During the holidays, we all look forward to receiving gifts that make us happy. However, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions often fizzles out by mid-January. The most common and often unmet resolutions include “I’m going to the gym” or “I’m going to stop drinking.”

For some, this burst of enthusiasm extends to wanting a pet, regardless of whether they can properly care for the animal. Owning a pet is not a game, yet some people treat it as such. Once they realize the effort involved, they abandon the animal.

This unfortunate reality unfolded at the Stray Rescue of St. Louis shelter in Missouri. A truck driver contacted the shelter’s volunteers after spotting a box with three puppies on the roadside.

According to the driver, the puppies were in terrible condition, weak and scared. The volunteers quickly arrived at the scene.

It took some time for the rescuers to verify the driver’s information. They discovered that the three newborn puppies had been abandoned in a deplorable state by someone who had given up on them.

“These puppies are truly frightened and hurt from being abandoned this morning. We will do everything in our power to ensure they live long and beautiful lives,” said a representative from Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Given the severity of the situation, the rescue team swiftly transported the puppies to the shelter. Once there, they were fed and bottle-fed.

The puppies received medical care to treat their open and sometimes infected wounds. After regaining some weight and strength, experts concluded that the puppies had various ailments. Fortunately, they began to recover their health and happiness.

“They were in a terrible state. They had open wounds, some of which were infected. This indicated various health issues,” shared the veterinarians.

Everyone at the shelter believes that the puppies were likely received as gifts, only to be abandoned when their new owners found them too much to handle. Now, they hope for a true home where they will be loved and cared for as they deserve.