A Southwestern Ontario rescue organization leaped into action after eleven puppies were found in a box along Beach Rd. in Brantford. The discovery was made last week by someone passing through the area, who called the SPCA. At the time they were found, the dogs were estimated to be just one day old. “A lot of them had their umbilical cords attached, so quite young,” says Cassia Bryden, founder of Sato Saved End of the Line Dog Rescue, the organization ultimately asked to care for the puppies. Bryden says the dogs were hungry and in need of immediate care. “A few of them were a little bit dehydrated, so they were needing to be fed pretty quickly,” Bryden recalls. “Got them warmed up, weighed them all and made sure that they were doing well, that none of them had any injuries or anything like that.” All the dogs were deemed healthy, though one has a cleft palate and needs to be fed with a tube instead of a bottle. Two other foster homes stepped up to help Bryden care for the puppies, given the challenges of caring for so many dogs at one time, including around the clock feeds. “Not only do you have to feed them, but you have to stimulate them to go to the bathroom,” says Bryden. “You have to burp each individual puppy after every feed, and they need to be fed every two to three hours when they’re this age.” It’s hoped the puppies will be ready for adoption around eight weeks old. “We’re super hopeful that they’re all going to thrive,” Bryden says. Their exact breed is unknown, but likely a mix. They’re expected to grow to become relatively large. Bryden says that while many people are struggling to afford pets right now, there are places to go for help, instead of leaving animals outside and at risk. “They need us. They depend on us. And we have to be their voices.” While all the puppies are in foster care now, the rescue is welcoming donations of food, supplies and funds. Information on how to help can be found at DONATIONS | Ontario | Sato Saved End of the Line Rescue & Rehabilitation
