A call came in last weekend to the Animal Charity of Ohio, a nonprofit humane group, requesting assistance for a family of dogs. When Jane MacMurchy, the nonprofit’s operations director, and a humane agent arrived to the location, they discovered a mother and her two pups living in filth.

The owners were clearly not caring for the dogs, and the small family had learnt to rely totally on one another.

“They were in appalling situations,” MacMurchy told The Dodo. “There was maybe 6 to 8 inches of garbage in a makeshift enclosure, and [the pups] were entirely unsocialized.”

The owners handed up the 5-month-old puppies, Peaches and Layla, as well as their 7-year-old mother, Lady, to the rescuers, who hurried the dogs to the shelter.

While a veterinarian examination revealed that the canines were in good condition, the pups lacked confidence and had no notion what to do when their mother was not around to show them. It crushed MacMurchy’s heart to witness Peaches and Layla console one other in the shelter.

“We were performing the vaccinations and the wellness check, and Mom was the first to complete,” MacMurchy explained. “We were walking her out into our intake area, and the pups, who were terrified without their mother, clung on to each other.”

The small family is residing in the shelter, where they are learning what it means to be safe.

“We give them time many times a day to simply rest and receive some TLC in a quiet area with a staff member so they can learn how to trust,” MacMurchy explained. “They perform considerably better when their mother is around, so we work with all three of them together as well as separately.” It’s a long process, but they’re learning to be confident on their own.”

Lady is already self-assured just a few days after her rescue, eager to meet new people and go for walks. The socialization procedure for her two puppies, on the other hand, will take a little longer.

“[Lady] is a tail-wagging, wiggle-butt little darling who is simply delighted to get affection,” MacMurchy added. “The pups aren’t quite ready yet.” They accept love and affection, they are bouncy and joyful when they are together, and they rely on each other for their confidence.”

“They’re completely reliant on each other,” MacMurchy remarked.

When Peaches and Layla are old enough to be adopted, the pups will hopefully go to the same household. They will receive hugs not just from one other, but also from their loving family.