Introducing my bloodhound foster puppies, Sophia and Dorothy

Dorothy (left) and Sophia (right)

Let me tell you a story. Picture it. Sicily, 1922… Seriously, though the story of these 2 babies and their sisters, Rose and Blanche, is a doozy.

In Queens, a member of the Muddy Paws Rescue community observed horrid conditions of backyard breeders. Their adult male and female bloodhounds had a litter of 4 puppies in mid-December. The parents and puppies were left outside, in all weather conditions, with no shelter and not enough food. Muddy Paws offered resources to have the adult dogs altered. The people refused that help though they did agree to give her the puppies so we could find homes for them. (I’m going to find out what can be done to help the adult dogs who are still with those people. More on that later…)

Despite their difficult start, Sophia and Dorothy are incredible dogs. They don’t show any signs of trauma. They are floppy, happy, energetic, gorgeous puppies. They love each other, share everything, and are either wrestling, eating, or napping on top of each other. That they’re even alive is amazing. That they’re alive, completely healthy, and well-adjusted is a miracle. They’ll need training of course, as all dogs do, and I can’t wait to see them shine in their new forever homes whenever they get adopted.

Right now, they’re indoor only puppies until they get all of their vaccines. They’ve been keeping me busy as we figure out how to set up my apartment and get into a routine. I think we’re doing pretty well considering I’ve never had puppies this young and never had 2 dogs at once. I haven’t looked much at the news, which has been a welcome reprieve, and they’ve brought me so much joy and laughter.

Today I sent their photos and wrote their profiles for their adoption pages that will be on the Muddy Paws Rescue website this week. They’ll be at the adoption event this coming Saturday, February 22nd. No matter how long I end up having them – whether it’s 1 week or many weeks – I’ll be forever grateful to them for showing me that how we start is just that. It’s only a beginning. Those we meet along our path can change everything.