Some rescue stories pull at your heart because they show both the horror of what animals can endure and the miracle of second chances. That’s exactly the journey of Maude, a dog in Virginia who was found badly injured and pregnant after being caught in a wildlife snare — and then went on to give birth to her first puppy days later.
On January 19, deputies with the New Kent Sheriff’s Office Animal Protection Unit responded to a call about a wounded dog roaming near a rural road along New Kent Highway.
When they located her, it was clear she was in serious trouble: a wire snare — likely meant for coyotes or other wildlife — was wrapped tightly around her neck, causing severe swelling, deep abrasions, and significant pain.
Despite the gruesome injury, Maude’s spirit was not broken. She was also visibly pregnant, her belly swollen with the promise of new life even as her body fought to heal. Deputies and animal rescue volunteers worked carefully to free her from the trap and transport her to veterinary care, where she could begin recovery under medical supervision.
Once in safe hands, veterinarians treated Maude’s injuries and monitored her closely. The swelling around her neck began to reduce, allowing her to breathe and eat more comfortably again. But rescuers also knew she was on a tight timeline: she was close to delivering her puppy.
Watching a dog rebuild strength while preparing to give birth is never a sure thing — but Maude’s resilience was remarkable.
Then, on January 26, Maude’s journey took a joyous turn. After nearly a week of healing and care, she went into labor and delivered a healthy puppy, defying odds that would have seemed impossible just days earlier. The tiny pup marked a fresh beginning not only for his own life but for Maude’s transition from injured stray to cherished family member.
The emotional contrast of Maude’s story — from suffering to safety, from pain to motherhood — has resonated with many online. Onlookers have been touched by her courage and by how quickly she adapted from a desperate situation to one filled with comfort and care.
Her rescuers say she’s gradually becoming more relaxed and affectionate, responding well to the gentle attention and reassurance she now receives daily.
Stories like Maude’s are powerful because they spotlight both the dangers animals face from human-set traps and the compassion people can show in response.
Wildlife snares can be indiscriminate, ensnaring domestic pets and even injuring wildlife in ways that cause serious or life-threatening wounds. Yet when authorities and volunteers step in, they can make all the difference — as Maude’s recovery shows.
For the puppy, the world is just beginning. For Maude, it represents a full circle: she has gone from survival mode to safe parenting, wrapped in care instead of wire.
Her story reminds us that even after pain and neglect, life can flourish when kindness steps in.
