The Breakfast Bunch Puppies

What a beautiful story this turned out to be. While strewn with heartbreak and loss, every one of these puppies had a marvelous, happy ending. We couldn’t have done it without you. If you have a spare moment, feel free to kick back, relax, and learn how these precious souls each found a loving home.

It was the middle of February, and the air was cold and crisp. Seven struggling souls huddled together, their rumbling bellies leaving them stirring with discomfort. Their mama, Marmalade, had left in search of food, though she hadn’t returned in two days. What’s even more horrifying was that Marmalade had an owner, someone she belonged to. And in turn, so did the puppies. But they were ignored, left to fend for themselves.

Just as the babies were nearing the brink, the voice of a kind woman called out from behind the brush. Feeling concerned for the dogs’ lives, she had obtained a search warrant. She was horrified by what she found. Carefully, she scooped up the fragile, vulnerable puppies and rushed them to the Sampson County Animal Shelter.

Eventually, Marmalade was found. The poor mama was exhausted, no more than skin and bones. She had been used, then abandoned. X-rays revealed that she had eaten metal and other debris to survive. Our hearts ached for her. She had fed her babies all that she had until she ran out. Until her body just couldn’t anymore. We fought for her with everything we had. But her body was so tired, and we knew what she truly needed was rest. We sat by her side as she passed, slowly and without pain. We held her paw in our hands and promised her that her seven babies would always be safe with us.

At the shelter, the pups were taken care of with kindness and grace. For 99 days, they were nurtured back to health—their thin bodies were nourished with food and vitamins, and their spirits were soothed with love and care. We told them stories about their brave, resilient mama, who did everything she could to save them, who was now looking down at them with hope.

Once the “Breakfast Bunch” babies were healed up and healthy (vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and up-to-date with vetting), they were ready for adoption! One by one, loving families welcomed them home. Waffles was first, adopted by a family that came with an older dog sibling. He settled into his new home with ease, basking in this new, beautiful life. Then there was Chutney, Jam, Jelly, Toast, and Mocha. All adopted. All finally home, where they will forever be cherished.

Your compassion made this possible. Your kindness gave these gentle lives a chance at a new beginning. We couldn’t be more grateful to you and everyone else at CUDDLY for carrying out Marmalade’s legacy and protecting her little ones. Thank you so much, again and again.