A Christmas Rescue Story From A Decade Ago: 17 Dogs Saved

BRANFORD, CT — Locals will remember this Christmas Eve story from a decade ago. Shared by the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter on Dec. 24, it's quite the tail, I mean tale.

"Ten years ago today our wonderful and dedicated Branford Police Department helped to save 14 puppies and three moms with the assistance of the Animal Control Department.

To give the back story: In December of 2009 a couple of men were living at a local motel after they traveled up here from Florida and they had their dogs with them. The manager of the motel found out the dogs were there and told them they had to leave. That same night, Christmas Eve 2009, the men were seen walking with a large picnic cooler at 3 a.m. and it was snowing. The police stopped the men and found newborn puppies in the cooler.

The police brought the mom and puppies to the Vet hospital and the next day the Animal Control department found two more mom dogs at the hotel and they were also in the process of giving birth. We gained custody of all the dogs and the men were charged with animal cruelty. Had the police not been so alert, the puppies might have perished.

The police named all the puppies after Santa's reindeer and many of these dogs still live in North Branford, Branford and East Haven to this day. We wish all of those pups a Happy 10th Birthday ! Here is Cupid saying. 'thank you for saving me!'

To all of our emergency personnel including police, fire, EMT, Animal Control, Dispatchers and anyone else who will be out there protecting those with fur and without we thank You for your service !"

Wondering if anyone cares to share the stories and/or photos of any of these rescued dogs still living in the area today? Please do in the comments, or email photos and information to ellyn.santiago@patch.com and we'll will include in story.