When its latest litter arrived just days before Easter, the team at Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre immediately put aside all thoughts of chocolate eggs to keep a family of neglected puppies alive.
The six female and two male pups came into their care after RSPCA inspectors made an urgent call for assistance.
Despite being at full capacity, foster carers from the Neath-based animal welfare group have been offering the siblings critical care since Thursday 6 April.
The puppies are thought to be a Staffy, Cattle dog cross.
However, their current condition is making it difficult to confirm their heritage.
“Being undersized makes it hard to know with any certainty what the pus are,” says HVAFRC’s Jen Barbour.
“They were very small, worm-burdened, and flea ridden when they arrived.
“They’ve had baths, been wormed and are eating small meals, but tit’s not over yet.”
The litter has diminished.
“We’ve taken eight pups, from two litters,” Jen says.
“Their sibling was taken straight to the vet by the RSPCA where the decision was made for the little one to cross the rainbow bridge and he’s now at peace.
“The surviving pups have a fight ahead of them to get healthy, but they are loved, and they have already stolen the team’s hearts.”
Jen says accepting canines when they are at the worst point of their young lives is becoming all too common in our region.
While adopting a four-legged friend during COVID-lockdowns became a nationwide trend, the responsibility appears to have caught up with many would-be pet parents.
“People aren’t adopting at the moment,” Jen says.
“Our lives have reopened, we’re travelling again, we’re socialising and we don’t want to feel guilty about leaving a puppy at home to amuse themselves.
“That period between 18 months (about one-and-a-half years) and two years is critical in a puppy’s life and when they’re left alone for long periods of time, they get nervous, and they get separation anxiety and that’s what we’re seeing now.
“All puppies are cute, but they’re meant to be adopted for life. If you can’t commit to that, then please don’t get a dog.”
Certain breeds, Jen adds, deserve additional pre-purchase consideration.
“We are seeing a lot of Kelpies and Cattle dogs come into our care lately,” she says.
“These are working dogs, they need you to give them a job. Physical exercise each day isn’t enough, they need to exercise the brain, too.”
Sadly, with demand came corrupt supply, suggests Jen.
“There are a lot of dodgy breeders around who were making lots of money from puppies during COVID,” she says.
“Unfortunately we’re seeing the effects of that now.
“If you go to buy a pup and you can’t see the mother and father then be suspicious, check papers, ask questions, or even better don’t buy rescue instead.
“When we have adoption days and people see rescue puppies, we’re always asked what’s wrong with them because the price is so cheap.
“Most are around $650 or $700, which covers vet bills, worming, desexing, and food while they’re in our care.
“That just shows you how much people are over-charging for puppies.”
At the moment Jen says any help the community can offer would be greatly appreciated.
“If you can’t adopt, then please donate or volunteer,” she adds.
“Another great way to help is to share our social media posts. You never know who might be looking for a forever friend.
“We urgently need your support to keep these guys alive and get them healthy.”
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