When newborn puppies are taken from their mother, they don’t understand why.
One moment, they’re wrapped in warmth and the sound of her heartbeat. The next, everything is cold and still. Their tiny cries reach out for comfort that’s suddenly gone, and somewhere, their mother aches too, searching for the little ones she can’t find.
In Maryland, that heartbreak became real. Seven newborn puppies, only hours old, were found abandoned in a paper towel box by the side of the road. Their eyes were still closed, their fur thin, their bodies too fragile to survive alone.
Would anyone find them in time?
A Cry For Help On the Side Of The Road
Late one afternoon in Charles County, a passerby noticed a cardboard box sitting quietly by the roadside. On its side were a few shaky words written in pen: “Please Help Sorry!”
The Good Samaritan froze when they opened the box and saw seven newborn puppies, trembling from the cold. They transported the box of puppies to the Charles County Animal Care Center.
The shelter team immediately sprang into action. Puppies that young cannot survive long without warmth and frequent feedings.
They quickly reached out to Hollis Lampe, division manager at St. Mary’s County Animal Services. Lampe agreed right away to take the newborns into her care.
Around-the-Clock Love And Care
When the puppies arrived at St. Mary’s County Animal Services, the staff felt relieved that the furbabies had been found in time. At the same time, they felt sorrowful because the puppies had been left without their mother.
“Once the initial shock faded, most of us were just really relieved the puppies were found when they were,” Lampe told The Dodo.
Lampe and her three children soon settled into a routine of bottle-feeding every few hours. Each puppy was kept warm, clean, and closely watched as they grew stronger.
“Right now, the puppies mostly eat and sleep. They don’t do much besides snuggle and squeak when they’re hungry,” Lampe added.
Although caring for them was exhausting, Lampe and her family found joy in watching the tiny pups thrive day by day.
She also reminded the public that there are always safe ways to surrender animals. “We want people to know they don’t have to abandon their pets,” she said. “Anyone in St. Mary’s County can call us, and we will help.”
If all goes as planned, the puppies will stay with Lampe until they are about six weeks old before moving into foster-to-adopt homes. Each one will later be spayed or neutered and adopted into a loving family.
The little ones no longer feel hopeless or afraid. They are now surrounded by warmth, care, and love. From now on, all they will ever know is safety and happiness.
Thank you to everyone whose kindness gave them a second chance.