When Amber, founder of Heart of the Underdog rescue in Texas, spotted a black dog weaving through traffic on a busy road, her instincts kicked in. She could tell instantly this was a mama dog—likely scavenging for her babies. Without a second thought, Amber pulled over, bought her some food, and offered comfort. Though she couldn’t find the puppies that day, she made a promise to the dog: I’ll be back for you and your little ones.
A Determined Mother Leads the Way
True to her word, Amber returned the next morning—and what happened next was nothing short of heartwarming. The mama dog, now named S’mores, led Amber straight to a cluttered garage where her eight tiny pups were hiding. With the property owner’s permission, Amber gently gathered the puppies from behind lawnmowers and tucked-away corners. Despite the mess and rough conditions, the pups greeted her with wagging tails and eager eyes.
Reuniting the Family
The puppies—Cinder, Flint, Blaze, Graham, Embers, Marshy, Toasty, and Cocoa—were taken to a loving foster home. But S’mores remained elusive, too wary to be caught easily. That’s when experienced trapper Emily stepped in, managing to humanely secure S’mores and reunite her with her litter. The moment they saw each other again, the garage-born pups leapt with joy, tails wagging and spirits high.
A New Chapter Begins
After a full vet check revealed that S’mores was healthy and heartworm negative, she was soon put up for adoption. Her gentle soul quickly captured the heart of a couple in Wisconsin, and she now lives a happy life under the name Maggie. From dodging traffic and scavenging for food, she now has warm beds, loving arms, and peaceful walks to call her own.
Toasty Still Waiting for Her Turn
While all of S’mores’ puppies have found their forever homes, sweet Toasty is still waiting. Described as affectionate, intelligent, potty and crate trained, and full of playful charm, Toasty is the kind of dog that makes a house feel like home. Her foster mom calls her a “total sweetheart,” and the rescue hopes someone special will see in her what they all do.
From Scraps to Second Chances
This story began with a mother dog trying to survive for her puppies—but thanks to compassion, teamwork, and the magic of rescue, it ended in wagging tails and warm hearts. For Toasty, and so many like her, that forever home could be just a heartbeat away.
Sameen is a digital marketing and content specialist well versed in curating content aligned to audience needs. She has a passion for animals and creating animal content across social media.
