When one couple took their pregnant Pitbull to the vet, they had no idea what to expect. But lo and behold, the sonogram showed them a shocking image. Here's what the veterinarian found in the dog's womb…
Just One More Pup
Chris and Mariesa cherish all types of animals. So much so, that throughout their relationship, the couple had taken in foster dogs. And not just once, or even twice - but a total of eight different times.
It's never simple raising and training dogs - each one takes a lot of work. But the two of them felt like it was worth it. So when the opportunity to take in one more foster dog fell into their lap, they couldn't say no. They headed on over to Cuyahoga County Kennel. But when they arrived, their plans took an unexpected turn.
Life In The Dog House
It may seem shocking to find out that two people are so willing to have numerous dogs in their home at one time to take care of. But Chris and Mariesa have actually decided to commit their entire life to helping out as many of the homeless dogs in their area as they can.
Instead of just keeping all their adventures with the dogs to themselves, the couple had the idea to create a Youtube series. Featured on the channel OnlyGood TV, they dedicated clips to sharing the ups and downs of fostering dogs with the world. The series was called "Life in the Dog House."
A Neglected Breed
The dog-loving duo was eager to adopt a new dog, but they specifically were hoping to get a Pitbull. This canine breed has a pretty bad reputation, even though the majority of them can live years with their humans with no accident. The stereotype has led Pitbulls to be neglected.
The fear some people have can be reduced if the owner is prepared and trained to raise these types of dogs properly. When Pitbulls are treated with love, they make sure to also return the love. Luckily, Chris and Mariesa knew how to handle a Pitbull, so they decided to foster one to help the misunderstood breed.
Crossing Paths
Some people meet when mutual friends introduce them to one another, while others might form a relationship after meeting on a dating app. But Chris and Mariesa's story is a bit different. These two were actually brought together by their mutual love for dogs!
When they started dating, they not only formed a union with one another, but they also brought their canines together. Mariesa owned Money and Tejas, and Chris had welcomed Gremlin, Sammy, Meatball, The Stig, Moses, and Quinn into his life. Everyone seemed to get along great!
Unexpected Turn of Events
Now that they were officially a couple, they wanted to welcome a new dog into their lives - one that they got together. So they drove up to Cuyahoga County Kennel, eager to get a Pitbull. But when they got there, they realized that the dog they had in mind wasn't exactly what they had expected.
The second Mariesa noticed a Pitbull that stared into her eyes with sad puppy dog eyes, she knew that was the one she needed to foster. There was just one problem: the dog, named Storie, was pregnant! But that didn't stop Mariesa from pleading with her boyfriend that they needed to help out the helpless pup.
The Ultimate Confliction
Chris was very hesitant to take on a dog that was about to give birth because that meant they were fostering way more than just one dog! That's a lot of work for two people who already have 8 dogs at home. "I'm trying to think, is this going to work?" he pondered. "Is there any way to make this work?"
But no matter how many questions or doubts he had, his girlfriend was already set on taking Storie home - and there was no changing her mind. Luckily, it didn't take long before Chris was on the same page as Mariesa. Especially since she gave him a very good reason as to why they needed to take the Pitbull home…
Coming Home
Storie was living in a shelter with dozens of other desperate canines. Sadly this meant that the workers couldn't give her their full attention at all times. This made the couple concerned for the dog, especially because in no time at all, she would be going into labor.
Having babies in that environment can cause a lot of stress on any animal. Chris and Mariesa knew they needed to help Storie and her future babies. With an already full shelter, who knows how the staff could have handled more puppies? So they took on the responsibility of this pregnant Pitbull.
A Painful Sacrifice
Eventually, the couple came to a conclusion that they could both agree on. They would adopt Storie and take care of her - but once she gave birth to her babies, they would have to give them away. Because there was no way they would be able to care for that many puppies.
Chris and Mariesa knew that new dogs need 24/7 attention, just like human babies. They just knew they would have a hard time caring for 8 dogs, along with who knows how many puppies, as well as Storie. It was a tough decision for the couple to make, but staring at Stories' puppy dogs eyes, they just couldn't go home without her.
Storie's Life Story
It was even harder to walk away when the two of them heard how Storie landed in the shelter. The second they heard the sad story, they knew they would adopt her. Apparently, the pregnant canines' previous owners gave her up because they couldn't handle the responsibility of new puppies.
They felt so bad for the lonely dog, so much so that they both began to tear up. At that moment, they knew what needed to be done.“Let’s save the dog, that’s why we’re here,” Chris said. He knew it was the right thing to do, but he still had his previous concerns.
New Roommates
Their home was already packed with dogs, and they had all grown to love each other. But how would the new addition of Storie shift the dynamic of the household? Would the pregnant Pitbull get along with her new roomies? Was this a good idea? They had numerous concerns.
But Chris and Mariesa had no time to answer all of their questions. They knew that a crowded home filled with love was better than a lonely shelter. As they drove Storie home, they were excited. But before getting to their destination, they needed to make an important stop.
The Alarming Diagnosis
While it was pretty common to take their latest additions to a veterinarian before exposing them to their eight pups at home, this situation was a bit different. Because of the large size of Stories' pregnant belly, experts believed that she was possibly overdue.
Chris and Mariesa already loved this dog like their own, and if she was having problems with the pregnancy, she needed to see a vet ASAP. Their concerns grew worse when the workers at the shelter admitted that they, too, had been worried about the Pitbull's health.
A Turn For the Worse
On their way out of the dog shelter, they immediately took Storie to see an animal doctor to get her help and do a check-up. They had a feeling something was wrong, and it wasn't just because of her extremely overgrown belly. The Pitbull had actually been behaving strangely.
While it is normal for canines to start feeling anxious and off at the veterinarian's office, this was different. They couldn't exactly place why Storie was acting weird, but Mariesa just had a gut feeling that there was more to the story than they knew. And boy oh boy, was she right…
Protective Parents
If the doctor wasn't going to see the dog that day, who knows what would have happened? Her new owners were scared that she might lose the babies, and they continued to ponder over why she hadn't given birth yet. Luckily, they were able to stay calm. After all, they were used to always taking dogs to the vet.
Chris and Mariesa had no idea what they would find behind those veterinary doors. But at the moment, they didn't care: They just wanted to help their new helpless Pitbull. And soon enough, they would have their answers…. and it was something that neither of them could have ever seen coming.
The Ultrasound
They quickly rushed Storie into the vet's office. The doctor came in and listened to the couple explain their situation. After hearing their concerns, the veterinarian grabbed the sonogram machine to get a closer look at what was happening in the dog's belly.
No one in that room that day was ready to see what the ultrasound showed. Chris and Mariesa were stunned by the image that showed up in front of their eyes. And so was the doctor, because even she had to take a picture of it - she had never seen anything like it in her entire career...
A Dozen Surprises
The sonogram showed that Storie was carrying 12 babies! For those who may not already be familiar with how many puppies dogs typically have, let's just say: a dozen is a lot. Usually, for a dog the size of the Pitbull, the maximum average is a litter of eight dogs.
Clearly, this was very unexpected for everyone involved. Chris and Mariesa were preparing themselves for roughly a handful of new dogs to care for. But seeing that they not only had just welcomed Storie but were about to receive 12 more left them completely speechless.
From Disbelief to Distress
The couple was shocked when they first heard the news about the dozen babies. They couldn't believe what the vet was telling them. But soon enough, that initial feeling went away as it began to turn into distress and even more concern than what they had before.
Since it was uncommon for a dog of Storie's size to give birth to that many children, Chris and Mariesa wondered if the poor mom was going to be able to handle all of the stress the body goes through when giving birth. They, of course, asked the doctor as many questions as they could.
Calming Their Nerves
By now, the selfless duo was under high stress about the situation they had gotten themselves into. Yet, no matter what, they didn't regret their decision because they were helping out a dog that very much so needed it. They already had so much love for Storie, so their anxiety was even higher.
Thankfully much of their nerves were calmed down after the veterinarian assured them that everything was going to be okay. The Pitbull would most likely safely have all 12 of her children. The vet showed Chris and Mariesa the sonogram once again and explained that all the babies looked healthy and well.
Settling In
Before the couple went home, the doctor made sure to give the proper directions on what to do next with the pregnant dog. She predicted that in the next two days, Storie would probably give birth. And on the off chance she wouldn't, they must return to the office.
Finally, they were able to take the Pitbull home to join her new roomies and settle in. They wanted to ensure she felt comfortable and loved. If she was about to go through a stressful birth, the least they could do was help her get ready for welcoming 12 babies!
A Warm Weclome
Mariesa had lots of experience with taking care of dogs, and she knew that to make sure the birth was successful, Storie didn't need any unnecessary stress. But unfortunately, this was not an easy thing to accomplish in a household that has 8 other energetic dogs.
So, for the time being, as they prepared for the dozen puppies, Mariesa placed Storie in a small nook in her and Chris's bedroom. This way, she could be away from the other dogs and rest until it was time to give birth. Luckily, it looked like the Pitbull was comfortable in the cozy, private area.
Morning Surprise
It had been a very long day. Not just for Chris and Mariesa - also for the pregnant pup. But finally, it was coming to an end. The expecting dog was in her new bed filled with pillows and blankets, and the couple realized that there was not much else to do, so they all got some rest for the night.
The next morning arrived, and the worried couple didn't know what the day ahead of them would look like. But before they could even rub their eyes and get out of bed, they looked toward Storie and noticed that she wasn't alone: the Pitbull was nursing 12 new puppies.
A Miracle Birth
All of the babies were healthy and happy. Chris and Mariesa were overjoyed that the experience was easy and good for all involved. It was only 18 hours that had gone by since they had officially fostered Storie. And already, she felt comfortable enough to give birth.
They assumed that she just needed to be with the right people and in the right place to welcome her babies into the world. The Pitbull was clearly a good mother. She nursed all dozen of the puppies for 2 weeks, and by the 14th day, they were already starting to open their eyes, barking, and play.
Hard Goodbyes
It was a very busy couple of weeks for Chris, Mariesa, and Storie. It was definitely no easy task caring for 9 adult dogs and, on top of that, 12 newborn puppies. But somehow, throughout all the stress and worry, there was so much love in the packed household.
But still, even though they had grown to adore all of the baby Pitbulls, the duo knew they would need to find a permanent home for them. There was no way that they could keep 21 canines. Luckily it wouldn't be hard to find them a loving home since the couple knew of many helpful platforms where they could spread the news.
Searching For a Forever Home
As they began their mission to find a forever home, the couple briefly discussed the possibility of maybe keeping a few of the puppies for themselves. They originally just planned to foster Storie, but they were raising her babies, so it was hard to say goodbye.
After consideration, they decided it'd be best not to keep any - that way their home would have more space to foster other dogs who need the help. So they shared the news on their Youtube series, and before they knew it, multiple people offered to take the babies! Now they needed to ensure the permanent home was the right one.
Helping Hands
A New York-based no-kill shelter named Pibbles and More Animal Rescue (PMAR) focuses on helping dogs find safe and loving homes. “We dream of a day when we are NO longer needed. Shelters are empty, Puppy Mills NO longer exist & Humans & animals live together peacefully without abuse, torture & abandonment.”
PMAR welcomes all dogs, but they have a special soft spot for Pitbulls due to the unfortunate stereotypes this breed has. So, of course, this shelter was eager to help Chris and Mariesa find the 12 puppies new homes. After a few Facebook posts were uploaded, the offers started rolling in.
A Happy Ending
In no time at all, all 12 of Stories babies were placed in good homes with caring owners. But before being sent off, they spent a few more weeks with their mom at Chris and Mariesa's house. Slowly but surely, the Pitbull weened her babies off of being nursed.
Things were all working out, yet they still needed to find Storie a forever home - since the original plan was to just foster her. Luckily, she wouldn't have to go far, because Chris's best friend, Ryan, agreed to take her in. Ryan had years of experience with Pitbulls, and they knew he would take great care of her.
Special Wedding Guest
Helping dogs was what brought Chris and Mariesa together from the start, so obviously, the crazy experience brought them even closer together. A few weeks after saying bye to Storie, Chris proposed to his girlfriend. Not long after, they tied the knot. But not all of their dogs could attend: only Gremlin and Stig went.
“I don’t really care what others think about Gremlin being at the wedding because I couldn’t imagine how I even lived without her before I met her,” the bride said. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without her.” The dog wore a pear wedding collar, a veil, and a flower headband! And Stig rocked a blue rhinestone encrusted bow tie.
Next Chapter
To no one's surprise, the newlywed couple contained to spend their days dedicating their time to saving and helping hopeless canines. In fact, their large family has even grown since they fostered Storie! Today, the couple has 18 dogs of all different breeds giving with them.
While that may sound like a ton of work to others, this selfless couple wouldn't have things any other way. Their life mission is to foster as many dogs as they can. Their story and the impact they have on the dog community have touched the hearts of many. So much so, that they constantly keep up with them.
Keeping Up With The Kanines
For those who want to see what the family has been up to in recent years, Chris and Mariesa are actively posting on both their Youtube series, Life in the Dog House, as well as on two different Instagram accounts: @barks_n_barbells and @mrmoproject.
They post about their days spent hanging out with their many, many cute dogs. But even more, they also include snippets of what life is like for the busy couple. From cooking to exercise videos and showing their followers how they manage so many dogs, there's content for everyone to enjoy.
The Mr. Mo Project
Thanks to the endless support that fans and followers have given the family, Chris and Mariesa were able to start a non-profit charity which they named after their late dog Moses. The Mr. Mo Project focuses on helping senior dogs find foster homes where they could happily spend their final days.
Sadly, most older canines end up in shelters, and they are known to have the highest euthanized rates - since most people aren't willing to adopt senior dogs. The group also helps the families with paying the vet bill, transportation, and even helping get discounted toys, food, and nutritional consultation.
Feeling the Love
While their organizations help many poor dogs get connected to families, the couple never forgets to take care of their dogs at home. In fact, Chris and Mariesa constantly need to be giving the 18 dogs attention, especially when all of them are taking up all the space in their bed!
To fix this problem, they added an extra bed frame that could hold two-mattress so all their fur babies could comfortably lay. The frame even has extra storage where dog toys can be stored. And to add their special touch, it even has a paw print on the side to remember the dogs that have passed away. Safe to say, this story's just beginning…