When the MSPCA-Angell Community Outreach team got a call about an unexpected litter of Great Dane mix puppies, they thought they were going to offer guidance and supplies. What they didn't expect was to meet Mouse, a pup so much smaller compared to her 11 siblings that she couldn't compete for food or even latch to nurse.

Her family agreed she needed specialized care, and while the rest of the puppies stayed with their mom, Mouse came back to the MSPCA-Angell: Boston for help from the Community Outreach team.

Placed in foster with an MSPCA-Angell staff member, little Mouse was fed every two hours around the clock. Slowly, she began to make progress and gained strength. She even had the chance to visit her siblings during the Outreach team's follow-up visits to ensure the litter was thriving and they had everything they needed.

Mouse was lucky to be in foster care with a staff member and their amazing dog, who was a significant influence, but she loved getting to play with other puppies. With her best interests at heart, her original family agreed to send another littermate into foster care with the staff member so Mouse could benefit from sibling socialization.

Though she's grown a lot since those early days, Mouse will always be much smaller than her siblings. But what she lacks in size, she makes up for in cuteness and personality. So, it's no surprise that Mouse quickly found a loving home when she was ready for adoption.

The Community Outreach team continues to stay in touch with Mouse's original owner, and Mouse's mom is getting spayed through the Outreach program, ensuring no more surprise litters and plenty more happy endings.