Mom, Puppies Found in Alley Nearly Ready for Adoption

ENCINITAS, CA: Seven puppies who were just a few days old when they were discovered six weeks ago with their mother in a box in an alley will be ready for adoption soon, Rancho Coastal Humane Society said Tuesday.

The Good Samaritan who stumbled upon Polly, an 8-pound Terrier mix, and her brood initially took them to the County Department of Animal Services in Mission Valley. However, Polly was unable to produce enough milk to feed her babies so the little family was transferred to RCHS in Encinitas in order for them to receive in-home foster care, according to RCHS Spokesman John Van Zante.

"These puppies would not have survived if they had not been taken to the Department of Animal Services," Van Zante said. "They need care, but all are expected to survive."

After Polly and her puppies had their initial exams, RCHS Foster Care Coordinator Kelly Peters took them to her home.

"Polly’s fur coat looked like dreadlocks when she arrived," Peters said. "She was so infested with fleas and her skin was covered with flea dirt. She was a hot mess."

The babies have been bottle-fed since they arrived, according to Peters, but are beginning to transition over to puppy food and should have no problem reaching a weight of 10 pounds each.

Three are still with their mother, while the other four are staying in two different foster homes. All should be available for adoption in about three weeks — when they are about 9 weeks old — although one puppy has an eye that will likely need to be removed.

Also, Polly needs to see a specialist about a problem with one of her kneecaps. She may need surgery, which could cost the shelter approximately $3,000. Her surgery would be scheduled after the babies are gone, Van Zante said.

For more information about Polly, her puppies or other pets available for adoption at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, call 760-753-6413 or log on to Sdpets.org.

(Photos courtesy of RCHS)