They were huddled together for warmth.
When the security team at Kloof and Highway SPCA noticed someone tied to a sign at the end of the shelter’s driveway, they immediately notified Inspector Kerrie Andrews, who went to investigate. She thought it might be a dog in need of help — but what she found was so much more heart-wrenching.
A mama dog and her four puppies were curled up near the sign, huddled together for warmth. The mama dog was the only one tied up, but her puppies were curled up with her regardless, refusing to be far from her. It was cold that morning, and no one knew exactly how long the little family had been there.
Inspector Andrews knew she needed to get all five dogs to safety as soon as possible and quickly began attempting to win them over.
“Mom was nervous and did not trust Inspector Andrews, but with a bit of gentle talking and patience, she soon realized that she was safe,” Brigitte Ferguson, a marketing assistant at Kloof and Highway SPCA, told The Dodo. “The puppies were just happy to be with their mom and out of the cold.”
Once the whole family was safely inside, the first priority was getting them warm. They were settled into a cozy bed under a heating lamp with hot water bottles for the puppies and food to help Mama build her strength back, so she could keep caring for her puppies.
“Mom was underweight and had ticks, fleas and worms, which we treated her for immediately,” Ferguson said. “[She] was scared, but soon became relaxed and realized she was in a safe space.”
Since then, the mama dog has gained a bunch of weight and is looking much healthier. She still gets nervous when meeting new people, but once she knows you, she just wants love. The puppies are happy, healthy and love playing together. The whole family will be available for adoption soon, and their friends at the shelter can’t wait to find them all the perfect homes.
