Over the years, I’ve come across heartbreaking cases of abandoned dogs—left on the roadside, tied up with no way to escape, or cruelly discarded in boxes.
But nothing quite prepared me for a case like this—where a litter of puppies was stuffed inside a plastic container, barely able to move or breathe.
This devastating story began on what seemed like an ordinary morning for Amanda Hood. As she arrived at work, something unusual caught her eye—a plastic container sitting on the front lawn of her workplace.
At first, she assumed it was a donation, but something about it felt off. As she took a closer look, she noticed movement inside.
Curious and concerned, Hood approached the container. That’s when she spotted a small hole drilled into the side, and to her horror, she saw steam building up inside.
Her worst fears were confirmed when she lifted the lid—inside were 11 tiny puppies, struggling to survive.
No one at the workplace had any idea how they got there, but it was clear that someone had cruelly dumped them, leaving them to suffocate.
Speaking with The Dodo, Hood shared her shock:
“They were probably only there for an hour or so. Because with those two tiny holes for ventilation, I don’t think they would’ve made it for much longer.”
Realizing the puppies wouldn’t last if left outside, Hood rushed them to the Calhoun County Humane Society, where they could receive immediate care.
Despite the horrific way they had been abandoned, the puppies—only five weeks old—were thankfully in good health.
After a thorough checkup, they were given a warm, safe place to rest in the shelter. As Hood said:
“They eat, sleep, and like to be held. They’re the sweetest babies.”
However, their journey wasn’t over just yet.
The Calhoun County Humane Society was already at full capacity, and caring for an entire litter of puppies would be a major challenge.
To give them the best chance at finding loving homes, the decision was made to transfer them to Forever Home Dog Rescue in Illinois, where they would be placed into foster care.
Their beginning may have been cruel, but there’s no doubt that these puppies have a brighter future ahead. Soon, they’ll find families who will cherish and love them, giving them the life they always deserved.