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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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An animal charity in British Columbia is calling on people to extend their generosity this festive season by taking in two rescue dogs in need of a home, because after what they've been through together, there's no chance of tearing them apart.
The two dogs were discovered at a property in Chase, B.C., at the end of October, after concerns were raised by a member of public. What the animal protection officer discovered was beyond anything he could have imagined, because not only were the two female dogs malnourished and neglected, but they were also looking after their 18 puppies, which were severely underweight.
The dogs were taken into the care of the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SCPA) in Vancouver, where each one received the care and treatment they needed. Eileen Drever, the senior officer for the BC SPCA, told Newsweek that "it was shocking to see their poor body conditions," and that the heartbreaking sight was unlike anything she'd seen in her 43-year career.
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Both of the adult dogs were so malnourished that, when their respective litters of nine puppies tried to suckle, there wasn't enough milk to go round.
She continued: "The dogs were surrendered by the owner, who was very rarely in attendance at the property, caring for the dogs. The puppies were feeding from their moms prior to coming into our care, and clearly the moms gave their all, but because of their poor body conditions, it wasn't enough."
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"The moms have been put on a very specific refeeding plan. They were so underweight, we needed veterinary approval just to give them water."
Sadly, this is a similar situation for many pets across the U.S. too, as about 6.3 million animals wind up in shelters across the country each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of the 3.1 million dogs that need adopting, it's thought that around 2 million eventually find a loving home – but there are still many more yet to find theirs.
The BC SPCA shared the dramatic tale on its website, in an attempt to drum up as much interest as possible for these 20 dogs, which all need homes. Alongside the many pictures of the poor dogs, they have pleaded with the public to ensure that "these sweet ones never have to go hungry again."
Thankfully, since being taken into care in October, the dogs have continued to improve with every passing day and the two moms are now ready for adoption. However, after what they've been through, they have become so bonded that they can't possibly be separated, and any prospective owner will have to welcome them both into their home.
"We are thrilled to announce they have all made dramatic improvements and both moms are available for adoption. But they are bonded because they have gone through so much together, so we cannot separate them," Drever told Newsweek.
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"They are doing wonderfully well, surprisingly, considering what their bodies have been through," she continued. "They have wonderful dispositions and are currently looking for their forever home.
"The puppies have gained weight and are becoming very curious. They will be available in the next week or so, we are recommending interested parties check out our adoption website to see when they become available. We have no doubt each and every one of these souls will find their forever home."
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While the devastating sight of the 20 dogs in October may be a scarring memory for many of the volunteers and staff at the BC SCPA, Drever said that witnessing their recoveries has been nothing short of a miracle.
Seeing them grow in strength and confidence has been "so rewarding" for the team, and they hope that they can all find a loving family this holiday season.
Do you have any amazing rescue stories you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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