When an adorable pug named Maple took her first little steps outside of her crate, she had no idea what to think – all she knew was that she was extremely overwhelmed.
However, after spending her first three years of life on a breeding farm in Iowa, she finally found herself safe and sound in the hands of the workers at Camp Companion who eagerly awaited to meet her.
In no time, she was taken in by Izzy and Tyler, her new foster parents, who made sure to provide little Maple with the safest and most loving environment possible, allowing her to finally let down her guard and trust hoomans again.
Maple didn’t know it yet, but she had just landed in the softest, safest place she’d ever known.
Easy Does It
As much as Izzy and Tyler were ecstatic at seeing her coming out of the crate to explore her new home, their joy was quickly met with heartbreak when they saw just how neglected Maple had been.
“She was filthy, under-groomed and flinched every time we went to pet her. Puppy mills often keep dogs in overcrowded cages with little to no medical care, proper nutrition, or opportunities for exercise and play. These mamas never get to experience the joy of being pets — just the endless cycle of breeding,” Maple’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
But, despite her horrible past, sweet girl Maple was finally able to find something she desperately looked for for years – safety.
One Step At A Time
For the next couple of days, Izzy and Tyler made sure to do everything they could to make Maple feel at home. Thankfully, their work paid off when they noticed Maple rolling over on her back, demanding belly rubs.
She also played with a toy for the very first time.
Weeks passed, and Maple finally began feeling like herself. Unfortunately, she wasn’t really able to let go of her past completely. Her movements began to slow down rapidly as she was pregnant with what would be her final litter.
Yet again, her incredible foster parents stepped in and provided her with everything she could ever need as she grew six happy and healthy puppies in her belly. And, then came Christmas. While most people were unwrapping gifts, Maple was delivering the best kind of present: three girls and three boys.
With the help of her devoted foster parents, Maple raised her jolly little crew into the most adorable pups ever. That’s why it came as no surprise when, by March, the puppies had all waddled off to their own forever homes.
And, that’s when the magic happened.
During her first post-winter walk with Izzy and her foster dog brother, Riggley, Maple seemed lighter, not just physically, but emotionally. There was a bounce in her step and a sparkle in her eyes. A few days later, she dropped a bombshell no one saw coming: she got the zoomies.
Yes, the same little pug who once barely stepped out of her crate was now racing through the house like the happy girl she was meant to be all along.
Brand-New Pup
A few weeks after her incredible transformation, a sweet couple with a long history of rescuing pugs met Maple, and they immediately fell in love.
“The minute we walked into the store, Maple ran right up to her new mom. It was like she knew this was supposed to be her person,” Maple’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
Maple, now renamed Mabel, fell head-over-heels in love with her new forever mom the moment their eyes met.
Even though it was hard for Izzy and Tyler to say goodbye, they knew it was for the best.
“We can’t change Maple’s past, but we can promise her a future filled with love, care and plenty of snuggles. From here on out, she’s safe, loved and will always have people looking out for her,” Mabel’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
A big thank you to everyone who helped Malpe achieve her best life ever. Her story truly is a reminder that when we come together, there is really nothing we can’t do.