WILMINGTON — As foster father to eight Australian Shepherd mixed-breed puppies, Emmery Jessup has had his hands full. The fostering coordinator for Dauntless Dogs, Jessup regularly opens his home to animals in need.
“They came from a hoarding situation,” Jessup said. “Bladen Shelter took 19, we took in this momma and two others. We got her already with all her puppies, she was super. super skinny.”
Named “Polar Bear” on account of her light coloring, the puppies’ mother was so thin that all of her ribs were showing.
“She was metal chained outside” Jessup explained. “She doesn’t really have that many teeth. I think she tried to chew through the chain and escape.”
To ensure that Polar Bear gets her proper nutrition, Jessup has been preparing homemade dog food. For the puppies, that initially required bottle feeding.
“I had to give them formula for a while,” Jessup said. “But she’s okay now and can feed them herself. They do get hungry a lot and her body is struggling to provide milk.”
Named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, the puppies are doing well and will be eligible for adoption in about a month. The adoption fee of $250 per puppy will include a spay /neuter expense, basic medication, and flea treatment.
“If they applied now, they would be able to meet the puppies,” Jessup said. “We also are looking for fosters, and they can even foster to adopt for certain dogs.”
Applicants interested in adopting one of the puppies or their mother may submit an application online, at www.ddrnc.org. A registered charity, Dauntless Dogs is also currently in need of extra dog and puppy food.
Samira Davis is a contributing writer for Port City Daily with a focus on animal issues.
