Despite ongoing appeals from animal welfare groups, more dogs continue to be left behind to fend for themselves.
Among the most tragic cases are those where the animals are tied up, left with no chance to seek safety or food.
That was the heartbreaking situation for Angel, a one-and-a-half-year-old Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix. She was found tethered to a tree in Iglesia Park in Aliso Viejo, California, beside her seven tiny puppies who were completely dependent on her.
Thankfully, rescuers reached them just in time.
Rescuers Arrive Just In Time
After being discovered in the Aliso Viejo park, the mother dog and her litter were taken to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.
It wasn’t clear how long they had been there or who had left them behind.
Although none of them were injured, the City of Mission Viejo, CA – Local Government wrote in a Facebook post that the dogs had been found without food, water, or any kind of shelter. Their survival was sheer luck, made possible by the quick response of rescuers.
The situation could have ended far worse. It was coyote mating season, and the animals were known to roam near the park. Fortunately, Angel and her pups were rescued before harm could come to them.
Staff checked for a microchip but found none. Angel showed no evidence of physical abuse, and her puppies seemed healthy and alert.
Her kind and gentle personality quickly won everyone over.
“She rolls over in submission when getting pets and will crawl up into your lap for attention,” said Kelly Tokarski, public information specialist for the City of Mission Viejo, according to the the website. “Simply put, Angel is a great dog. She just needs a wonderful home to give her the love she deserves.”
Before starting new lives, Angel and her puppies were bathed and vaccinated. The Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) covered all of their medical care and supplies.
Many compassionate people came together to give this small family a second chance.
A New Beginning For A Courageous Mother
Finding homes for the puppies happened quickly, as each was adopted soon after their story was shared. Angel, still young herself, had to wait a bit longer.
Social media once again played a key role in changing her fate.
“Just 24 hours after Angel’s story aired on KNBC Channel 4 and went viral via the City’s social media, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center experienced a surge in adoption applications for this sweet Siberian husky-German shepherd mix,” the City of Mission Viejo, CA – Local Government wrote in an updated Facebook post.
Eventually, a family from Murrieta, California, who had recently lost several of their pets, opened their home to Angel. They felt she was exactly the comforting presence they had been missing.
In the end, Angel and all seven of her puppies found loving homes. Their story shows how one compassionate act can completely transform lives.
This time, it truly ended in a happy new beginning.