Mama dog ‘refused to leave’ her pups after one was hit and killed on Texas road
A family of puppies in Texas is now safe thanks to the power of a mother’s love.
“A heartbreaking but powerful rescue,” the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said June 3 in a Facebook post. “Our Animal Cruelty Investigator responded to a call about a mother dog found on the side of the road after one of her puppies was tragically run over. Emaciated and exhausted, this brave mama still refused to leave her surviving babies behind. Her determination to protect them, even in the face of danger, is nothing short of incredible.”
Photos show the skinny momma walking on a purple leash and looking quite tired — but alert — arriving at the shelter. Another photo shows her settling in with her little ones, hunched over them as some gather to eat.
“The little family was safely rescued and is now in the compassionate hands of our veterinary team at the Houston SPCA,” the shelter said.
At the moment, momma, who the shelter named Shelly, is on the lookout for a foster home where she can comfortably continue to get her strength back.
People in the comment section were overwhelmed by the mother’s selflessness and bravery along with the shelter’s team handling the rescue so delicately.
“Great things happening for this mistreated souls. Just look at her eyes,” one person said.
For information, visit the shelter’s website.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM with the headline "Mama dog ‘refused to leave’ her pups after one was hit and killed on Texas road."