Two German shepherd puppies were saved from a dangerous cold snap in Cokato, Minnesota.
In early February, temperatures in the midwestern town dipped to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. During this frigid period, a Ruff Start Rescue employee was scanning Facebook when she spotted a post about two puppies needing immediate help.
“One of our employees, Kendra, was browsing her local city’s Facebook bulletin board when she saw a post about two puppies living under someone’s house. Kendra immediately went out that night to catch them, but they were too quick. She reached out to me, and we devised a plan to return the following day with more supplies,” Meg Larson, Ruff Start Rescue’s intake manager, tells PEOPLE.
The next day, a group of Ruff Start employees returned to the porch where the two 12-week-old German shepherd puppies were cowering. They brought blankets, towels, treats, food, and a rotisserie chicken.
“Fortunately, the chicken worked wonders, and we were able to catch the smaller puppy right away. The larger one took a little more patience, but eventually, hunger led her to come out far enough for me to grab her,” Larson explains.
Once the dogs were in the light of the day, their condition became apparent. Both pups were suffering from frostbite and desperately needed food.
“They were fluffy but very underweight, with skin and bones underneath all that fur,” Larson says.
Ruff Start Rescue believes the dogs were dumped by someone nearby, triggering their chain of bad luck.
“A week before, two other puppies that looked almost identical were found in a neighboring town, which makes us believe these two were part of the same unwanted litter. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for puppies to be abandoned in rural areas instead of being surrendered to a rescue or shelter. These puppies were incredibly under-socialized and had no experience with human touch or living in a home,” Larson says, adding, “This all suggests they were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.”
Since their rescue, the German shepherd puppies are “doing remarkably well” and are learning to trust humans.
“Thankfully, they’re still young, so their brains absorb everything like sponges. They remain nervous and scared but are adjusting quickly. They’ve started eating from hands, accepting pets, and even playing with toys,” Larson shares.
Both dogs, named Cleo and Delta, still need to gain weight and undergo their spay/neuter operations before they can start their search for a forever home. Even when they are ready for adoption, they will still need a “very patient home.”
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“They still have a long way to go in learning to be regular dogs. The first time they stepped into a house was likely when they entered their foster home, and everything was so new and overwhelming for them. The TV is scary, the carpet feels strange, and they don’t yet know how to navigate stairs,” Larson says.
The good news is that the foster families caring for the dogs are interested in adopting the puppies when they are ready for that step.
Since Cleo and Delta have potential homes lined up, Larson hopes this story about the pups will help those struggling with their pets.
“We hope this story helps people understand that resources are available for those needing to surrender animals and that if they reach out, we’re here to help without judgment. Our mission is to support our community and provide assistance when needed,” she shares.
Visit Ruff Start Rescue’s website to learn more about the nonprofit’s positive work.
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