OLYMPIA, Wash. — Eleven puppies that were abandoned in Capitol Forest in Olympia last week have died.
A couple found the puppies, which were a few hours old, in a box. They connected with Caring Hearts 4 Paws animal rescue, which took the puppies in and cared for them.
Sue Meier, who runs the rescue, said the puppies started having diarrhea on Friday morning, so she took them to the vet.
Meier said five puppies died at the clinic, including one that died before the veterinarian saw them.
She said the vet didn’t know what was wrong with them. However, he felt the remaining puppies were stable enough to return home with additional care, according to Meier.
The veterinary clinic was unable to provide medical information about the puppies.
Meier began tube feeding the puppies along with giving antibiotics. However, the rest of the puppies died by Saturday night.
“One by one they passed away,” Meier said. “There was no rhyme or reason.”
When the puppies were found, they needed warmth and nutrition. Meier took the dogs in because she was equipped with an incubator. Meier said she committed to round-the-clock care, including puppy formula feedings every two to three hours.
The puppies got forest-themed names in honor of Capitol Forest, where they were found.
However, the puppies took a turn five days in, and Meier is now devastated.
“I did everything in my power,” Meier said.
