Two dogs and their 11 puppies were rescued at the start of the war with Iran and are comfortably ensconced in foster homes.
The two adult dogs — Santana and Brittany — were recently found along with 11 puppies in an open area in Beersheba. Despite the harsh conditions, the two mother dogs managed to care for the puppies and even help one another survive.
Two dogs and their 11 puppies discovered in an open area in Beer Sheva
(Video: Courtesy of S.O.S. Pets Israel)
Just before the launch of Operation Roaring Lion in Iran, the S.O.S Pets Israel association received a report about the dogs and their litters. The organization’s staff went out to the site and, in a joint effort, transferred all the dogs for examination and initial treatment by Dr. Alon Shainer at the Veterinary Medical Center in Ramat Gan.
Despite the challenges of wartime — including sirens and repeated trips to protected spaces — foster homes were found for all the puppies, where they will regain strength, begin to get to know people and adjust to life in a home.
“The puppies are almost six weeks old and in about two weeks they will be ready for adoption. The two mothers arrived exhausted and very weak. Because their blood tests were not good, they are still hospitalized at the clinic,” said Dafna Deuel of S.O.S Pets.
At the same time, two additional dogs from Beersheba with newborn puppies only days old were taken in. One of the dogs is the mother and the other is her daughter from a previous litter. All of them remain hospitalized at the veterinary center until suitable foster homes are found during these challenging days.
The puppies play in a foster home
(Video: Courtesy of S.O.S. Pets Israel)
“In Israel, thousands of unfortunate mother dogs give birth twice a year in open areas and under harsh conditions,” Deuel explained. “Every mother dog we rescue reduces the uncontrolled reproduction of stray dogs. From one dog that gives birth again and again, thousands of puppies will be born after several years.”
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Puppies with their mother at the Animal Medical Center in Ramat Gan
(Photo: Courtesy of S.O.S. Pets Israel)
The S.O.S Pets mothers-and-puppies rescue project is the largest in Israel. In 2025 alone, 58 mother dogs and 565 puppies have been saved through the initiative. “Especially now, during the war, S.O.S Pets is lacking foster families to help us continue saving lives. This is actually a time that is well suited for fostering because most people are at home,” Deuel said. “Caring for the dogs, combined with their warm and friendly nature, also helps reduce anxiety these days. We need foster families for puppies, adult dogs and even an entire family of a nursing mother and her puppies — an empowering and unique family experience.”
Irit Kotzer, a volunteer foster caregiver for mothers and puppies with S.O.S Pets, emphasized the profound sense of fulfillment that comes with providing a warm and loving space for the dogs, who show their gratitude.
“Watching the mothers nurse their puppies in a safe and supportive environment, after being found in open areas under impossible conditions, fills me with joy and makes me feel blessed to have the great privilege of saving the lives of our best friends,” Kotzer said.
First published: 22:23, 03.04.26