How One Rescuer’s Patience Saved a Mama Dog and Her Puppies in the Desert

When rescuer Deana Tsosie arrived at the scene, the situation was dire. A mama dog and her six puppies were stranded, with one pup nearly drowning before Deana intervened. While the puppy was saved, the challenge was far from over.

The mama dog, protective and wary, barked and kept her distance, refusing to approach Deana or the crate she had prepared. “She wouldn’t come near me,” Deana recalled. “I put food in the crate, but she wouldn’t go near it. She’d take off and then come back, staying just out of reach.”

Deana, determined not to leave the mama dog behind, began searching the area—checking bushes, pipes, and washes for any additional puppies. When the search turned up empty, she decided to wait, even as the night stretched on.

A Long, Patient Effort to Gain Trust

This mama dog and her 6 puppies were stranded in water

With no traps or reinforcements and over an hour and a half from home, Deana relied on patience and creativity to coax the frightened dog to safety. She placed the puppies in her van and used recorded puppy cries to draw the mama dog closer. While the cries worked to some extent, the dog remained hesitant, only partially entering the van to grab food before retreating.

This mama dog and her 6 puppies were stranded in water

“I really just didn’t want to leave her,” Deana said. For two hours, she tried food luring—throwing bits of food deeper into the van, waiting each time for the mama dog to inch closer. Finally, her persistence paid off. The dog ventured far enough inside for Deana to shut the van door.

A Safe Haven for the Night

Although the mama dog was visibly uneasy and the van was left in disarray, Deana was relieved to have her and all six puppies safe. She brought them home, though her space was already at capacity. For their first night out of danger, the little family stayed in the van, warm and together.

mama and puppies in the van

“All the puppies are still alive and doing okay,” Deana shared. “It’s not ideal, but I’m just so happy to have them safe.”

Deana’s dedication underscores the lengths rescuers go to save animals in need, proving that compassion and patience can overcome even the toughest challenges.

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