One of the most touching animal rescue stories this year featured “Connie the Container Dog,” a dog miraculously discovered by Coast Guard officers after being trapped in a shipping crate. The story took another twist when it was found that Connie was pregnant.
But sadly, there is a heart-wrenching update: Connie has died after contracting a rare infection.
Connie’s Story: Found in a Shipping Container
Connie’s tale began with an amazing and unexpected rescue earlier this year.
On January 31, a team of marine inspectors from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston was on duty, randomly selecting shipping containers for inspection, according to a Facebook post from U.S. Coast Guard Heartland.
Amid thousands of containers, they noticed an unusual sound coming from one positioned 25 feet up.
“It’s scratching, dude!” one officer said in a TikTok video. They heard barking and realized a live dog was trapped inside.
The golden retriever had been there for a week. The container was filled with junked vehicles being shipped overseas for parts, so the officers suspected she was a stray hiding in a junkyard car.
The officers gave her water and called a local animal shelter. She was tired, hungry, but most of all, she was very happy to be rescued.
“As soon as we opened it, we saw her little face poking out. She seemed to know we were there to help,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan McMahon to the Associated Press. “She wasn’t scared, just happy to be out of that dark space and with people who would take care of her.”
It was a miracle she was found at all: the Bayport Container Terminal at the Port of Houston has over 10,000 containers.
“It would have taken at least another week to get to where she was going, two weeks without food or water. I don’t think she would have made it,” McMahon told AP.
Surprise Pregnancy
The rescued dog was named “Connie the Container Dog.” Initially taken in by the nearby Pasadena Animal Shelter, she was soon transferred to Forever Changed Animal Rescue in Maryland.
While getting a medical check-up, vets discovered a surprising twist: Connie was pregnant! She had been carrying puppies the whole time she was in the container, and despite everything, it was a healthy pregnancy.
“The fetuses have strong heartbeats and were bouncing around, so while her pregnancy is guarded due to her lack of food and water, we are hopeful,” said Forever Changed.
In February, Connie successfully gave birth to eight beautiful puppies. Despite some health issues because of her condition, both mom and pups pulled through.
Last month, Connie and all her puppies were adopted.
Rest In Peace, Connie
Connie’s happy ending was sadly short-lived. On June 28, Forever Changed Animal Rescue announced her passing.
The shelter said they were “devastated” and explained that Connie succumbed to pythiosis, a rare and aggressive fungal infection that dogs can contract from contaminated water. She likely got it while surviving as a stray in Texas.
Forever Changed said they did everything they could to help Connie, but she “declined rapidly.” They were heartbroken that after all she had endured, she passed away so soon after finding a home.
“After everything she survived, we couldn’t believe this was how her story was meant to end,” the rescue posted. “She was a young dog with the sweetest spirit, a true fighter and survivor.”
“She deserved so many years of love and happiness. We are glad she had a few good months of happiness and love, but it will never feel like enough. She deserved more.”
“Connie, we are so sorry. If love could have saved you, you’d be with us still. We love and miss you always. Rest easy, sweet girl. You’ll never be forgotten.”
Though her life was short, Connie leaves behind an incredible legacy through her inspiring story and the eight healthy puppies she left behind.
Forever Changed also hopes that Connie’s story inspires others to adopt dogs like her. “There are thousands of dogs #justlikeConnie in Texas, euthanized in shelters or living miserable lives on the streets daily,” they said.
“Dogs are abandoned and dumped constantly. Most of these dogs are not neutered or spayed, so they reproduce uncontrollably and entire litters suffer or are euthanized.”
Rest in peace, Connie 💔🥺 Gone too soon. Please share this story in memory of this beautiful dog.
