Located on an abandoned cul-de-sac road just under a freeway overpass in Muscoy, California, was the most interesting bunch ever living inside a deflated old tire.
Three small dogs sought refuge from the blistering sun underneath the back tire, crammed in with each other. And the odds were against him and them surviving in such a remote area at such high temperatures.
Their luck was to change, though, when a passing Good Samaritan spotted them and made the decision to get help.
Help Is On The Way
It was a man who, by sheer luck, had taken the wrong turn off his driving route and spotted a matted white Terrier lying atop some rubbish.
Because Faith got too many such calls, she was not shocked.
“We do this all the time. You know, we see dogs dumped everywhere — underpasses, fields, canyons, freeways… and that was just an area that was one of the worst. Nobody went over there really, or even saw these dogs, and if they had seen them? They would have just kept walking. They just don’t care. From her experience, Faith explained to The Dodo: “It’s something that happens every day.”
Faith instantly reached out to a friend of hers who lived in the area, one of the girls she had rescued with them – Cassandra Aldridge… asking her to go and check on the pups. As soon as Cassandra arrived on site, she spotted the pup, but when she approached to check on it in the tire, two more faces looked up at her.
Sadly, the pups were unable to move from where they were sitting because they lacked the energy and hydration to do so. Realizing that she needed to get the dog into some shade as quickly as possible, Cassandra took the whole tire and placed it into her car’s back seat.
Cassandra was unsure how long the pups were stuck in the Muscoy heat, but she knew there were six very happy puppies who were close to air-conditioning.
As soon as Faith reached the scene, the pups jumped into a heap behind the car seats, forcing her to coax them out.
Eventually, she reached the frightened puppies and wrapped them in a blanket, giving each one some water; they drank it up quickly.
I rubbed their heads and told them they were all right, then individually placed [them] into a crate. They were just so sluggish they didn’t want to even run. A few other dogs were also present, but they all felt content and fine being huddled together in that crate,’ she said.
Finally, having the pups safe, Faith was thrilled. But when she saw that the white dog was lying with her paws across a black dog who seemed to have recently had puppies, it was game over; her heart melted everywhere from cuteness.
At The Vet
The tiny litter was then taken to the local veterinary clinic, where they were assessed and hydrated.
The rescue team decided it was only appropriate that they be named after tire brands — Michelin, Pirelli and Kumho — because everyone can use a good set of tires (they needed names for the forms at the vet).
The little trio, despite being infested with fleas and ticks and having little patches of skin where they had been scratching themselves, were just happily thankful to be safe at last.
And I have no doubt they took extra happiness home even after spaying, neutering, dental cleanings and professional grooming!
Pirelli and Kumho were both still lactating–presumably for puppies that were just old enough to be weaned; Michelin was shut down and defensive, opening up a little more each day. They have so much love to give, and they seem like they feel like royalty with their new hairdos! Michelin is not ready to wag his tail yet as he still has some pride, but we can see light returning to his eyes,’ wrote Hedy Alison, office manager of Camino Pet Hospital in San Jose, in a report posted online.
Straight after receiving their vaccines and microchips, the pups were placed in a foster environment where they could continue rehydrating, rehealing, and remembering what it feels like to be happy.
Forever Home
Once they were at their fosters for a while and fully healed, the pups discovered their forever home!
Michelin was the first one to adopt it! It was spectacular news to Faith because out of all the dogs she saved, his well-being troubled her the most.
This tire baby was the one I worry wouldn’t even make the transfer to the hospital. He seemed the most broken! He could not take the water I offered, and I knew we had to HURRY him for some assistance! Luckily, he healed and received that second opportunity! Just check out how he looks now. And then he has a brand new mama who will spoil him rotten,’ Faith wrote in a post on Facebook.
The pair of Pirelli and Kumho also found their happily ever after! Those two girls now live in a house with a lady who clearly enjoys their company.
Hard to believe that after spending days with their lives in a flat tire, this little pack has done so well.
I wish that they never have to endure that again and that their new home is surrounded by loving, adoring friends and super long, super playful play dates!
