A mother dog and her two young puppies had nowhere to go as they wandered along a roadside near Lake Trask in Mason County, Washington.
Rain poured down around them, and the frightened little family trembled from the cold, desperately searching for shelter.
Soaked and exhausted, the mother tried to protect her pups as they huddled together, hoping someone kind would see them and come to their aid.
Rescuers Step In To Help
When Shelton Animal Control received word about the struggling dogs, they immediately reached out to Caryn, a volunteer with the Humane Society of Mason County in Belfair, Washington.
Caryn contacted her friend D.D. Ponder, an experienced dog trapper, and together they set out to rescue the frightened trio.
By the time they arrived, darkness had fallen. The rescuers carefully surveyed the area and set up several traps filled with tempting treats.
Seeing the terrified mother and her two tiny pups broke their hearts. They could only imagine the fear and confusion this small family had endured.
Patiently, the team began working to earn the dogs’ trust.
The puppies, later named Parker and Petey, were more curious than their mom. They cautiously approached the rescuers, allowing the team to pick them up safely.
The mother dog, who would later be called Laila, was far more cautious. She stayed close to her puppies but refused to go anywhere near the traps.
Caryn and D.D. Ponder tried using the pups to encourage her to follow, but Laila wouldn’t take the risk. Her focus was entirely on keeping them safe.
Even when offered food, she showed no interest. The rescuers tried chicken and other treats, but she ignored it all.
After several long hours, Caryn and D.D. had to return home to care for their own pets. Before leaving, they asked a nearby resident named Pete to watch over the little family.
Pete agreed to help and offered Laila some ham. To his relief, she loved it. When he placed pieces inside the crate, her hunger eventually won over her fear, and she finally walked inside.
Laila was safe at last.
A New Beginning For The Family
The Humane Society of Mason County quickly took Laila and her puppies into their care.
“After 20 hours, with volunteers keeping vigilance all day and night, mom and babies were finally secured! They were exhausted and so ready for a better life,” the rescue shared in a Facebook post.
At last, the little family could rest peacefully, warm and safe from the rain.
In their foster home, Laila and her pups began to recover from their ordeal. They soon learned what it meant to have a comfortable bed, regular meals, and gentle hands to care for them.
The three settled in quickly, finally experiencing the love they had been missing for so long.
Now, Parker has already found a forever family eager to give him a home. Petey is still waiting for his match, and Laila will soon be ready for adoption too.
After so much hardship, these three dogs are finally on the path to a brighter future, surrounded by kindness and security.
