When the security team at Kloof and Highway SPCA spotted something tied to a sign at the end of the shelter’s driveway, they quickly alerted Inspector Kerrie Andrews. Expecting to find a dog in need of help, she hurried to the scene — but what she discovered was far more heartbreaking.

A mama dog and her four puppies lay nestled near the sign, tightly huddled together for warmth. Though the mother was the only one tied up, her puppies stayed close, unwilling to leave her side. It was a chilly morning, and no one knew just how long this little family had been left out in the cold.

Rescue and Recovery

Inspector Andrews knew she had to get the five dogs to safety right away and quickly started working to earn their trust.

“The mother was anxious and wary of Inspector Andrews at first, but with gentle words and patience, she slowly understood she was in safe hands,” said Brigitte Ferguson, a marketing assistant at Kloof and Highway SPCA, in an interview with The Dodo. “The puppies, however, were content just being close to their mom and out of the cold.”

Once the family was safely indoors, the top priority was ensuring they stayed warm. The shelter staff settled them into a soft bed under a heating lamp, with hot water bottles to comfort the puppies and nutritious food to help Mama regain her strength so she could continue caring for her little ones.

“Mom was underweight and infested with ticks, fleas, and worms, which we treated right away,” Ferguson said. “She was frightened at first but quickly relaxed once she realized she was finally safe.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Since then, the mama dog has put on weight and is looking much healthier.

While she’s still a bit shy around new people, once she trusts you, all she wants is affection. The puppies are thriving—happy, healthy, and full of energy as they play together.

The entire family will soon be ready for adoption, and the staff at tcan’telter is eager to help them find their forever homes.