For any true dog lover, it is impossible to comprehend how someone could abandon their pet in such cruel circumstances, whether it is on the streets, at a dumpsite, or anywhere else other than a shelter.
Sadly, cases like these are far too common across the United States. Yet, many of them end with hope and healing, just like the story of one German Shepherd family left behind at a Mississippi dumpsite.
Holding Onto Hope
NYC Second Chance Rescue Dogs shared the heartbreaking story of a German Shepherd family deserted at a dumpsite without food or water. Their team managed to save two puppies right away, but volunteers reported that the adult male and female had run into the woods.
Lisa Reams, a volunteer with the group and also the director of Saving Grace Animal Rescue (SGAR), the sister shelter of NYC Second Chance Rescue Dogs, immediately began searching for the two adult dogs. At first, her efforts brought no success.
Still, Lisa refused to give up. After several days of searching, she finally located them nearly 15 miles from where the puppies had been rescued. The organization later shared on Facebook:
“Days went by with no sign of them, but Lisa Reams, a rescue volunteer with our organization, never stopped looking. One week after the puppies were picked up, the mama and dad showed up nearly 15 miles from the dumpsite!”
What struck rescuers the most was the loyalty of the dogs. None of them had strayed far from the area where they were abandoned, likely waiting day after day in the hope that their owners might return.
Fighting For Survival
When the entire family was finally reunited, their condition was concerning. They were dehydrated, undernourished, and in need of medical care. The adult male tested positive for heartworm, but thankfully, the illness was treatable. The rest of the family did not show serious health problems.
Despite the hardships, these dogs had a remarkable will to survive. Even after being left behind, they clung to life and to each other. Their determination was matched only by the compassion of rescuers like Lisa and her fellow volunteers, who refused to give up on them.
Searching For Homes
Although the German Shepherds were safe and reunited, their journey was not over. The next challenge was finding them new homes.
The rescue team knew that placing all four dogs together would be nearly impossible. What they did not expect was how difficult it would be to secure adoptive or foster homes for them even separately.
One of the puppies quickly found an adoptive family, but the other three dogs: Miles, a 4-month-old male pup, Jenny, a 3-year-old mother, and Luke, a 3-year-old father, remained in need of homes. The organization posted:
“One of the pups has been adopted, but Miles (a 4-month-old male pup), Jenny (a 3-year-old mom), and Luke (a 3-year-old dad) are all available for adoption! We need foster homes for these gorgeous dogs asap!”
Unfortunately, there is no further update about whether the rest of the family was ultimately adopted. Still, one can only hope that each of them eventually found a loving home filled with care, comfort, and respect.
A Chance At A Better Life
This story serves as both a reminder of the cruelty animals often face and the resilience they show despite it. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the German Shepherd family received the second chance they deserved.
Even if their paths led them to different homes, they were no longer left to survive on their own, abandoned and forgotten.