Shugy, a pregnant stray, endured hunger, cold, and loneliness day after day. Her only wish was to find a warm, secure place to bring her puppies into the world.
She eventually wandered into the parking lot of a Dollar General in Mississippi, hoping someone might notice her and offer help.
For months, she approached strangers with hopeful eyes, silently asking for kindness. But no one stopped. She remained unseen.
What Shugy didn’t know was that her life was about to take a dramatic turn.
A Chance Encounter Changes Everything
Mary Smith and her mother were visiting the Dollar General when they spotted Shugy. Her swollen belly immediately caught their attention, and concern filled their hearts, not just for her, but for the unborn lives she carried.
Unable to forget her, they returned the following day. After speaking with a store employee, they learned the heartbreaking truth: Shugy had no home and had been seeking help for months.
That was all they needed to hear. They made the decision to bring her home.
Though Shugy seemed to understand she needed help, fear still lingered. With soft voices and gentle touches, Mary and her mother slowly earned her trust. Eventually, she allowed them to guide her away from the parking lot.
Once home, they gave her a much-needed bath. The oil stains in her fur suggested she had been sleeping beneath cars to stay warm.
After cleaning her up, they prepared a cozy space where she could finally rest.
Rest Comes Slowly, But Safety Brings Peace
At first, Shugy was too anxious to sleep. Mary and her mother sat beside her, speaking softly until she began to relax. Eventually, exhaustion overcame her, and she drifted into sleep, safe for the first time in a long while.
The next day, they brought her to Nunnery Veterinary Hospital in Summit, Mississippi.
There, she was diagnosed with heartworm, hookworms, and ear mites. The veterinarian estimated she was only about a year old.
Despite her condition, Shugy’s sweet temperament quickly won over the clinic staff.
After beginning treatment, she returned to her temporary home.
She slowly began to decompress, enjoying the warmth and comfort she had been denied for so long. Her tail wagged as she explored the yard, finally free to move without fear.
A New Life Begins With Seven Tiny Paws
Just one week after her rescue, Shugy went into labor.
Mary’s mother FaceTimed her so she could witness the moment Shugy gave birth to seven tiny puppies. Mary rushed over as soon as she could to meet the new mother and her babies.
Shugy proved to be a devoted and nurturing mom, ensuring her pups were safe, fed, and loved.
As the puppies grew into playful little explorers, the Smith home filled with joyful chaos. When they were old enough, each puppy was adopted into a loving home.
“They were incredibly wanted and they all have great lives,” Mary told The Dodo.
The Smiths chose to keep Shugy and one of her pups, while Mary adopted another. She believes wholeheartedly that Shugy and her babies were always meant to be part of their family.
Thanks to the compassion of one family, Shugy’s days of begging in a parking lot are behind her, replaced by warmth, safety, and the love of a home.
