For Jordan Fiegen, a kindhearted woman from South Dakota, the morning started like any other, cold and sharp. She had no idea that something both heartbreaking and remarkable was waiting just ahead.
As she walked near her parents’ home, she noticed a strange crate sitting in a nearby trailer park. Something about it immediately felt wrong, so she moved closer to see what was inside.
The moment she looked in, her heart sank. Seven tiny puppies were packed tightly together, shaking from the cold.
The crate was half full of dirty rainwater left over from the night before, and their once-white fur was tangled, drenched, and smeared with mud.
A wave of emotion hit Fiegen all at once: relief that they were still alive, and heartbreak over what they were enduring. The fragile little pups were freezing and helpless, and she knew she had to act right away.
Tiny Puppies Finally Find Warmth
The little ones didn’t utter a sound. Their silence was haunting, as though they had already given up hope of being saved.
Knowing that every moment mattered, Fiegen hurried to get them warm. The biting March air made it clear they wouldn’t last much longer outside.
She soon discovered the puppies belonged to a neglected dog living in the same trailer park. Fiegen tried to reach the owner but couldn’t get in touch right away.
Later, when they finally spoke, the owner agreed to surrender the puppies.
Fiegen carefully gathered the shivering siblings and carried them inside. With her family’s help, she bathed each one in warm water and wrapped them snugly in blankets to raise their body temperature.
Once clean and dry, their snowy coats began to shine again. Exhausted from the ordeal, the puppies curled up and drifted into sleep, safe and warm for the first time in their young lives.
Fiegen felt a wave of relief, knowing the worst was finally behind them.
Steps Toward Healing
Thinking about what the puppies had endured brought tears to her eyes.
“I just sobbed over them not knowing what they just went through,” Fiegen told The Dodo.
Determined to secure proper care, Fiegen reached out to Almost Home Canine Rescue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The organization quickly agreed to take them in.
When the pups regained strength, she brought them to the veterinarian for a thorough checkup. They were treated for fleas and worms, giving them the chance to start fresh.
The seven siblings, Bert, Bluey, Ernie, Bingo, Bear, Nova, and Kona, were then placed with three loving foster families.
In their foster homes, the puppies received the affection and attention they had been missing. Within weeks, their playful personalities began to shine through.
“They are all very playful. They definitely came out of their shells after they were all bundling together and barely showing signs of life,” Fiegen said.
Today, the pups are thriving, full of energy and joy. Soon, they will begin the search for their forever homes.
There is no doubt these little ones will find families who will treasure them and give them the life they deserve.
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
Be the first to comment on this article!