A tragic scenario played out in the silent corridors of a local animal shelter—a scene that had become all too frequent at shelters around the country. A mom dog sat in her kennel in the midst of the chaos, her eyes full with fatigue and need. She was a survivor, but her life had not been easy.

We couldn’t help but notice the happy mayhem of a litter of pups, each with a “Reserved” sign hanging on their kennel doors. Families came and went, each anxious to bring home a little bundle of fur. The puppies were fortunate; they were on their way to finding their permanent homes.

Mama, as they called her, was not so lucky. Potential adopters passed her by one by one, maybe lured to the unmistakable allure of puppyhood. It’s a common occurrence at shelters: puppies are snatched up while their loyal mothers are left behind, hoping for a better life.

A family who had previously visited the shelter returned to see Mama. They had first put a hold on one of the puppies, but something had changed today. They felt a spark of compassion and contemplated making a deeper commitment.

They were aware of the circumstances that had brought Mama here. It was a story of never-ending cycles—birth, separation, rebirth, and more separation. The family wondered if they might be the ones to break the pattern and provide Mama with the loving home she deserved.

However, as they discussed it, the practicality became clear. They already had two dogs, and incorporating a third member into their family would be difficult. They eventually concluded that they couldn’t adopt Mama. It was a painful decision, but it was taken in her best interests.

See also: Devoted Dog Overcomes Odds, Scales Animal Shelter Wall to Reunite with Best Friend

They left the refuge with sorrowful hearts, leaving Mama behind. The employees and volunteers, who had witnessed this situation many times before, acted. Mama deserved another opportunity, and they were determined to give her a loving home.

Mama’s chances of finding a permanent home rise with each sharing. Let’s get the word out about Mama Mastiff!