An old, deflated tire located on an empty, dead-end road just beneath a freeway overpass in Muscoy, California, served as a makeshift home for an intriguing little bunch.
Seeking Shelter From the Scorching Sun, three tiny dogs huddled together inside the tire. In such a remote location and extreme heat, their chances of survival were slim.
A Glimmer of Hope
Photo Credit: faith.easdale
However, fortune smiled on them when a kind-hearted passerby noticed their plight and decided to seek help.
Help Is On The Way
A man, who happened to take a wrong turn, saw a matted white Terrier resting on top of a pile of garbage. Realizing how hot it was, he knew the pups needed help, so he called Faith Easdale – a local dog rescuer from Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue.
Faith, accustomed to such calls, was not surprised.
“We do this all the time. We see dogs dumped in underpasses, fields, canyons, freeways, you name it — and that area is one of the worst. Hardly anyone goes there or even sees these dogs, and even if they did, they would have kept on going. They just don’t care. It’s an everyday occurrence,” Faith shared with The Dodo.
Faith immediately reached out to her rescuer friend, Cassandra Aldridge, asking her to check on the pups. Upon arrival, Cassandra quickly spotted the Terrier and, as she approached the tire, two more little faces looked up at her.
A Critical Rescue
Photo Credit: faith.easdale
The pups were too lethargic and dehydrated to move. Cassandra knew she had to act fast. She took the entire tire and placed it in the back seat of her car.
Cassandra didn’t know how long the pups had been stranded in the Muscoy heat, but she could see their relief as they neared the air-conditioning.
When Faith arrived, the pups scattered in the back seat, requiring her to coax them out of hiding. She finally managed to wrap them in a blanket and gave each one some cold water, which they gulped down eagerly.
“I stroked their heads and let them know that they were OK, then I put [them] one by one in a crate. They were so lethargic they didn’t even want to run. But they were all so happy to be huddled together in that crate,” Faith said.
Faith was overjoyed to have the pups safe. Her heart melted when she noticed the white dog had her paws over the black one, who appeared to be recently pregnant.
At The Vet
Photo Credit: faith.easdale
The little pack was rushed to a veterinary hospital for a thorough medical exam and much-needed fluids.
Since they needed names for their veterinary forms, the rescue team decided to name them after different tire brands — Michelin, Pirelli, and Kumho.
Although they were infested with fleas and ticks and had missing patches of skin from scratching, the trio was finally safe and happy.
They were even happier after receiving spaying, neutering, dental cleanings, and professional grooming!
“Pirelli and Kumho were both lactating, meaning they were still producing milk for puppies that were hopefully old enough to be weaned; Michelin was shut down and protective but is opening up as the days go by. The girls are so loving and seem to feel like royalty with their new ‘dos. Michelin is still too proud to wag his tail, but we can see the light coming back to his eyes,” Hedy Alison, office manager of Camino Pet Hospital, wrote in a report.
Once they received their vaccines and microchips, the pups moved to foster care, where they continued to regain their health and rediscover happiness.
Forever Home
Photo Credit: faith.easdale
After spending time in foster care and fully recovering, the pups found their forever homes!
Michelin was the first to be adopted, a relief to Faith, who had been most worried about him during the rescue.
“This tire baby was the one I feared might not survive the transport to the hospital. He seemed the most broken! He wouldn’t take the water offered, and I knew we had to HURRY to get him help! Thankfully he recovered and was given that second chance! Just look at how amazing he looks now. And he has a brand-new mama who will give him tons of attention,” Faith shared in a Facebook post.
Pirelli and Kumho found their forever homes together! The two girls now live in a mansion with a woman who absolutely adores them.
It’s incredible to see this little pack thrive after fighting for their lives in a deflated tire. May they never suffer like that again and enjoy a life full of love, adoration, and endless fun!
