When a charming pug named Maple first stepped out of her crate, she was overwhelmed and uncertain. After spending her initial three years on a breeding farm in Iowa, she finally found safety and relief in the care of Camp Companion, where the workers were eagerly waiting to welcome her.
Izzy and Tyler, her new foster parents, quickly ensured that Maple had a safe and loving environment, allowing her to lower her guard and trust humans again. Unbeknownst to her, this was the softest, safest place she had ever known.
Easy Does It
While Maple’s foster parents were delighted to see her explore her new home, it quickly became apparent just how neglected she had been. “She was filthy, under-groomed, and flinched every time we reached out 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 enjoy being pets — just the endless cycle of breeding,” they shared on Instagram.
Nevertheless, despite her painful past, Maple was finally able to find the safety she had been yearning for.
One Step At A Time
In the following days, Izzy and Tyler worked diligently to create a welcoming environment for Maple, and their efforts bore fruit when she began to roll on her back, eagerly seeking belly rubs and even playing with a toy for the first time. As weeks went by, Maple started to regain her playful spirit, although remnants of her past still lingered. Her movements began to slow significantly as she was pregnant with what would be her final litter.
Once again, her dedicated foster parents provided her everything she needed, as she carried six joyful and healthy puppies within her. By Christmas, while others were unwrapping gifts, Maple delivered the most precious presents — three girls and three boys. With Izzy and Tyler’s loving support, Maple nurtured her adorable litter. Unsurprisingly, by March, the puppies found their forever homes.
This was when the magic unfolded. During her first post-winter walk with Izzy and her foster dog brother Riggley, Maple appeared lighter, both physically and emotionally, with renewed energy. Just days later, she surprised everyone by showing off her newly discovered zoomies.
The same pug who once hesitated to leave her crate was now joyously racing around the house, finally embracing her true self.
Brand-New Pup
A few weeks after her transformation, Maple met a couple known for rescuing pugs, and they instantly fell in love with her. “The moment we entered the store, Maple ran right to her new mom as if she knew she had found her person,” her foster parents wrote on Instagram.
Maple, now lovingly renamed Mabel, immediately fell head over heels for her new mom the instant they locked eyes. Although saying goodbye was tough for Izzy and Tyler, they understood 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 now on, she’s safe, cherished, and will always have people watching over her,” her new parents affirmed on Instagram.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped Maple lead her best life. Her journey is a powerful reminder that together, there is nothing we can’t achieve.
