Four tiny puppies had no idea what was happening when their owner placed them in a cardboard box and drove away. The little ones huddled together, frightened and confused, not realizing that their family was abandoning them.
It was bitterly cold that night when the car pulled into the parking lot of the Central Missouri Humane Society in Columbia, Missouri. The pups were left shivering in the box, pressed against one another in an attempt to stay warm.
In the middle of what was surely the scariest night of their young lives, all they could do was hope that someone kind would notice them and bring them to safety.
A Suspicious Box Outside The Shelter
Luckily, the puppies didn’t have to suffer outside for long.
The shelter staff spotted a car pull up and watched as someone quickly left a cardboard box behind before driving away. Concerned that there might be something alive inside, they immediately ran to check.
“We weren’t entirely sure what was going to be in the box, but based on how fast they sped away, we assumed it would be something alive,” the Central Missouri Humane Society shared in a Facebook post.
When they opened the box, four pairs of little eyes stared back at them. The staff felt both relieved and heartbroken—relieved that they had found the pups in time, but devastated that someone had abandoned them in such dangerous conditions.
Knowing that the puppies likely wouldn’t have survived the night, the shelter made a heartfelt plea on social media, asking people never to abandon their pets.
“We are pleading with people to not dump animals, especially in these extreme conditions. Had we not found these puppies right away, they probably would not have made it in the 15° weather,” the Missouri shelter wrote.
Safe, Warm, And Loved
The staff quickly brought the box inside, where the pups could finally feel warmth and safety. Soon after, they were taken to the vet for a full checkup. Thankfully, they were in relatively good health.
The puppies will remain under the shelter’s care until their one-week stray hold expires. After that, they’ll officially be ready for adoption.
Once their story was shared online, the adorable foursome captured countless hearts. In fact, the shelter received nearly fifteen adoption applications within the first night.
It seems clear these little ones won’t have to wait long before finding loving homes.
Thanks to the quick action and compassion of the Central Missouri Humane Society, the puppies were spared from a tragic fate. Now, instead of shivering in the cold, they will soon be wrapped in the love and warmth of families who will never abandon them again.