Four puppies have been rescued after enduring weeks in the blistering heat of the Mojave Desert, where they were forced to eat rocks to stay alive.
Las Vegas-based rescue organization Paws Patrol LV was contacted on August 2 by a concerned traveler who had spotted the dogs near a gas station off the freeway just outside Baker, California. Volunteers contacted the station's employees, who reported that they had been seeing the four puppies for nearly a month.
Determined to save them, volunteers embarked on a grueling five-day search in the harsh desert conditions.
The puppies were found in a skeletal state having survived by eating rocks in their desperate search for food and water in the blistering heat. In the last month, desert temperatures have averaged 90°F during the day and 64°F at night, while July is known to be the hottest month in the region.
Dogs are sensitive to heat and their ability to tolerate high temperatures can vary based on factors like breed, age, size and overall health. In general, dogs can start to experience heat stress when temperatures exceed 80-85°F and should always have shade, water and a cool place to rest in these conditions.
Once rescued, the puppies were transported to the Nevada SPCA, where they are now receiving the care that they need.
"It's such a relief after spending so many sleepless nights wondering if these puppies were safe from all the dangers in the desert, like coyotes," Joyce Foreman of Paws Patrol said of the rescue.
Amy Lee from Nevada SPCA told Newsweek: "We do not have confirmation, but the puppies were allegedly dumped or abandoned."
With the four puppies safe and receiving the best possible medical care from its team, the Nevada SPCA said it is extremely grateful for the Paws Patrol team who put so much resource into helping the dogs.
"The puppies all seem to be doing well and are currently in the care of Nevada SPCA and our shelter veterinary staff," Lee said in an update. "Once they are medically cleared, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered, they will be made available for adoption."
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent from 2022 intakes. At the end of 2023, 117,000 additional dogs and cats were in the animal sheltering system compared with the same time a year earlier.
Of 2023 shelter intakes, 48 percent were stray, 18 percent were transfers from other shelters, 25 percent were relinquished by owners and 9 percent fell into an "other" category.
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