I Had To Do It! 9-22-2020

By this morning I knew I had to go get the emaciated mama and 8 puppies. I did pray about it and with Rick’s help we put insulation board on the floor and hung a heat lamp with a thermostat over a small pool. We covered the insulation with tarps and then put those old Goat Gazettes to work on top of the tarp.

Here is the original picture I saw.

God knows what that man did to this poor dog and I have turned over that punishment to Him. There are 8 puppies – all fat and roly poly – at mom’s expense.

The puppies are already eating gruel to supplement their nursing and as the shelter informed me – the more food they eat, the more they poop as compared to nursing. Oh, great! I have put out a plea for newspapers.

When I picked up the puppies I was told they hadn’t eaten their evening meal so as soon as I got them all moved into the kennel I hauled the huge bag of food and the case of canned food and the puppy milk replacer into the house. Got out my brand new blender – I think I remember telling you my original blender had lasted for 49 years! Put everything in the blender and it wouldn’t work! I poured it all into my mixer – that didn’t chop it up enough so I actually poured it into that OLD blender that doesn’t have a lid. I held a plastic lid on top and turned it on – gruel all over the pantry! Good grief! I continued and got it mixed and fed the puppies. Had Rick look at the blender – oh, there’s a safety feature! After you sit the blender jar into the base, you have to turn it slightly. I had used this blender only once when I made Orange Julius for the kids and I must have just had dumb luck because it worked.

So now it’s after 9 and I have checked on everybody – they are too hot! I removed the pool and raised the heat lamp. Turned the thermostat down to 70. Tomorrow we’ll go outside.

So I have no quilting progress to show you tonight. There are some Dirty Dozen projects tho’ which I’m always so glad to get in my email.

That’s all, folks! I’ll keep you posted.

109 thoughts on “I Had To Do It! 9-22-2020

  1. Katie

    Wow these sweet pups, poor Mom, Sounds like the pups r eating good..
    Thank God U r a caring Person..
    🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
    Katie in Gilbert, Az.

  2. Kathy

    You are so good! And that dog landed at the Hilton ! How is the momma acting? Can t wait to see play time tomorrow

  3. Maryjane

    Yes, you did have to do it. Sweet doggies. Mama must feel so much better. Poor thing. Bless you for loving them enough to give them a home. You’ll have lots to tell us in days ahead.

  4. Deborah grisanti

    Does the stupid man who punished her for getting pregnant realize it’s his fault for not getting her spayed??????? Glad you’re taking care of her and babies!!!

  5. Martha Engstler Gettysburg

    I’ll sleep good tonight knowing Mom and puppies are in loving caring hands. I know they are a lot of work but also know you will be rewarded for all you do to help those that can’t help themselves. Look forward to watching their progress.

    1. Kaye

      I knew you would listen to your heart and bring them home to nourish and nurture. You will be continue to be blessed by all you give to others.

  6. Geri Gieseke

    Mary you are a saint for taking that poor dog and her puppy family into your care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness! This poor dog! Why do people have to be so cruel? Please keep us posted! I hope she feels all the love and prayers being sent to her on your lovely farm in Iowa!

  7. Carolyn Boutilier

    Bless you for taking on this mother and her puppies. Hope she finds a sweet wonderful forever home. Thank you for doing this as I thought about this mother dog several times.
    Carolyn b Shenandoah valley VA

  8. Bobbie

    I’m sure mom is scared. Being moved a few times. In a few days with your care she will come out and be so loving. You are so blessing these fur babies. 8 puppies wow you will get your exercise keeping up with them pups. The pups look really healthy. Mom needs the extra loving right now. Who every did that to her will be judged one day. I don’t understand people who mistreat animals. Why do they get them to begin with. Just bad people I guess. We will so enjoy the growth of these babies and mama dog. The next few weeks will be exciting.

  9. Montana Kathy

    So very happy to hear the Mom and pups are in your loving care. Now I can sleep tonight. I’ve been thinking of them non-stop and worrying how they were doing. Mary, you are the greatest! You have the biggest heart of anyone I know! Wish I lived closer to help you out. Sending good thoughts your way.

  10. Mary Says Sew!

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! This will come as no surprise for any of us readers.

    Good for you, the mama-dog and all those puppies! What a wonderful outcome!

  11. Julie erickson

    Mary you are a saint to take in that poor mama dog and her babies.
    It will sure be gratifying to see mama fill out and be loved.
    Good job!
    Julie Erickson

  12. Diane Bauer

    Oh, Mary! Thank you so much for your kind and generous heart and home! Mom looks quite relieved and relaxed in that lovely bed you gave her–relieved to have the puppies a bit away from her for just a little while. She must so desperately be in need of some rest. And now she doesn’t have to worry. Such a lovely gift you’re giving her! It will be so fun to watch the pups thrive under your care! I’m sure it’s a good thing I don’t live closer as I’m afraid I’d have to be vying for one of the brown speckled pups!

  13. Jenny Stevenson

    Wow! You are amazing. That poor momma…. hopefully you can get her fattened up too. Those puppies are adorable.

  14. Sue in Oregon

    You are the sweetest, most tender hearted person Ever!!
    They are so cute. And, they are so lucky. And, the mom will soon be fattened up and healthy. Good for you, Mary.
    Sunflower from Michigan….Your apron is adorable. All the quilts are fun. I sure love those pink baskets.

  15. Elaine Nixon

    YES!!! You are the best. They have landed in love. We will all have a good sleep tonight, you maybe not so much unfortunately. God bless and keep you all.❤️

  16. Jan from TN

    Mary, I knew you’d go get that mama & her puppies. God bless you! You’re an angel 😇 for being so kind. Thank you for saving them. I can’t wait to see their progress as they get bigger & stronger! I pray 🙏🏻 Mama dog gets fatten up real soon. Will you take the whole family to the vet to be checked out to be sure none of them have Parvovirus? That seems to quite a th8ng here in TN with strays or surrenders. So sad. 😔 I rooting for you! I know you’ll do a great job. Thank you!

  17. Betty Klosterman

    None of us are surprised you decided to help the momma and pups. Since the pups are getting extra nutrition than Mom’s milk, maybe it will take some ware and tear off Mom and she can relax a bit and gain a bit of weight. Just wait til tomorrow. Those 8 pups will be going 6 ways from Sunday all over the place. They are cute. The mother wasn’t getting fed along with being abused.
    And you didn’t mention Betsy so we all assume she is getting better and back to normal?

  18. Karen Boswell

    Bless you for the rescue, Mary! The Lord put these poor creatures into your heart and hands and you responded. Don’t worry about what’s to come. It will all work out. Meanwhile, love them all so they know what it’s all about.

  19. Sharon from Southern IL

    Blessings and thanks for all you are doing from my heart to yours. The Lord truly blessed mama and her 8 puppies that you found them. Good luck. I’ll look forward to hearing more about your new family.

  20. Jeanie S, Central Illinois

    Bless you, Mary and Rick! This mama dog will have a much better chance with you. You guys are the best. 🥰

  21. Sandy

    Hi Mary, it’s true, you have a heart of go.ld! Those pups are in clover now, l would love a spotted one too.made my first goat today, how is betsy?you can sleep well tonight

  22. Beth T.

    Oh those sweethearts, both the Mama and her babies. I wonder how many homes are sleeping soundly right now, not knowing that in the next week or two their hearts will feel the call for one or two of those little ones who is right now being shown that the world is a safe and loving place. You are making it so.

  23. Charlotte Shira

    God bless you Mary and Rick! You have hearts of gold. The puppies are so cute and momma will be in good shape after your care. Love seeing all the DDs!

  24. Angie from Baltimore

    Bless you for taking Mom and her kids in to be cared for and loved. I have to admit that Rick must REALLY love you but I must think for his sanity he just rolls his eyes and goes along. I am sure you have had to give in a few times as well. Of course that is what makes a good marriage. As for that creep who tortured that poor dog named ? I only hope Karma gets him. BIG TIME!

  25. Susan Boyd in VA

    So happy to see that you went and got them! I thought about them many times during the day yesterday and was so angry that someone could do that! We raised 2 litters of puppies and towards the end of the pregnancy and through nursing, the mother was eating unlimited puppy food to get plenty of calories. Can’t imagine not getting nutrition during that time. The puppies are lucky to be healthy, but momma has paid the price. Glad you have them now. Wish I could help, but I’m in Virginia! Love all the quilts.

  26. Jean

    God bless you Mary and THANK YOU for what you have done! Psalm 33 says that He looks down on all mankind. God sees what you have done! Amen.

  27. Sandy in Indiana

    Thank You Mary….the before & after picture says it all….Momma & Babies are so lucky to have found you!

    sandy

  28. Judy

    Thank you for taking the Mom and her pups in. You are wonderfully kind and such a good person. We need more people like you in this world.

  29. Sandra Goddard

    You are a wonderful person. Thank you for taking the dog family. Momma and her pups will soon be thriving with your help. From another animal lover thanks for caring.

  30. Sharon Lowy

    I knew it! Bless you. My sweet cat is coping after losing his leg to cancer. How we love our animal family.❤️🙏

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Sharon Lowy – oh my gosh! How is your kitty? Was this just recent – can the cat get around on 3 legs? Yes, you also did the right thing – the best of luck to you caring for your cat!

  31. Diana

    God bless you and all you do for God’s creatures. I love animals too and do not understand how people can be so terrible.

  32. Jean Shores

    Mary, I had a feeling you would end up fostering that mama dog and pups……can’t think of anyone better to do it. You are such a caring and kind person, and have helped sooooo many wonderful animals. I so admire you!

  33. Linda baker

    This is the best post ever!! Mary, when you get to Heaven, the gates will be wide open, and they will welcome you right in. Thank you for all your kindness and what you do for our innocent animals.

  34. Pat Smith

    I’m not surprised but thankful you and Rick stepped up to provide a loving foster home for this dog family. I’m sure the puppies will be fine with all the care they are getting. I hope the mother can recover from such terrible abuse. As long as I live, I’ll never understand cruelty to animals.

  35. Nancy Wines

    You are incredible! There is no better place for that mamma and her babies than with you. What a blessing.

  36. the other Angie

    Mary, thank you so much and God bless you and Rick. These are God’s creatures, too. Not only do I think there is a special place for people who abuse animals, I think there is a very special place for those who love and protect them. Your example is such a witness of compassion to so very many. For the first time, that mama dog will feel safety, kindness and love. I can imagine it will take her a while to trust, but she will know your heart right away.

    So, have a very good day! I am sure you will be running like crazy keeping up with all those hungry mouths!! I hope Rick has some time to join in on the fun. Rick must be a very special guy to be that supportive of you and that new family in your barn.

    God bless.

  37. Diane and Squeak in Central Ohio

    Mary, you are wonderful to take in that poor Mama and her cute puppies. Bless you and Rick for caring so much. If I lived closer, I’d come help. Thank you for your huge caring heart:)

  38. Mandy Stewart

    Mary, we know you too well, knew you’d go back for them. Have followed, and met you, since the early 2002’s and you always take those hurting into your loving home and care. These babies are in the best hands God could find.

  39. Elaine Kopischke-Trejo

    Thank you for getting them although I know your heart will break when they leave. But you are doing such a special job! You will be super busy now but will have so many happy times! Puppies are the best!!❤️❤️❤️

  40. Deb

    After seeing the picture of the Momma and her pups my initial reaction is she just looks SAD!!!! God is going to have to open a new area for angels like you. Our grandpuppy git in trouble with the other grandparents when she bit and tore the ear of their dashund sitting in my lap, because she was jealous and not getting much attention from anyone but me. They refuse to have anything to do with her; won’t even speak to her. Now, both they and another daughter have new dash puppies who are always allowed upstairs in the kids’ house. Meanwhile our grandpuppy is relegated to the basement where my son’s office is. This is why I cannot adopt another dog as we baby sit her a lot. Tim won’t let me have another dog full time My son is the only one who truly loves her other than Tim and me. Otherwise Zi would be up to see you in a hurry.

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Deb – we’ll, that’s not fair to that poor dog!! Get her another home if they don’t want to have anything to do with her!!!!

  41. Kathy in western NY

    This is your calling Mary and you open your heart and arms wide to love and care for animals. This whole situation is so sad and I am grateful Angels like you exist to help beyond their own needs. You just put quilting on hold for a bit and savor in the prayers answered so you can give life and lots of attention to mama dog and sweet babies. Bless you and Rick for telling us a story of humanity. Pets need humans and you won’t let these poor babies down. What fun and challenging posts you will share but so rewarding to inspire us all.

  42. Marie Fibelstad

    Thank you, thank you, you are a BLESSING to take that mother dog and 8 puppies as they need your care and love! Now I can sleep at nite after seeing your first picture of them in shelter it was hard. Please keep us posted with their progress. If we lived closer I would come help you with them, but over 2 hrs away is a bit much.
    I enjoy your blog very much and keeps a person active and always wondering what will come next.
    Thanks again for inspiring us!

    Marie from Storm Lake, IA

  43. Diane in Maryland

    I cried when I read that you had gotten her and the puppies. I couldn’t sleep the other night for thinking of her. She will now know that there are good and loving humans in the world.

  44. Helen jane Plourde

    You are such a kind hearted and giving person. I love everything you do. Thank you for sharing your stories.

  45. Wendy

    Thank you Mary and Rick for being kind, caring people who are able and willing to help others in need. I am so glad that you decided to foster that dog and those pups. You have changed their whole lives by your kindness.

  46. Sheila in WI

    This is what I was hoping would happen for this dear dog and her puppies. Thank you for opening up your home to these beautiful creatures.

  47. Dena Sil

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

    Humans are the only cruel animals. The person that did this has no empathy. Momma looks so sad and confused.

    If you will send me the brand of food you are using for them, I will have a bag shipped to you.

  48. Janet Fredricks

    You know that’s your life passion. That’s what you’re supposed to be doing. Don’t always feel guilty about helping helpless animals.God is working through your hands to help his Creatures. You Do a wonderful job That’s your passion. Except it With bliss Enjoy And as they say carry on.I live in the city I wish I lived in the country I’ll be doing the same thing.

  49. Janet

    Mary, you are a very special person… I enjoy your blog, quilts and all, but I really enjoy seeing the pictures of the animals and the stories about them. The Momma dog looked so relieved to have a nice bed to lay in and knows the pups are safe in the pool and in the space you made for them. She will be forever grateful to you and Rick. The spotted puppy is adorable, as well as the other pups. I can hardly wait for puppy pictures on the farm when they are acclimated to their new foster home.

  50. Launa

    Mary,
    Animal cruelty should be reported! The previous owner should never be allowed to own another pet. Hazel will have a fun time playing with these lucky little ones.
    A BIG THANK YOU to you and Rick for fostering.

  51. Margaret in North Texas

    What a lucky Mama and babies to get to come to your home!! God Bless you and Rick! The DD finishes are so beautiful–love Gloria’s color selection. Have a great day.

  52. Jan in NW WI

    The Mama dog will get better emotionally and physically with your gentle care. Thanks so much to you and Rick for making the world a better place for this Mama and her puppies. She will thrive with you on the farm. God Bless.

  53. Kathy Hanson

    You are an angel to those puppies and their mama! It won’t be easy but so wonderful for you to take care of them!! God bless you!
    The DDs are all gorgeous, always such fun to get to see them.
    I am working on my Jelly roll project – will send some pictures later today!

  54. Ruthie

    So good to see you took in the mama dog and her puppies. Does the mama dog have a name ? Poor dog… to be treated so horribly . That man ..grrr ! Bless your heart, you made the right choice.

  55. Denise

    Mary…are an amazing lady! Mama and puppies look very comfy in their very cozy puppy apartment. Enjoy

  56. Lorraine McGeough

    Thank you so much for taking these puppies and there mama in. You have a kind heart. They have all gone from rags to riches being under your care. Poor Mom still looks a bit exhausted but hopefully with your care and good food and shelter she will get rested up.

  57. Cathie Braman

    Hooray! Good for you! Hopefully Mamma will soon be as good as her pups. What gives a person
    the right to harm animals……we pray God will look out for fools but watch over good people like you and Rick to help.

  58. Holly in Two Harbors

    Oh Mary,, you have such a kind heart!! All these comments are just what I wanted to say. You’ll be so busy now, and tired, I’m sure, but I’ll look forward to pictures off mama and babies learning to trust and be happy. Those speckled pups are so cute! The h a nkmyou for helping this poor dog!

  59. Mary in Missouri

    Mary, that is exactly how animals in need affect me. I cannot rest until I help, usually by bringing them home. Bless you a thousand times.
    I love the DDs, but especially love Gloria’s finishes!!! Beautiful!!

  60. Marilyn Rose

    YOU are a Saint. Anyone who cares for all God’s creatures as you do will be blessed forever. Remember this when you are tired after days of taking care of all the little ones. Keep up the blog. I’d be lost without your kind words about everything. Quilting is wonderful but living as you do raises us to a whole other plane of life. Please keep living as you do as we all need your inspiration.

  61. Jan Smith

    No newspapers, and I’m a few states away. I’d be happy to donate toward the dog’s care. Please let me know what I can do. You are a blessing to animals!

  62. Pat

    Thank you Mary and God bless you for all that you do to help animals. I know you will have very long and full days ahead of you. I hope Betsy is continuing her recovery too.
    We are all hoping for the best.
    Good to see the DDs. Gloria you have some great finishes. I especially like the quilt pictured with your wheelbarrow! I have a similar wheelbarrow but don’t have an inside area to show it off.

  63. Anne

    Oh thank goodness!!! I’ve been running in circles and not checking my e-mail very well for the past few days, so I didn’t know the latest.

    I’m so grateful to you for giving them a warm, loving home for however long it takes. They will find homes, I’m sure of it. And YOU will get a star in your crown for reaching out to help them survive this! They’re all adorable, especially little spotted ones. YAY!!!

    And who knows, maybe Miss Hazel will choose one to be her best bud. 🙂

  64. Susy Boyer

    You are a life saver Mary. I look forward to seeing mama gain some weight and get her energy back. Bless you sweet woman that you are.
    Susy

  65. JULIE D.

    Oh I couldn’t wait to read this blog today! AND, I am so, so happy that you decided to help this momma dog and her puppies!! God bless you and Rick! I was just so shaken yesterday by your post. I was definitely praying that you would take them and get them back to better health and safety. They have a wonderful safe, home for the time being until adoption. Now how can I help. I can’t get another dog, but I can bring to Garner food or send a check so you can get more! I’m always up for a road trip! Thank you Mary and Rick, THANK YOU!!!

    1. CountryThreads Post author

      Julie D – we’ll, others have sent Chewy gift cards for me to order food – I would appreciate anything you want to do – I can see it takes a Village to raise STARVING momma and 8 puppies!

  66. Tammy Guerrero

    I knew you would get them!
    Bless you for helping this poor mom and her pups. It wont be easy but so rewarding!
    They look so comfortable at your home compared to the first picture. How is the mom doing? Has she gained any weight?

  67. Pam T.

    Mary – as evidenced by the many comments on your Mama and puppy rescue – an act of kindness affects anyone who witnesses it. Myself included. Thank you. It is visible in the picture of the Mama and puppies how different they all look once they felt safe and cared for.

  68. Susan

    You truly are an angel! I know the heart brake you went thru before, but what a good deed you are doing. When you see those puppies running around outside, you’re going to be so glad that you helped! Best of luck, sweet lady!

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