Taffy's Story
Teddy, Turbo, Taffy, Toby, Tootsie, Tori, Taylor did not have names until recently. They actually really don’t even know their names, but we know they deserved them. These beautiful retriever/labrador mix puppies were born on the streets. They have not known human touch. They did not know what it was like to eat dog food. They did not know what a soft bed, comforting touch, clean water or being held was like. Until recently. These 7 puppies were just our typical neighborhood puppies. They ran from humans because mom ran from humans. Not that any human wanted to help, it’s puppy season, so why would they? There are 20 more like them in the next few blocks in either direction. There is a mom, and we are working to trap her as she is sweet, but very scared. Mom is about 50-55 lbs and looks very much like a yellow lab/retriever mix. We will not give up until she is trapped and safe with us. Multiple volunteers are feeding her until we can gain her trust. The puppies have been raised to be weary of everything and everyone. Especially as newborn babies, they were subject to almost every predator possible, and mom must have done everything she could to keep them alive. We received a picture of mom and puppies one day all in the middle of a neighborhood street, just waiting for a car to come by too fast and not paying attention; We knew we had to help, and we did. These babies are finally learning what true love, canned and dry puppy food is (they LOVE it!!), and they’re slowly learning what treats and toys are. It’s so sad to see puppies given treats and toys and they shy away, wondering if they’re dangerous or off limits. We are teaching them how to be puppies. We are experiencing so many firsts. Their first face full of moosh. First tail wags, which are a work-in-progress. You can tell they so desire the human touch but haven’t had it, so they just aren’t sure how to take it. They have been exposed already to kitties, and they don’t mind them at all. If anything, they’re a bit scared of them. These babies thrive with other dogs. They met the fosters dogs, and they instantly were full of life and energy. While these babies are only timid, another dog in the home or one that they can be with often will help them tremendously. Another dog can offer guidance, confidence and everything these babies will need to thrive. They love to follow other dogs around. We estimate they were born around Feb 17th. We do not know who dad is, but based on size and the semi big feet they have, we estimate they’ll be around 50-60 lbs full grown. They are not house trained, but who can blame them? They don’t even know how to be true rambunctious little squirts yet, so house training will have to be worked on. An ideal home will be one who understands these babies need patience, lots of love, lots of affection, confidence building and trust. They have so much potential, and so much hope in their eyes. If just in a short time we can experience their happiness and tail wags, we know in more time, you can help break them out of their shell and help them become the best fur babies we know they can be. All adoption fees include current negative hw test if old enough, current age appropriate vaccines including rabies, parvo/distemper, bordatella, current heart worm and flea/tick preventions, lifetime registered microchip, 2 dewormers and transport costs from Texas to the East Coast. PLEASE READ THIS TO APPLY TO ADOPT: Www.ruraltank.org/adopt We process applications as they arrive in our inbox. Especially for highly adoptable dogs, we strongly suggest you fill out an application as soon as possible as we can receive quite a few per animal, but only can choose one application. ALL OF OUR ANIMALS ARE LOCATED IN SOUTH TEXAS. They are posted in areas where we transport to ONCE ADOPTED. 95% of our animals are pre adopted prior to transport, if you want to do a meet and greet with an animal in person we suggest going to a local shelter as we probably will not be able to offer that. We do sometimes have animals located in certain areas and if that is the case, it will be at the top of their profile BIO. Once approved though us, we will put you in contact with the foster family that has your animal to learn more about them! We transport almost weekly; it just depends on vetting and transport companies. Application turn around is usually about 1-3 days max, if not sooner. After you submit an application and want to send additional information or pictures of current animals/past ones in a separate email, we love that, and it always helps your chances :)