As freezing temperatures swept through San Antonio last week, San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) was already working hard to keep their shelter animals safe and warm. But amid the chaos, they received an urgent call that led them to a heartbreaking discovery.
Someone had abandoned several dogs outside in the bitter cold, and they were now struggling to survive.
“Several pets were left outside in the recent freezing temperatures and were discovered in distress,” SAACS shared on Facebook.
When animal care officers arrived, they found a heartbreaking sight: a tiny pile of newborn puppies, barely a week old, lying directly on the frozen ground. The puppies, huddled tightly together for warmth, were helpless in the dangerously low temperatures.
Nearby, their parents — later named Honey and Butters — were shivering, doing their best to stay close and protect their babies.
“The parents, mom Honey and dad Butters, were enduring the bitter cold,” SAACS wrote.
The rescue team gently gathered the little family and the other abandoned pets, loading them into a heated van. They were rushed to the shelter’s emergency clinic, where each animal received immediate medical attention.
The three puppies — sweetly named Biscuit, Jam, and Jelly — were in rough shape, but with warmth, nourishment, and care, they began to recover. Their parents, Honey and Butters, seemed visibly relieved to know their little ones were finally safe.
Once stabilized, the family began their journey toward finding new, loving homes. Butters was the first to land a cozy foster home, while Honey and the puppies remained at the shelter a bit longer until a foster was found for them too.
“True to her name, Honey is incredibly sweet,” SAACS wrote. “She adores treats, and her babies are just the cutest!”
Though the family is now safe in foster care, they’re still searching for forever homes. The puppies will be available for adoption once they’re old enough, and SAACS is also hopeful that Honey and Butters will each find a family to call their own.
For now, everyone at SAACS is grateful the tiny family made it through the storm.
“Now, they’re safe and warm,” the shelter wrote — and that’s all that matters.
To adopt Honey, Butters, or one of their babies, inquire about them here, or email acsadoptions@sanantonio.gov with their animal ID number.
To support rescues like this one, consider donating to San Antonio Animal Care Services here.
