On a scorching day in Cartagena, Colombia, a local was passing a bus station when something on top of a trash pile caught his eye. As he came closer, he realized it wasn’t just bags and debris—two tiny puppies were lying on the garbage, motionless and alone.

Their mother was nowhere in sight. The babies, just around a month old, looked like they were sleeping, but it was clear—they needed help, fast.

Without hesitation, the man contacted Isla Animal, a nearby rescue.

A Race Against Heat And Time

Lina Patino, the founder of Isla Animal, didn’t waste a second. She and her partner, Jennifer Ponsford, rushed to the scene.

“They were thrown away in a garbage can next to the bus terminal,” Patino told The Dodo. “They were destined to die…”

The rescuers scooped up the fragile pups and took them to the refuge center.

Fighting For Their Lives

At just one month old, the puppies were barely hanging on. Their bloated bellies showed signs of parasites, and ticks covered their tiny bodies.

“They were malnourished,” Patino said. “We gave them food, water, antiparasitic medication, and applied tick repellent.”

Isla Animal

For the first 24 hours, the siblings—now named Enrique and Beto—barely moved.

“They were so depressed and lethargic that I thought they wouldn’t make it,” she said.

Healing Begins

Isla Animal

But then, something changed.

“By the third day, they had more energy than ever before,” Patino said.

They received medicated baths and began to show signs of life. The spark returned to their eyes.

Now nearly two months old, the brothers are tick-free, parasite-free, and finally getting the nutrition they so badly needed.

Living Their Puppy Dreams

Most days, Enrique and Beto can be found playing, snuggling, or curling up together for naps.

Soon, they’ll receive their first round of vaccines, and then—they’ll be ready for forever homes.

“They counted on luck and met angels,” Patino said.

Until adoption day comes, they’re soaking up love from their rescuers—and finally learning what it feels like to be safe.

To support dogs like Enrique and Beto, you can donate via PayPal or shop merch on Isla Animal’s website.

To adopt Enrique and Beto, reach out to Isla Animal on Instagram.

For more rescues in Cartagena, follow Jennifer Ponsford on Instagram.