DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Twelve puppies are recovering after a woman found them in the woods.
Dickson County authorities are investigating the case and believe the animals were dumped off Woods Valley Road in Charlotte.
📧 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts →
"They're very sweet and loving and despite being dumped, they are very trusting," director of Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, Lavonne Redferrin, said.
Redferrin said the puppies appear to be about eight weeks old and she's not sure of the breed. They've all been to the vet and have a myriad of problems.
"They have coccidia. They were loaded with ticks and fleas," Redferrin said. "One has a hole in her neck from a flybot."
As of publication, eight of the twelve puppies have found foster families.
"They don't seem shy, which tells me whoever dumped them was around them some for them to be as social as they are," Redferrin said. "...Animals are so helpless and so vulnerable — have no voice of their own and they're at the mercy of people."
Redferrin said dog dumping has been a problem not just in Dickson County, but across the Volunteer State; she added animal shelters in the area are full.
"This is very prevalent," Redferrin said. "There's not a week that we're not contacted about abandoned or dumped animals, many of whom are starved [and/or] injured."
She advised people to make sure they're ready for the lifelong responsibility of a pet before bringing one home and stressed the importance of spaying and neutering.
"A pet is like a child," Redferrin added. "It's a lifetime commitment."
If you're interested in fostering or adopting a dog from Proverbs 12:10, you can follow this link.