Dempsy saved her 10 babies — now this brave mama is waiting for someone to save her | Forgotten Friends

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.

She was found on the side of the road… in a laundry basket… with ten newborn puppies.

Dempsy, a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, had every reason to give up. Instead, she did what mamas do. She protected her babies until help arrived. On October 9th, 2025, she came to Hill Country Animal Rescue in Fredericksburg and went straight into a loving foster home with a staff member.

And this sweet girl? She raised every single one of her puppies. By Christmas, all ten had homes.

But Dempsy is still waiting.

She loves boy dogs, absolutely adores kids, and is completely house-broken. She knows her basic commands and will happily sit for a treat — especially if that treat comes with a belly rub. She’s goofy, gentle, and completely obsessed with toys. Give her a few and she’ll entertain herself like a pro, but she’s just as happy curled up beside her people.

Because she has shown a prey drive, a cat-free home would be best. But in the right home, she will thrive.

Dempsy is spayed, up to date on vaccines, dewormed, heartworm and tick-borne negative, on prevention, and microchipped with a free lifetime membership. Her $200 adoption fee covers all medical care, and adopters receive 30 days of free virtual training through Pet Academy.

She did her job. She saved her babies.

Now it’s her turn to be someone’s baby.

If you’d like to meet Dempsy, submit an adoption application at the link below. Staff will contact you to schedule a meet and greet — and yes, you can bring your kids and current dogs.

Let’s make sure this mama’s next chapter is the one she’s been waiting for.

For whoever adopts Dempsy, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue! 

There is no better feeling in the world, than adopting or fostering an overlooked pet from a shelter. Who’s ready to give Dempsy a loving home?

Hill Country SPCA shelter is located at 2981 S. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg and they are open Tuesdays thru Saturdays, closed on Sunday and Mondays. Their phone number is (830) 990-9085. You can reach out to the shelter by email at info@hillcountryspca.com.

• Tuesday thru Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For more information on how you can adopt, please visit their website. The shelter also now offers free foster to adopt trials, where you can take a pet home and make sure they fit into your lifestyle before fully adopting. 

If you’d like to donate to the shelter CLICK HERE.

Have some extra cash and want to buy a treat, toy or blanket for something else for one of the dogs or cats at the shelter? There are tons of enrichment toys they’d like which are listed on their Amazon Wish list CLICK HERE or their Chewy wishlist CLICK HERE. 

The shelter is always to accept donations of gently used pet items, sheet, bath towels and blankets. Items can be dropped off or shipped to their location at 2981 South State Hwy 16,Fredericksburg TX 78624.

The Hill Country SPCA was founded by volunteers and continues to depend on them for its ongoing success. Whatever your special skill, they can use you! Do you have time? CLICK HERE to find out more.

Hill Country Animal Rescue offers a subscription-based sponsorship program with three levels of support, each providing unique benefits while helping pets receive the care they need. Sponsors play a vital role in improving the animals’ lives, connecting with their stories, and supporting the rescue’s mission to care for and find loving homes for pets in need. CLICK HERE to sponsor a pet with a monthly subscription.

You can follow the Hill Country Animal Rescue on Facebook and Instagram.

If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.