Being an animal rescuer means preparing for anything. Yet even the most experienced rescuers can find themselves completely surprised during a mission.
That’s exactly what Adriana Figueroa, a Florida-based volunteer, experienced when she responded to a call about a stray dog seen wandering a local neighborhood. What began as a routine rescue quickly turned into something remarkable.
As Adriana followed the pup, she soon stood before a small crawl space under a house, and what waited inside left her speechless.
A Hidden Family
Adriana, a dedicated member of Women’s Volunteer Miami, learned about a stray nursing dog and immediately headed out to help. Once on the scene, she spent some time trying to track the dog down.
Eventually, she spotted her: a shy black mixed-breed, barely more than a year old.
Moving slowly so she would not scare her off, Adriana trailed behind. The dog led her straight to a crawl space beneath a nearby home.
At first, Adriana assumed the dog was only looking for a sheltered place to rest. She began coaxing her out, but then the scene changed. From the darkness, tiny faces began to appear.
The dog was not just hiding. She was guarding her babies.
“It was just her and her babies. She was just trying to find a place to keep them safe,” Adriana Figueroa told The Dodo.
Realizing that the entire family needed a safer environment, Adriana and her team got to work. After three long hours, they managed to pull out eight puppies. As the night closed in, they decided to return in the morning to finish.
When they came back, they rescued the mother along with one last pup.
Safe At Last
Adriana was thrilled that the whole family was now secure. But with ten dogs to care for, she reached out to Big Dog Ranch Rescue for support. The group quickly welcomed the mother and her pups.
Soon after, the mama, now given the name Veviana, and her puppies began settling into their temporary shelter, each of them curious and eager for attention.
The puppies, named Sunshine, Sugar, Tater, Scarlett, Spud, Rouge, Jerry, Poochie, and Bonnie, wasted no time bonding with their caretakers, filling the space with playful energy.
Veviana seemed to know she was safe at last. Her tail wagged constantly, as though she was thanking everyone who had given her and her babies a chance at life.
Within weeks, six of her puppies had found forever homes. Veviana and three of her little ones remained, waiting patiently for families of their own.
“I’m ready to start a new chapter. I’ll be your loyal companion, always full of love, joy, and wagging tails to brighten your days,” reads Veviana’s adoption profile.
There is little doubt that the rest of this sweet family will soon find loving homes.
Veviana’s gentle character makes her unforgettable. She is calm and affectionate, a survivor who now deserves a life filled only with kindness.
“Gentle and laid-back, Veviana may be a little shy at first, but with love, she’ll open up in no time. She’s spent her days watching over her babies—now she’s ready for a family of her own,” BDRR shared in an Instagram post.
We’re cheering for you, Veviana!