The story begins like so many others at Lollypop Farm, when a nameless white pit bull mix was brought to us as a stray. She was emaciated, covered in fleas, and missing most of her fur. She was given a warm kennel, food, and named Daisy. Clearly she was happy to have been saved from the crisp October weather just in time.
It was just days after being brought in, on the first cold, snowy night of the season that Daisy gave birth to litter of puppies. Thanks to animal lovers like you, our staff had everything we needed to provide mom and pups with food, warm shelter, and the veterinary services they needed. Daisy cuddled and nursed her new puppies safe from harm. It was puppy love at Lollypop Farm!
Like all pets who come to Lollypop Farm, Daisy was given a behavior evaluation, but was found to be very reactive to the dogs and commotion going on around her. Rebecca Lohnes, our behavior manager, explained, “It’s common for new mothers to become protective while the puppies are still nursing.” With this understanding, Daisy was given the quiet time she needed and the behavior team worked with the puppies to socialize them with people.
As the puppies grew, Daisy began to recover from her other conditions. With the help of our veterinary team, she gained weight and her skin improved. Once the puppies were weaned, they were sent to foster until they were old enough to be spayed and neutered. Without her puppies to worry over, Daisy was able to relax in the shelter. A week later, she was reevaluated by the behavior department, and the change was incredible. “She was definitely more relaxed, and even playful when meeting new dogs,” said Rebecca. Daisy was ready for adoption.
Daisy and her puppies went up for adoption within days of each other. The puppies were adopted very quickly, and it was only a few more days before the Bates family brought Daisy home. She now has a new brother named Dax, whom she likes to chase around the house. But her favorite thing of all is to get right under the covers for a good cuddle with her family.
“A lot of the animals brought to Lollypop Farm have different needs,” says Rebecca. “It’s because of the community’s support that we can provide dogs like Daisy with the veterinary services, behavior enrichment, and time they need to get a second chance for a new home.”
If you are interested in helping dogs like Daisy, there are many opportunities to volunteer or give a gift. Your support can help save a life.
