A man walked into the San Antonio Pets Alive! medical clinic and requested to give up two, very skinny, 3-month-old puppies last Friday. The employees informed him of a local no-kill shelter he could drop off the dogs at, so the man left.
An employee at a nearby meat market opened his store’s dumpster four hours later and found the same two puppies at the bottom of the dumpster, thrown away as if they were trash. The employee reported the abandoned dogs to the clinic and the kennel supervisor quickly came over.
As soon as the supervisor opened the dumpster lid, she could see how happy the tiny pups were to be safe.
“They immediately snuggled up to our kennel supervisor and were all tail wags when we offered them food and love,” the director of the medical clinic, Kylie Brasher, informed The Dodo.
“They were given baths due to being covered in fleas and we could tell that was a new experience for them — they much preferred the food!”
The clinic workers saw first hand how the puppies had been severely neglected by their former owner.
Both puppies – now named Crockett and Bowie – were malnourished and were tested positive for ringworm as well as other parasites. After the two pups arrived at the clinic, the employees noticed Bowie helping care for his brother by using his body to keep him warm as well as sharing everything he had.
“When Crockett wouldn’t eat, Bowie was taking pieces of his kibble and laying them by his face,” Brasher said. “I’ve never seen a puppy do that! Their bond is so heartwarming.”
It was also discovered that Crockett was battling canine parvovirus after another checkup. The virus is very contagious, which meant the two brothers had to be separated temporarily, as the disease can sometimes be deadly.
Despite the dogs having serious health issues, along with lengthy treatment ahead, their caretakers are confident they will see it through — especially as their personalities are coming out.
“Now that the puppies have full bellies and are on medications for the medical conditions, they are extremely affectionate and playful,” Brasher shared. “We are very hopeful for full recoveries.”
After Crockett sees his parvo treatment through, he will be able to spend more time with his brother — and the staff can sense that he can’t wait for that to happen and soon.
“Crockett is feeling more adventurous now and is climbing the baby gate in his kennel to get to staff for attention,” Brasher shared. While Bowie soaks in all the attention and love from the staffers.
“Bowie likes to be held on his back like a baby while you rub his belly,” Brasher stated. “He also gives very polite little nose kisses!”
Once both of the puppies are healthy and neutered, they will be able to move onto the next phase of their life: the search for their forever home.
Until then, you can make a donation to help Crockett and Bowie with any unexpected medical expenses, here.
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