It’s no secret that animal shelters in the United States are facing significant challenges. According to Forbes, approximately 6.3 million animals enter US shelters each year, yet only about 4.1 million find new homes. This stark reality leaves countless animals wondering why they are overlooked.
A tiny family, abandoned on a busy road, pondered why their owner cruelly left them there, neglecting their well-being. Fortunately, they were rescued by the compassionate team at Three Little Pitties Rescue in Texas.
Everything Will Be Just Fine
“It was heartbreaking. They were crammed into a tiny, filthy kennel left on a sidewalk. Persephone was tied to the kennel by a leash, unable to help her babies,” stated Melissa Fears, the founder of the Texas-based rescue, in an interview. Tragically, the pups endured days in this ordeal, being ignored by passersby until a Good Samaritan finally contacted the shelter, prompting their rescue.
While no one could understand why these animals were left in such dire conditions, Fears suspected that lack of spaying contributed to their abandonment. “Our best guess is that Persephone’s owner didn’t spay her, and when she had puppies, it was just too much for them to handle. Sadly, this isn’t unusual—pregnant or nursing dogs are often abandoned. People feel overwhelmed, and it’s the dogs who suffer,” she explained. Thankfully, once the shelter staff had them in their care, they quickly reached out to Alexis to see if she could foster them.
Without hesitation, she welcomed them into her home, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this family.
At The Fosters
Given their poor condition, it was no surprise that the pups were quite sick; one was even in critical condition. “The sickest puppy couldn’t even stand; her body temperature was only around 90°F, well below the normal range of 101-102°F, and her gums, ears, and belly were almost white. We honestly didn’t know if she’d survive that first night,” Fears recalled.
Fortunately, one puppy showed signs of better health, providing hope for the rescuers that her siblings would also recover well. After a challenging recovery process, all the pups made remarkable improvements. The relief was palpable when it became clear that this family was destined for a happy and healthy future.
Now, the focus is on finding them a loving forever home.
“The puppies would be perfect for an active family or someone who can match their playful energy. They’ll require patience, love, and some training to help them grow into the best dogs they can be,” Fears added. As for their mother, she would thrive in a home with another male dog, showcasing her excellent behavior and loyalty as a companion.
If you’re interested in adopting any of these precious pups, please contact Three Little Pitties Rescue for more details.
