Hercules was dumped at just 1 day old with his 2 brothers (Hugo, Houdini) and 2 sisters (Hanna, Heidi).
Newborn puppies, just as with newborn humans, are totally dependent on their mothers to survive: for nutrition, immunity and safety. It is an act of extreme cruelty to separate them from their mother and condemn them to suffering.
They could not see (puppies' eyes normally open around 2 weeks old).
They were unable to move, walk or eat on their own ( it takes 3 weeks before puppies can stand: walking thereafter).
There was absolutely no way for them to fend for themselves.
Unable to survive without their mother – they would have died within hours.
The best kind of nutrition at this age is their mother’s milk- it contains antibodies that are essential to protect them at this stage.
Our team spent weeks providing round-the-clock feeding and care to keep them alive.
We hunted at various pet shops to get puppy lac (puppy milk formula) which was not ideal, but was the only safe alternative to a mother's milk.
Because of an undeveloped immune system, newborn puppies need to be kept in isolation to avoid contracting diseases from other animals.
Therefore, only a dedicated few people were assigned solely to care for them 24/7: this was extremely labour-intensive with many sleepless nights....when what they really needed was their mother.
Our other staff and volunteers (especially those dealing with other sick animals under our care) could not get involved, as the exposure to contaminants could have directly led to infection and death for the newborns.
At the same time, another mother (Laika) was dumped with her 4 puppies at our doorstep.
She graciously allowed us to use her to foster feed Hercules and his siblings so that they could have gained antibodies (puppy milk replacement formulas do not contain antibodies).
Our human and non-human family worked tirelessly to support Hercules and crew during their first few weeks of life. Sadly, his brother Hugo did not survive.
Newborn puppies are simply too vulnerable to be without their mother.
They were housed in our office: the shelter desperately needs additional infrastructure, especially a dedicated clinical bay where sick or immune-suppressed animals like these can be safely housed. This we do not currently have as we do not have the funds.
Miraculously, Hercules, Houdini, Heidi and Hanna survived to be able to eat on their own, walk and interact.
Hercules was the strongest of his litter.
The most outgoing.
An explorer and protector.
He made many friends and was the most well-behaved puppy.
He was a source of support and companionship for other puppies dumped in the same way.
How do people willingly choose to abandon, neglect or harm these animals without consideration for their wellbeing: the life of an innocent baby, a sentient soul, a companion animal bred specifically by humans and now disregarded by those who are meant to look out for them?
It is angering to know the cruelty of humans.
The lack of compassion we, as a society, display towards an animal who would not think twice about loyalty and companionship towards us.
The ignorance and cold-heartedness a person must have to abandon helpless babies without a care to assist.
The hard work and sacrifices made by those who think of them as more than ”just a dog”.
Puppies must receive a 2-3 vaccination series from about 10 weeks old to give them protection from potentially life threatening diseases like Parvovirus.
Just at the time Hercules and his litter were due to receive their vaccines, a Parvo outbreak hit. Despite being in the cleanest environment possible, the highly contagious virus rapidly made its way around. All puppies were at risk and were under strict monitoring.
We were overwhelmed.
Puppies were being transported to and from the vet every day.
They could not receive their vaccinations while they were infected.
Usually it is advised to wait about 2-3 weeks after Parvo infection before vaccinating
Hercules was therefore infected and unprotected with an immature immune system.
Parvo took him quickly: vomiting, bloody diarrhea, no appetite, weakness: all within 48 hours.
Despite the 24 hour monitoring and medical support he received, he simply could not overcome this.
It is heartbreaking to know that he fought for his entire life and so quickly his life was cut short.
Rest in peace Hercules.
You did not deserve this end to your short life.
You were a fighter but this battle could not be won.
Now we grieve for you but know that you are now free.
You must know how much we loved you as it’s the only thing you received constantly…love, love and more love.
Thank you for teaching us what it means to have a heart, to give of oneself without expecting, to show compassion and to fight against all odds.
We hope to meet you again one day where you’ll be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.
With all our love,
Your family at Animals Alive.
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