August 2007   Momma
Momma, is a sweet, lovable Rottie who found her way into the hearts of her adopted owners Bert and Cynthia one cold day last December. While on reserve duty at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va., Bert spotted what first appeared to be a “little bear” crossing the road. Once he realized it was a dog, he looked around to see if there was someone tagging along, since this was a particularly isolated area. Finding no one, Bert coaxed the dog over to his car. She had no collar and appeared to have been out in the cold, wet weather for at least the past few days. Bert brought her back to the office and offered her water and the only available food he could find—granola bars! At that point, Bert noticed that not only was she cold, scared, and abandoned...she was pregnant too! Thus, the story behind her name, “Momma.”

Many, many efforts were made over the next few months to find Momma’s owners but to no avail, so Bert and Cynthia embraced the obvious solution and prepared themselves for what was to come next. Momma was a gentle and loving mother to her two pups—a boy named “Otto” and a little girl later named “Minnie.” Both were found loving homes.

Momma is now settled into her adopted home and has developed an affectionate relationship with the couple’s 2-year-old English Labrador, Baxter. The two dogs romp and chase and snuggle one another constantly. Momma is attentive to Baxter’s needs, and—ever the mother—takes pride in cleaning Baxter’s face whenever she has the chance. Bert and Cynthia are thrilled to have Momma as the newest member of their family. Momma seems very content with the turn of events in her life too.

You can see another portrait of Momma in Gallery 1.

Click here to read about a previous Dog of the Month winner.