About a year ago, dog rescue volunteers in Gresham, Oregon, jumped into action when they heard about a family of dogs abandoned deep in the woods of Washington. Hiking up to the scene, the rescuers almost couldn’t believe their eyes. A mama dog laid in a rocky grove, tied to a tree, surrounded by eight puppies.
“It was a mix of overwhelming joy and heartbreak,” Knotty Creek Animal Rescue executive director Bailey Porter told The Dodo. “Joy that they were found in time — but deep sadness and disbelief that such a loving mother and her babies had been left behind.”
The rescue team spent hours carefully catching each pup and loading them into their vehicle. Amazingly, the mama dog seemed to know exactly what was going on.
“The pups were scared, and [they] cried as they were gently gathered up, but what truly touched our hearts was the mama dog’s reaction,” Porter said. “Despite everything she had been through, she willingly walked right into our volunteer’s car. She wasn’t fazed by the puppies’ cries, almost as if she knew we were there to help.”
The dog family found refuge at Knotty Creek Animal Rescue, where animal lovers coordinated baths, food and veterinary care.
“I spent hours out in the kennel with them, reading aloud so they could get used to my voice and the presence of people,” Porter said. “Little by little, I got closer, until eventually, I was able to pet them. It took time, patience and consistency, but they slowly began to trust.”
The puppies slowly regained their strength and burst out of their shells.
“It was incredibly heartwarming to watch the transformation,” Porter said.
Rescuers knew the dogs would need special homes with families who could handle larger breeds. They carefully reviewed each adoption application, hand-picking those that seemed like perfect fits.
“It was a process that took some time, as we wanted to ensure they were not only healthy but also matched with the right families,” Porter said. “We were thrilled to see them go to their new homes, knowing they would be loved and cared for.”
The mama dog and each of her puppies eventually matched with their people and set out to enjoy their new lives.
“All of the adopted families have raved about how much they love these dogs and what a great fit they’ve been,” Porter said. “It’s so rewarding to see how well they’ve adapted and how much love they’re receiving in their new homes.”
