy cuteness.

For more information about fostering or adopting Indigo, Mercy, or any of the pups, or if you want to make a donation to help with their care, contact Pitty Love Rescue.

For more information about adopting Mercy’s pup, Petey, contact Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions.

Previous Post

February 20, 2013

Can dogs be introverted or extroverted?

Next Post

February 23, 2013 Bloodhounds, the most feared dogs on earth?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Animal behavior Animal health Animal history Animal rescue Animal research Animals and entertainment Animals and fashion Animals and food Animals and military Animals and science Animals and the law Animals in the news Be Nice Project Bears Bees Bible verses Birds Books cats Celebrities Christianity Circus Critters Dogs Elephants Farm animals Featured Shelter Pet Guest blogger Holidays Humor Interviews Movies Music National News Nature Ocean mammals Paganism Politics Quotes Reader photos Recalls Reviews Science Space Supernatural Technology Television Uncategorized Uncategorized video Wildlife Zoo

Select a Month November 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 November 2015 May 2015 October 2014 September 2014 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 January 2014 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 July 2011 June 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What city is considered the holiest in Christianity?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Bethlehem Jerusalem Nazareth Rome