When Daisy arrived at Muddy Paws Rescue in New York with her eight tiny puppies, affectionately dubbed the “office supply litter,” nothing about their start was simple.
From the beginning, the situation was overwhelming.
Four of the puppies were battling parvo, while the others were suffering from serious gastrointestinal issues. The uncertainty weighed heavily on everyone involved.
Thanks to tireless veterinary care and constant monitoring, every puppy beat the odds and survived.
A Nervous Mother In An Unfamiliar World
As the puppies received treatment, Daisy struggled in her own way. The rescue environment was frightening for her, filled with unfamiliar faces and strange places.
The stress deepened when her puppies had to be separated from her during their medical care. Each moment apart made her anxiety worse.
After several months, the puppies were finally healthy and ready to move on. One by one, they were adopted into loving homes. Daisy, too, found a family of her own in South Amboy, New Jersey.
It seemed like the perfect ending. But Daisy’s journey was not finished yet.
“To everyone’s surprise, on Daisy’s second day home, she managed to jump over the 5-foot fence surrounding her new backyard and bolt,” Mallory Kerley, marketing director at Muddy Paws Rescue, told The Dodo.
Not long after settling in, Daisy escaped. Neighbors began reporting sightings, but every time someone tried to get close, she bolted.
Rescue staff, volunteers, and members of the local community immediately joined forces. For four exhausting days, they searched tirelessly, determined to bring her home.
At last, Daisy was found hiding in the woods. Two staff members approached slowly, earning her trust with patience. One of them even wore the same sweatshirt every day so Daisy would recognize his scent.
“We were so touched by how the neighborhood cared – people drove with flashes on to slow down traffic and keep an eye out for her, folks sat in specific locations for hours in the cold, others lent out towels, crates, cameras, or bought supplies like food, hand warmers and coffees for us. First responders and schools were on the case and several of them called in sightings. Neighbors let us access their yards – it was an incredible effort. She will certainly be a town celebrity,” Muddy Paws Rescue NYC wrote on Facebook.
After nearly a week filled with fear and hope, Daisy was safe again. Her adoptive family was relieved beyond words to have her back.
Even as life moved forward, Daisy’s family stayed connected with the families who had adopted her puppies, sharing updates as the dogs grew and changed.
When Mother And Puppies Met Again
More than a year later, everyone agreed it was time for something special.
The puppies were fully grown now, many nearly Daisy’s size, and anticipation filled the air as the families prepared to reunite them.
When the moment came, wagging tails and joyful barks erupted instantly.
Some of the dogs looked exactly like their mother, while others showed off different markings, yet the family resemblance was undeniable.
“Their reunion was so happy. We love seeing litters stay in touch, and this family in particular is all still close. The adopters keep in touch and share updates on their pups with each other, and we love seeing them come together as a family!” Kerley told The Dodo.
From surviving devastating illness to navigating fear and uncertainty, Daisy and her puppies had overcome more than most.
Now, each of them is thriving in a forever home, surrounded by love, safety, and people who refused to give up on them.
