From the left: Gabriella, Sydney & Matilda (Rescued yesterday)
This rescue story brings different emotions. It stated with sadness and anger, and continued with happiness. Please make sure to read until the end, and leave me a comment below if you would want to see the video of their rescue.
Last night, 10 P.M, I got an email that was forwarded to me from The Bill Foundation. The email told the story about a mom (Gaia) with a broken leg who was abandoned in the middle of nowhere three months ago, and it also tells the story of the three babies she gave birth to around the same time she was dumped.
For three month, two women fed them daily, brought them fresh water, but couldn't capture the mom, so they didn't attempt to capture the babies. Sadly, they didn't know where to turn for help.
After reading the email I called the Bill Foundation right away to see how we can make it work. I promised Hope For Paws would help with the mom's medical bill, and in 2 minutes it was agreed that I will leave towards Central California at 3:00 A.M so I can make it there before sunrise.
I couldn't fall asleep... I just wanted it to be morning already. At 3:00 A.M I started the drive up north.
When I arrived at the location, I spotted the puppies right away, but I couldn't find the mom. I went to check on the pups, gave them some food to make an initial contact with them, and kept watching my back to make sure the mom doesn't come behind me to defend her puppies.
Minutes later, a yellow truck stopped next to me. A really nice man was asking what I was doing, and I told him I came all the way from Los Angeles to rescue this family.
He told me that the mom died two hours ago, about a mile to the west.
He said someone hit her and ran. He arrived there shortly after it happened, pulled over, and saw her as she was dying. He decided to rush home, get his gun, and take her out of her misery - realizing her injuries were fatal.
When he got back with his gun, she was already dead.
I wanted to check it right away... I wanted to make sure she was not breathing anymore. I was sad that she was dead, and I was angry that someone would dump an animal in the middle of nowhere and not care what would happen to her. If this man didn't show up today, I would have never known she was dead (she was pretty far from the pups), and I would still be there waiting for her to come back.
I then returned to the puppies, so I can at least save them before they would get hit by a car. I drew a skech (below) showing how I got each puppy as this was one of the most challenging situations I ever faced, and it required special, never used before improvisation.
The pups were hiding in a storm drain that could fit them, but couldn't even fit a small child.
Puppy #1 - Sydney (the pup in the middle): I threw food around the entrance hole. As you can see, I was positioned above them, so they couldn't see me, and as soon as Sydney was out, I grabbed her. She screamed for her life, and really scared the other two puppies who now refused to come out for food or water.
Puppy #2 - Matilda (the pup to the right): After two hours of waiting patiently for them to relax from the trauma of their sister screaming, they wouldn't come out. Their mom taught them really well, that when they sense danger, they should hide, and so they did. I decided to do something I have never done before, and it was to use the mom's body to get them out. I drove with Sydney to pick up the body.
I placed her near the entry hole, and waited quietly above.
Matilda was so happy to see her mother... she ran out wagging her tail, and in a second I grabbed her too. The mom, even though she was dead, helped me save her baby, and I hope she saw it from above and appreciated the love her baby felt for her.
Puppy #3 - Gabriella (the pup to the left): This little girl is smart, and she knew her mom was not alive anymore. I have tried everything... I tied ropes to the mom's limbs just to make her move and make the puppy believe she was alive, but that didn't work. I placed the mom in different positions, and that didn't work either.
The well was full with debris, so I started clearing it out using a rope with a loop... my plan was to drop a trap to the bottom, and then lift her up once she is captured. After I was done, I realized, it's not happening as the well was too narrow.
I tried speaking to Gabriella, but she wouldn't listen to me. I was at a desperate point... it was 100 degrees outside, I forgot to bring drinking water for myself, and I didn't have the equipment to get her out. I was also alone, and so it made everything more difficult.
I walked to my car to see if there is anything there I could use, and then a brilliant idea came to me. Last year I bought a net gun (that turned to be a useless piece of equipment as far as net shooting / dog capturing). However, I knew the one thing this device can do is to produce a really loud sound of explosion (produced by pressurized air).
The idea was to fire a few times into the well, create a scary noise, have her run out of the pipe, and then capture her as she runs away. I fired the first round and she cried. I fired another one, and another one, and then a really nice man showed up. He was working in the area, and I was telling him about my plan. We discussed other options (like having him hold the rope as I will go down the well). I fired a few more rounds of presurized air, and all of a sudden she started running... she got out of the storm drain, and ran into - A DIFFERENT PIPE!!!
I knew this one would be easier... I asked the guy to go to the far end, and scream into the pipe. He yelled, banged on the pipe, and Gabriella crawled away from him. She then saw me, and stopped. I looked into her eyes, then reached into the tube with my arm, allowed her sniff me for a second, then I grabbed her leg and pulled her out.
I placed her with her sisters, and I was so happy to have all of them.
I looked over at the mom, and decided to leave her where she had given birth to these beautiful babies three months ago. She was an amazing mother, she loved her babies, and it just broke my heart to know that I this email was sent to me 24 hours too late :-(
I didn't bury her because I knew that her body can be consumed by other animals who are struggling out there... coyotes, voltures and other hungry creatures. This is the last gift Gaia can give to others... this is natures recycling system, and it's what keeps the cycle of life going.
The puppies and I started the long journey back to Southern California.
The vet is happy with their overall condition, and they are running some tests to make sure everyhing is OK internally (parasites, worms, etc).
Many of you made a donation today for the mom's surgery, but since she didn't make it, we donated all the funds to The Bill Foundation for the care of these babies.
The leashes will be sent to you first thing on Monday morning :-)
We still have a few leashes left, so anyone who makes a $10 (or more) donation by Monday, would get a leash too: www.hopeforpaws.org
If you would like to foster/adopt these babies, please contact The Bill Foundation.
I am not sure if you guys would want to see the video of their rescue, especially because of the dead mom (there is no blood at all). Please leave me a comment below and let me know what do you think about it.
Thank you so much for all your support,
Eldad
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Comments and faves
ஐღ~♥~SeleneLily~♥~ღஐ Away, Red~Star, PhotoSenseDatum, songbirdgirl2001, and 22 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Eldad Hagar (Please support Hope For Paws) (10 months ago | reply)
lexymarie414 (10 months ago | reply)
Thanks for saving the pups & sharing the rescue. Sooo sad the mom didn't make it :((
crazie4bjds (10 months ago | reply)
Poor babies, thank goodness you saved them. They are precious!
Red~Star (10 months ago | reply)
Oh my heart breaks that the mother died. What a tragedy. So sad the SOB dumped her. So sad you got to her too late. But thank you from the bottom of my heart for rescuing her three pups. What a feat that was.
Often it's the "last one" that is the "hold out". I had the same happen to me. Trapped a feral mom....took another day to trap kitten #1. I couldn't get #2 to go in my trap despite days of with holding food. Will try later when s/he isn't so traumatized. You are amazing. Thanks for the story. Don't think I can bear to watch the video. I'll cry if I see the dead mother dog.
nal from miami (10 months ago | reply)
I am so sad finding out how Mom passed away. I just don't understand people. . . . just don't . . . Thank you for all you do. I have been a 'friend' of yours in Flickr for a number of years . . . I never get tired to talking to people about the work you do . . . Next time you travel to South Florida I'll HAVE to make time to meet you.
ஐღ~♥~SeleneLily~♥~ღஐ Away (10 months ago | reply)
im so sorry this just makes me cry... at least you made it there to see her babies have a better life.
ptwiz1~On and Off (10 months ago | reply)
The poor mother! I am so glad you were successful in getting the puppies!
Red_Sundown (10 months ago | reply)
Absolutely heart-breaking,Im so sorry Eldad.But at least you were able to get her pups in time,I cant imagine how hard this must have been but remember that the work you do is amazing and you are saving so many lives.Keep it up:)
As sad as it may be,I think the rescue video should be posted.These pups stories need to be told and more light needs to be shed on irresponsible owners who dump there dogs like this.So sad but you did the best you could Eldad.
Liza627 (10 months ago | reply)
I prayed for you last nite hoping you made it home safely with the new family. when i read the update i am so happy to see the pictures of the 3 babies but so heartbroken that the mama didn't made it. i just started crying...you did an amazing job eldad...more power to you!
kyhera (10 months ago | reply)
I thank you for your commitment to these puppies. What a sad story with a beautiful ending. May these lucky babies find someone to love them fiercely! God bless you and aid you in all you do for the helpless.
mejoterfly (10 months ago | reply)
Hi - first off, thank you so very much for everything you do !! The world needs more people like you. Although the video may be painful to watch, because of the mother, I so enjoy watching your efforts in rescuing these animals and the extreme patience you have. You are an inspiration to us all. Please post the video. Thank you.
GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily (10 months ago | reply)
Eldad, every breath you take means life for others. Every moment you are awake, you save lives. When you sleep, you dream of saving lives. I cannot watch any of your videos without tears streaming down my face. And I watch them over and over and over again. We cry because we have hearts that beat and minds that explore everything. Thank you for waking up every single morning and doing what the rest of us should be doing... Hearts forever!
Yes, I would like to see the video. Your videos are my respite as I fight for dogs who won't live, the ones in the shelters and at the breeders. Your dogs have a much better chance at life and happiness despite their horrid beginnings. You work M.A.G.I.C.!
LazyPhotographer2007 (10 months ago | reply)
It breaks my heart that the mom didn't make it, but happy that the puppies are safe. I sincerely hope that the person who dumped them gets whats coming to them somehow.
1SAAM1 (10 months ago | reply)
I think all videos are good...even the really sad ones!!!
You really ROCK!!
first cherry berry (10 months ago | reply)
Thank you for all that you did and have done. I would like to see a video of the pups rescue even though I will cry like I did just reading the story. And it does have a happy ending, like you said.
jghobbs13 (10 months ago | reply)
OMG the poor mom, and the poor, traumatized babies. Thank you so much for all you do!
Goldmoon68 (10 months ago | reply)
People should see the video.Maybe then it would change someone's mind about "Dumping" dogs.Even just one person.You can post a warning on the video.3 little lives were still saved.Thanks for all you do!
Vespa51 (10 months ago | reply)
You are doing an amazing job in saving these lost dogs. I hope they find lovely homes.
weesey6926 (10 months ago | reply)
I wouldn't want to see a video, it is better to remember the mama taking care of her babies. At least she is still looking down on them. Thank you so much for what you do everyday.
maria eduarda35 (10 months ago | reply)
amazing how the man came to you ...:D great job as always ! :D
purraholic (10 months ago | reply)
You are an angel. I'm so sad for the mother and for what the babies have been through, but I do think you should show the video. Perhaps a little warning in the description or at the beginning of the video would be in order, but I think it would be a powerful video with the potential to reach people who haven't yet learned about Hope for Paws for The Bill Foundation, and to educate people.
Chalais (10 months ago | reply)
Eldad, your rescues without fail make me cry and laugh at the same time ... God bless you for what you do! I would love to see the video of this rescue!
Fairlight Dawn (10 months ago | reply)
Thank you for saving these puppies and for everything else you do !
pnkflydrx (10 months ago | reply)
I think you probably should post the video but with a clear warning. Even though it's rough, the more people that watch your video's the more support you get, financial and moral. This wasn't easy. It was lengthy, complicated, and difficult. Donations are a simple way for people to help. I think we're happy to be able to help even if it's little bits at a time.
LouiseRielle (10 months ago | reply)
Please share your video - people engage better if they can see the rescues - and that moves them to donate and often work in their own communities to advocate for animals.
czelegance (10 months ago | reply)
It breaks my heart on what these poor puppies go thru. How can ppl be so cruel. Thank God for ppl like you. Your stories touch me everytime. I made a monthly contribution, being a rescue mom myself, I know how every bit can help. Although I don't go thru anything like what you do, you are truly a hero to these pups. I have 11 that I have rescued and given a good & loving home too...and if I could afford it, I would give 11 more a home. God bless you!
peabo1 (10 months ago | reply)
Eldad, you are amazing. So sorry to hear about the mom. Literally in tears right now.
Doha82 (10 months ago | reply)
I cried reading this. Thank you so much for saving the babies. It is heartbreaking that their mother passed away and a heartless cretan had left her to die =( May God bless her soul in heaven. She is no loner in pain and her babies are now safe with a second chance at life because of you! You are their angel.
klm2007 (10 months ago | reply)
I am so thankful and grateful for you dedicated, unfailing care and love for animals. Thank you for rescuing these pups and all that you do. I'd love to see the video. Love your drawings too and all the ways you find to capture these sweet, scared souls.
Taildom (10 months ago | reply)
Wow, Eldad, thank you so much for being so dedicated to saving dogs. You are such a good-hearted person. I really appreciate all you do for the dogs. Thank you!!! And, about the video, I'd watch it.
Mike.D.CoCo (10 months ago | reply)
You are truly a light in the darkness, a beacon of humanity that others should experience. The video would be a great thing to see. I know that the mother was watching you save her children with love in her heart. I am not able to adopt a pet due to my work, but someday, I swear it, as I was adopted from a dire situation, I too shall save a life. Thank you for doing what you do.
trainrgrl (10 months ago | reply)
Thank you so very much for all you do..praying for the pups...
Carenars (10 months ago | reply)
God bless you!
BlueRay2012 (10 months ago | reply)
Eldad, I do want to watch the video. Life is not all smooth and this is really part of the life of many abandoned dogs & cats. Thank you for giving us a detailed account on how you save them. Many people think that you have it all easy. Many will also tell you what you should or shouldn't do as if they know more than you do.
Anyway, didn't you say that you return the net gun when you couldn't use it to capture Daisy?
debbiedoud (10 months ago | reply)
I'm so glad you made it in time to save the puppies. Please share the video.
plainwrap1 (10 months ago | reply)
Boy, that was one of those heatbreaking yet happy rescue. Poor momma, but I think she knows her babies are going to be just fine. I'm glad you gave them a chance to see their momma one more time. I know there was a method to your madness, but I think you also gave them a gift. I wish they could catch whoever dumped the mamma. I have to believe God will take care of them. Thanks, Eldad, for all you do. I'm glad you got some rest. You need to stay healthy to help so many more animals. Blessings to you.
itsmetrea (10 months ago | reply)
Your amazing I would love to see the video. Prayers for the poor Momma, and puppies,
Marykeet (10 months ago | reply)
So sad Mom did not make it, but glad the pups did. Thank you for what you did. I think you should post the video. For some it may be hard to watch, but for others it may be a wake up call to join in and help fight animal abuse and neglect.
shotziec (10 months ago | reply)
as always, you have an Angel watching you.. dont really care what belief the angel is, but she watches over you and gives you strength.. your work is never done, and I do not know what we animal lovers would do without you. Cannot save them all,,but one at a time id s victory..This was 3 beautiful pups. wish you well finding them a safe,happy home.. What you do , you are a gift sent from God,,whichever God you believe in,,no matter..you just need to believe
juliep121 (10 months ago | reply)
Speechless. Cried through the entire story. Yes, I really hope you post the video of this rescue. Yahweh was watching over you!
ewwy26 (10 months ago | reply)
dear eldad,
i think you should post the video...if one person sees it and sees the impact from abandoning an animal and thinks twice...maybe you wont have so many to rescue...please post. i have been showing the less scarry one to my daughter and she is really understanding why we take care of our pets..and has told me she wants to help rescue animals when she grows up...thank you for what you do and we are behind you 100 %! i donate when i can and i will rescue again when the time is right ( i already have 3) and i am at my limit fo rnow...hugs and great job! those babies will be the best pets ever!
JoAnneRM (10 months ago | reply)
Amazing work Eldad. Your love and dedication for these helpless animals is so inspiring. I would have don't the same thing you did in order to saves the lives of those puppies and I am sure the mom helped sending you the message. You have a new guardian angel with you.
Debbie B.1947 (10 months ago | reply)
Thank you for rescuing these poor fur babies. Yes; even thoiuugh graphic, the video needs to be shared.
mustlovepitties (10 months ago | reply)
Please share the video because desperate measures requires desperate actions. It would also be a tribute to their sweet mama who did everything to save her pups. During warfare, soldiers had to use the bodies of their comrades to fool the enemy...they were considered heroes both in life and in death. You are in the middle of the Dumpling Dogs war - you are the ultimate hero here and thus treats the mama with the dignity and respect she deserves in her ultimate sacrifice.
elaineellaevee (10 months ago | reply)
I believe in what is meant to be will be, what would have happened to those pups if you didn't show up????You are so amazing, and smart, you think of the best solutions, the videos teach us all, the right way to rescue, so I say show the video
AngieRodriguez49 (10 months ago | reply)
Bless you for what you do and I believe the video must be shown, if for nothing else, to show people what happens to their animals when they heartlessly dump them! And if you do post the video, I sincerely hope the person that dumped that poor momma dog will see it and recognize her although I wonder if they would even have heart enough to care? Keep up the good work and may God protect and Bless you and yours always!
josanew (10 months ago | reply)
I feel strongly that you need to share your video of this rescue. When I first read about you leaving the mom's body I was upset...but then you explained and I totally support you. I won't doubt your judgement ever again...thanks for all that you do to save these poor animals.
Jane 1991 (10 months ago | reply)
The video is valuable and you can warn the viewers ahead of time. You worked so hard and your good work deserves to be shown. I appreciate your heart for the dogs.
nisenisedenise (10 months ago | reply)
Your efforts are so inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for all you and your rescue group does. Would be very interested in seeing the video. I always learn a lot from seeing them. Makes me strive to want to do good things in life. With gratitude.
memsaab (10 months ago | reply)
Thank you for giving Gaia a name, and a beautiful one, to be remembered by. I'm not sure I could watch the video, but I think you should make one for those who can and especially for those who should. Bless you.