While walking along a quiet canyon trail in Mission Viejo, California, a man named Jake paused when he heard something unexpected echoing through the still air — soft, high-pitched grunts coming from an old, empty pool tucked beside the path.
“At first, I didn’t realize what I was hearing,” Jake told The Dodo. “It didn’t click right away.”
But as he got closer, everything came into focus. Inside the drained pool was a pile of tiny, fluffy puppies — ten of them, huddled together and crying out. They had been abandoned in the heat with no food, water, or shelter.
And heartbreakingly, they were just steps away from the City of Mission Viejo Animal Services Center — a sign that someone had intentionally left them where they might be found.
“I was angry at first,” Jake said. “But mostly relieved. At least they were left somewhere they could be saved.”
Animal services staff rushed out to help. As soon as they saw the pups, they knew just how fragile they were.
“They were far too young to be without their mom,” said Brynn Lavison, director of animal services. “They needed her — and fast.”
Determined to reunite the puppies with their mother, the team launched an urgent investigation. Before long, they located the person responsible for abandoning them and were able to negotiate the safe release of their mom. When she arrived at the shelter, the joyful reunion between her and her babies was immediate.
“She knew them instantly,” Lavison said. “And they knew her.”
The family was placed in a loving foster home with one of the shelter’s most experienced volunteers, who, along with her two adult sons, gave the mom and her ten pups all the love and care they needed to grow strong and healthy.
“They did incredibly well in foster care,” Lavison said. “And before long, they were ready for adoption.”
Each puppy has since found a forever home — where they’re now snuggled on couches, chasing toys in backyards, and soaking up endless affection. Their mom, too, is safe and cherished.
Looking back, what started as a heartbreaking discovery has become a story of hope, rescue, and second chances.
“We all have a role to play in helping animals in need,” Lavison said. “You can donate, foster, volunteer — whatever your time allows. Every little bit matters.”
To support animals like these puppies, you can donate to the shelter’s nonprofit, Dedicated Animal Welfare Group here.
