LA puppies in need of homes after 2 pregnant dogs found abandoned in Watts

Ruth Cruz is surrounded by an irresistible scene—newborn puppies bringing joy and energy to her home. She’s caring for a total of 16 puppies. Seven came from a Husky, and nine more were born to a German Shepherd. Both mothers had been abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the streets of Watts.

"People said they had been on the street for a couple of weeks," Ruth recounts, "and that’s when they noticed that they were very, very pregnant and very, very skinny."

Thankfully, two Good Samaritans rescued the dogs but couldn’t keep them. That’s when Ruth stepped in, determined to keep the pregnant mothers out of a shelter.

"We know that kennel cough is huge," Ruth says. "They’re pregnant, they’re delicate, they’re starving, they’re already in a critical state. Another thing I feared was that these puppies would be aborted. Why would a shelter want however many more puppies, right? There are already so many waiting to be adopted."

Now, feedings and care have become a family affair. Ruth’s son, Royce, who is studying to become a veterinarian, had stepped up to help.

"I’m sure when I’m working in a hospital, I’ll have a lot of this to deal with, and now I have experience," Royce shares.

Caring for 16 puppies and their mothers is a challenge—and expensive. A GoFundMe page has since been launched to help the family cover costs. Those looking to help can click here.

They are also looking for loving families to foster the puppies once they are 8 to 10 weeks old.

"Once these puppies are ready to leave their moms and have their first vaccinations—because you have to protect them from Parvo and all the other diseases—I’m looking for somebody to foster them until we find their forever homes," Ruth says.

Her goal is clear: "We’re going to try to find all 16 of them homes."

If you would like to foster a puppy, this is Ruth’s email: Fitbabyruth@gmail.com