Puppies and mom rescued by officers

A litter of puppies and their mom are safe, warm and healthy after being rescued out of a ponding basin in Madera County.

Officers with Madera County Animal Services came across a scared dog three weeks ago at the shelter but she eluded staff and remained out of reach. The team realized the mama was pregnant and time was of the essence.

Officers never gave up, searching for her daily and finally located the stray dog in a nearby ponding basin last week. Three officers climbed through thick brush and terrain to rescue her puppies before the wet weather arrived.

The puppies were safely placed in a crate while a plan was made to bring their mama to safety. But this smart girl wasn’t falling for the trap that easily, officials said. However, with teamwork, patience and a few hot dogs she was safely captured and reunited with her puppies.

Muddy boots, scratched arms, long days, teamwork and refusing to give up when an animal needs them, Madera County Animal Services officers and shelter team go above and beyond because every life matters.

A video featuring the incident is at: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LxN3QEKqeG__05NU8wbugog5hzGTNaEz