Shelter Seek Home for Mothers Who Have Bonded After Raising Eighteen Puppies Together

  A British Columbian animal organization is urging people to show kindness this holiday season by adopting two rescue dogs that are in need of a home, since there is no possibility of them being separated after everything they have been through together.

A member of the public voiced concerns, and at the end of October, the two dogs were found at a property in Chase, British Columbia. The animal protection officer found that the two female canines were not only terribly underweight and hungry, but also cared for their 18 puppies, which was beyond anything he could have anticipated. 

The dogs were taken into the care of the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SCPA) in Vancouver, where each one received the care and treatment they needed. Eileen Drever, the senior officer for the BC SPCA, told Newsweek that "it was shocking to see their poor body conditions," and that the heartbreaking sight was unlike anything she'd seen in her 43-year career.

One of the moms trying to feed her nine 

puppies, despite being malnourished. The 

dogs were trying their best to care for their 

litters, but were so weak and emaciated 

that 

they had very little to give.
BC SPCA

Both of the adult dogs were so malnourished that, when their respective litters of nine puppies tried to suckle, there wasn't enough milk to go round.

She continued: "The dogs were surrendered by the owner, who was very rarely in attendance at the property, caring for the dogs. The puppies were feeding from their moms prior to coming into our care, and clearly the moms gave their all, but because of their poor body conditions, it wasn't enough."

One of the malnourished dogs who was 

rescued from the Chase property. The 

dogs 

were given tailored treatment plans after 

being taken into care, because their bodies 

were so weak.
BC SPCA

"The moms have been put on a very specific refeeding plan. They were so underweight, we needed veterinary approval just to give them water."

Sadly, this is a similar situation for many pets across the U.S. too, as about 6.3 million animals wind up in shelters across the country each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Of the 3.1 million dogs that need adopting, it's thought that around 2 million eventually find a loving home – but there are still many more yet to find theirs.

The BC SPCA shared the dramatic tale on its website, in an attempt to drum up as much interest as possible for these 20 dogs, which all need homes. Alongside the many pictures of the poor dogs, they have pleaded with the public to ensure that "these sweet ones never have to go hungry again."

Thankfully, since being taken into care in October, the dogs have continued to improve with every passing day and the two moms are now ready for adoption. However, after what they've been through, they have become so bonded that they can't possibly be separated, and any prospective owner will have to welcome them both into their home.

"We are thrilled to announce they have all made dramatic improvements and both moms are available for adoption. But they are bonded because they have gone through so much together, so we cannot separate them," Drever told Newsweek.

The litters of puppies all huddled together 

for 

warmth and comfort. Each mom had a 

litter 

of nine puppies, meaning there were 20 

dogs in total that needed rescuing.
BC SPCA

"They are doing wonderfully well, surprisingly, considering what their bodies have been through," she continued. "They have wonderful dispositions and are currently looking for their forever home.

"The puppies have gained weight and are becoming very curious. They will be available in the next week or so, we are recommending interested parties check out our adoption website to see when they become available. We have no doubt each and every one of these souls will find their forever home."

One of the puppies, thought to be an 

American bulldog mixed with Labrador 

retriever. The puppies are all making 

remarkable improvements since being 

rescued in October, and will soon be ready 

for adoption.
BC SPCA

While the devastating sight of the 20 dogs in October may be a scarring memory for many of the volunteers and staff at the BC SCPA, Drever said that witnessing their recoveries has been nothing short of a miracle.

Seeing them grow in strength and confidence has been "so rewarding" for the team, and they hope that they can all find a loving family this holiday season.