Earlier this month, Carlin Curtis spotted a dog just off the road while driving in Mississippi. As she pulled over, Curtis realized three tiny puppies were crowding around their mama in the rocks and dirt. The dogs had likely been dumped and abandoned.
Luckily for this little family, Curtis is an independent rescue partner with Wright-Way Rescue, an organization that focuses on rural animal rescues in the Southern Midwest. The mama dog, who has since been named Sugar, must’ve known Curtis was there to help, because she walked right up to her, eager yet relieved.
Curtis offered Sugar some food — a much-needed meal for a nursing mother who had likely been scrounging for food for several days. The puppies were placed into a large plastic tub Curtis keeps in her car for surprise roadside rescues like this one.
Once the puppies were safe and Sugar had a full belly, the mama dog collapsed in Curtis’ back seat for a well-deserved nap. She and her puppies were safe at last.
JeriLynn Burks, director of development at Wright-Way Rescue, told The Dodo that all of the dogs were healthy enough to head straight to a foster after Curtis found them. The foster family quickly fell in love with Sugar and decided to officially adopt her.
Soon after, the 2-month-old puppies were transported to the rescue’s medical campus in Southern Illinois. Named Bailey, Bree and Burt, the siblings are incredibly playful and have big appetites. “Bailey seems to possibly be a bit more timid,” Burks added. “But they are all crazy with puppy energy and enthusiasm.”
Burks said the puppies have already been spayed and neutered. After a two-week “healthy hold,” they’ll get vaccinated and head to another location for playtime and socialization with other puppies.
“Once they’re 16 weeks old and fully vaccinated, they’re cleared for outdoor walks and adventures,” Burks said, though these puppies have certainly had lots of outdoor adventures already.
As for Sugar, she is thriving in her forever home — and getting as much food and rest as she needs.
