An emaciated Australian Shepherd rescued from a property in the North Okanagan is recovering well and has welcomed a litter of puppies.

Noelle was seized with eight other dogs in late December after being found in dirty conditions that were exposed to freezing temperatures.

“This poor mom was in an area of the basement that had been separated by plywood and fencing,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA. 

“She was exposed to freezing temperatures and had no protection from the cold except for a sprinkling of alfalfa straw and some dirty towels. She was surrounded by piles of feces and urine.”

Two adult golden retrievers and their six puppies were Noelle’s companions but now she has seven little ones to look after.

Photo Credit: BC SPCANoelle welcomed her pups shortly after being rescued from the North Okanagan.

Noelle was brought to the BC SPCA’s Kelowna animal centre where she gave birth to healthy pups. After the puppies arrived, staff at the shelter got to work looking for a foster home for the group.

All eight dogs were placed a foster home with a Kelowna family who has been fostering dogs for more than 16 years.

Martyn and Linda agree that Noelle is one of the best dogs they have fostered and has really taken to motherhood.

“She is fantastic,” says Martyn. “She feeds them, cleans them and even cleans up after them, which we haven’t seen in other moms we have had in our home.”

All eight dogs will be available for adoption soon but until then, Noelle and her foster parents are busy training the rambunctious group of pups.

Photo Credit: BC SPCAAll eight dogs will be available for adoption soon