When Lisa Chiarelli and her friend Karla raced against the clock to save a pregnant Pit Bull from euthanasia, they had no idea how close they’d cut it.
With just 47 minutes to spare, they arrived at the shelter to rescue Stormi, a sweet expectant mama who was about to face a heartbreaking end.
“The shelter gave this sweet girl til 2:00 today to be rescued,” Karla shared on social media. “We couldn’t let this be the end for her and her babies.”
As they pulled up to the shelter, time was ticking away. The shelter’s policy was clear – a 3:00 PM deadline meant lights out for good. But Stormi’s guardian angels weren’t about to let that happen.
A New Leash on Life
When Stormi realized she was leaving the shelter, her excitement was noticeable. Despite her very pregnant state, she couldn’t wait to hop into the car and start her new journey.
“She looked out the window and couldn’t get out of there any faster,” Lisa recalled. It was as if Stormi knew this wasn’t her day to die.
Karla, who became Stormi’s foster mom, welcomed the expectant mama into her home. “Her body language was just so easy,” Karla said. “She just wanted to come out and be loved.”
Eight Bundles of Joy
As the days passed, Karla and Lisa watched Stormi’s belly grow, trying to guess how many puppies were on the way. They were in for a big surprise!
“Work with me, this looks like a dozen eggs,” Karla joked, showing Stormi’s very round tummy.
When the big day finally arrived, Stormi gave birth to not four, not six, but eight adorable puppies! It was more than anyone expected, but Stormi took to motherhood like a natural.
“She always wanted to be with them,” Karla shared. “She’s just bonding with them and cleaning them and feeding them. She was all about it!”
A Puppy at Heart
As her puppies grew, Stormi started to show another side of herself. She began playing with Karla’s other dogs, especially a blind Pit Bull named Anna.
“It’s almost like these mama dogs who don’t ask to be born, who don’t ask to have babies, they’re a puppy themselves,” Karla observed.
“Stormi has to be a year, maybe two. She’s just a baby herself.”
Watching Stormi play and enjoy life was a joy for her rescuers. After all she’d been through, she was finally getting to experience the simple pleasures of being a dog.
Home Sweet Home
When it came time for adoption, Stormi’s rescuers hoped she’d find the perfect family. They didn’t have to wait long.
A family with two young children fell in love with Stormi’s sweet nature and resilient spirit. It was a match made in heaven.
“I love that she gets to have kids to grow up with,” Karla said, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s the cutest thing.”
As Stormi left for her forever home, Karla couldn’t help but feel a little bittersweet. “Watching Stormi go was a little harder, but I knew she was going to an amazing home,” she shared.
From a pregnant mama on death row to a beloved family pet, Stormi’s journey is quite unique.
Now, she spends her days playing with her kids, cuddling with her new family, and living the life she always deserved.
Stormi’s story reminds us that every dog deserves a chance at happiness. And sometimes, all it takes is 47 minutes to change a life forever.
Want to see Stormi’s incredible journey for yourself?
Watch the heartwarming video below and witness the power of love and determination in action. It’s a story that will leave you smiling and maybe even shedding a happy tear or two!
