When rescuers first spotted Amber, a brave Labrador, tied outside a California shelter, it was clear she was on the verge of giving up. Emaciated and weak, she could barely lift her head, clinging to the only thing she had left—a small, worn teddy bear pressed close to her side. The sight of Amber lying helplessly, holding tightly to her fluffy companion, broke the hearts of everyone who saw her. Yet, there was even more to her story.
A Sweet, Hidden Secret
Amber wasn’t only struggling with her own poor condition; she was also heavily pregnant. That very night, as she rested for the first time in a warm shelter, she went into labor. The following morning, she delivered six tiny yellow puppies, each one a beacon of hope amid her hardship.
“Yellow lab Mama Amber was left tied to the shelter fence in the middle of the night, very pregnant, and she delivered the next day,” the Dogwood Animal Rescue Project (DARP) team shared on Facebook. Volunteers stayed by Amber’s side through the entire process, offering comfort and support to help her feel a little safer and less alone in her journey.
Upon hearing Amber’s story, DARP, based in Sonoma County, California, stepped in and arranged for her and her new puppies to move to their facility, where they could begin their road to recovery in a loving environment.
Safe, Warm, and Ready to Heal
In her first day at the rescue, Amber was understandably exhausted, both physically and emotionally. “Her first 24 hours with us she mostly slept in her warm, quiet bed, no doubt exhausted from being left at the shelter with her stuffy (which makes a good pillow) and from almost immediately going into labor,” her caregivers shared on social media. Yet even in her depleted state, Amber was a devoted mother, carefully tending to her puppies and making sure they were safe and well-fed.
Despite her dedication, one of Amber’s puppies passed away shortly after arriving at the rescue. This heartbreaking loss weighed heavily on Amber and her caregivers, but it also strengthened their resolve to give Amber and her remaining pups the life they deserved.
Coming Out of Her Shell
After just a couple of weeks, Amber began to blossom, revealing a playful and affectionate side that charmed everyone around her. Her rescuers were thrilled to see her gentle nature shining through despite the trauma she had endured. Amber’s spirit was unbreakable—she had transformed into a happy, affectionate mom who acted like a playful puppy herself, soaking up every bit of love offered and giving it right back.
Amber’s journey hasn’t been easy, but she and her five surviving puppies are now on a path to a brighter future. Their next steps will hopefully include finding forever homes with families ready to welcome them with open arms. Amber’s past may have been filled with hardship, but her future holds the promise of love, care, and a place to finally call home.