Despite the steady work of animal welfare groups, far too many dogs are still left behind to figure things out on their own.
Some of the hardest situations are the ones where they cannot even try to escape. Tied in place, unable to search for food or find shelter, they are left with no way to care for themselves.
That was the reality for Angel, a young Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix, only a year and a half old.
She was found in Iglesia Park in Aliso Viejo, California, secured to a tree with her seven newborn puppies pressed close against her. They depended on her for everything, even as she had no way to protect or provide for them.
Thankfully, help reached them in time, and rescuers stepped in to bring the entire little family to safety.
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.