ODESSA, Texas —
It's hard to tell what they're thinking, but Dog Rescue R Us and its volunteer fosters would like to think the 10 puppies are no longer suffering.
On July 16, the Chihuahua-mix puppies were dumped at Casa Bella Park, according to the City of Odessa. The Odessa Animal Shelter teamed up with Dog Rescue R Us to get them into safe homes.
"They did have a little bit of heat exhaustion because they're puppies, they don't have a lot of fluid in their system as it is," said Dolly Hinsz, the operations director for Dog Rescue R Us. "But they're not suffering that anymore, they are just full of spit and vinegar as they say."
It's not clear how long the near-month-old puppies sat in a single container outside at the park, but once they arrived at the Odessa Animal Shelter, Hinsz said everyone jumped into action.
Soon after, the nonprofit organization was able to find volunteer fosters who would be willing to take the pups in.
"They were probably right at 20 days old, which is five weeks and fortunately dogs can survive at five weeks old when given proper care...," Hinsz said. "And with us being able to provide foster homes and give them the proper nutrition, we're doing what's called a puppy mush and it's where you take the puppy food, and you blend it up in a in a grinder and then you add yogurt and things to it so it's better for them to eat."
According to Hinsz, dogs can't be vaccinated until they are at least six weeks old. All are currently in line for their shots to prevent illnesses such as Parvo and Distemper and more.
"Our puppies ordinarily get three rounds of shots that are 21 days apart to give them the most protection possible," said Hinsz.
The litter of puppies are made up of six males and four females, according to the city. Once they reach the appropriate age of 4-6 months, they will all be fixed. Looking ahead, the dogs will be transported to northern states where they could be put up for adoption.
"They're just full of energy and they just, you know, wiggle their little bodies all around and they want to be in your lap and they want to chew on your ear," said Hinsz.
Hinsz said Dog Rescue R Us saves the lives of at least 22 dogs in the Midland/Odessa area every month. If interested in volunteering or fostering, text 432-349-3223.