Couple Adopts a Dog, Get a Bit More Than They Bargained For

For those of us who have, or had, a pet in our lives, we can attest to the impact that those animals have had on our lives. They are without a doubt a member of the family. 

When looking to add a new furry member of the family, the first option should always be to reach out to your local animal shelters. They are always willing to talk about what they have available and what type of animal or breed might make the best fit for your needs.

Most people are looking to add just one new family member when visiting an animal shelter. However, there are special people who choose to take on a little extra when they bring home a new pet, like Mariesa Caliguire and Chris Hughs.

Little did they know just how much extra they were going to be bringing home!

Chris and Mariesa realized early on in the relationship that they were both—without a doubt—dog lovers! The two discussed that they each had a passion for fostering older dogs and realized that together the couple were proud parents of not one, not two—but eight dogs!

The two realized then that they wanted to move in together and foster dogs in their home.

The two realized then that they wanted to move in together and foster dogs in their home.

Shortly after bringing their households together, they decided it was time to get their first foster pup.

They chose to go to the Cuyahoga County shelter, right outside of their hometown, Cleveland.

Chris and Mariesa knew that they were looking to help a desperate dog in need of a good home, but that was all they knew.

However, as soon as Mariesa set eyes on an obviously pregnant pit bull, she knew this pup was the reason they were there.

The couple immediately began to ask questions about how far along she was and when she was due.

The shelter said that they expected her to be due a couple weeks before the couple even came in, so the fact that she was still pregnant was a bit of a mystery.

Chris and Mariesa wasted no time. The decision had been made and the first thing that they needed to do was get their new foster baby to the vet as soon as possible.

Little did they know, the big surprise that they were about to find out!

What Chris and Mariesa really wanted to know was how far along Storie was, and why she hadn’t given birth yet. The vet was happy to explain the reason why she might still be pregnant.

The vet guessed that in this case, Storie may have found the shelter to be very chaotic and unstable and that she might not have wanted to go into labor in want of a better environment. The couple were obviously deeply touched by Storie’s determination and care for her young, but then the vet had one more surprise for them.

After the ultrasound, the vet gave them the news that Storie’s litter was extra-large. It looked like she was going to give birth to 12 puppies!

This was beginning to look like a much bigger responsibility than the couple originally signed up for.

Although the new information was definitely not what they were expecting, they were determined to help this dog out, so they took her home anyway.

They gave Storie her own room, hoping that this would give her the level of comfort she needed in order to give birth to her pups.

After a taxing day of visiting the animal shelter, taking Storie to the vet and then prepping a room for her, Chris and Mariesa were dog tired!

Calling it quits, the two said goodnight to their new friend, and went to bed.

Chris and Mariesa had accepted the fact that they were opening their home to not just one new foster friend, but to the potentially five to eight puppies she may have.

They were incredibly happy to be able to help Storie and her growing family.

When they woke the next morning, they checked in on Storie to make sure she was still comfortable. As they approached the room, they began to hear little noises behind the door. Sure enough, Storie had given birth overnight to 12 healthy-looking pups!

The couple was excited and immediately alerted the animal shelter that Storie had finally given birth and that everything was good!

The couple was excited and immediately alerted the animal shelter that Storie had finally given birth and that everything was good!

Mariesa and Chris decided they would foster the entire family for the interim to allow Storie be the great mother she had already proven herself to be.

After 10 weeks, the newborn pups were running around and becoming quite the force to be reckoned with in the already-packed house!

The couple was eventually able to find good homes for all 12 little ones. And Storie’s happy ending?

Thanks to the news coverage of Storie and her one-dozen pups, one man fell in love with her and offered to take her in! 

The couple decided that they needed to find another, better way to help other dogs like Storie.

Because it's very unlikely that many of them can find furrever homes, Chris and Mariesa launched the Mr. Mo Project to help provide medical costs, food, and board for sick and elderly dogs.