The dog — and so many other puppies — is finally safe.
When a message from a stranger appeared in Alyssa Muse’s Facebook inbox, she had no idea it would lead to a dramatic rescue mission.
Muse, the director of Aviary Creature Rescue, learned that a woman in Franklin had just found a frightened dog running down a residential street.
The tiny dog — a Chihuahua mix — was dragging a piece of clothing tangled around his paw.
A Shocking Discovery
As the woman carefully freed the dog’s paw, she noticed something alarming. The little dog was extremely thin and covered in fleas.
Then the dog’s owner suddenly appeared outside a nearby house.
Instead of taking the dog back, the owner reportedly told the woman she could keep him because they couldn’t afford to feed him.
Panicked and unsure what to do next, the woman reached out to Muse for help.
More Dogs Inside The House
Muse quickly arranged for a foster volunteer to pick up two more dogs from the same property the following day.
But when the foster arrived, she discovered there were even more dogs living there.
Concerned about the situation, Muse decided to visit the home herself the next morning.
She approached the situation hoping the owner might simply need support.
“I always go in with an open mindset,” Muse said. “Maybe they just need resources.”
She even suggested a local pet food bank that could help struggling pet owners.
Police Step In
At first, the conversation with the owner seemed cooperative. The owner willingly handed over three more dogs from inside the house.
But when Muse noticed another severely underweight dog running around the property, tensions began to rise.
Worried about the animals’ safety, she contacted the Franklin Police Department for assistance.
With officers present, Muse was able to rescue the final dogs from the home.
Eight Dogs Finally Safe
By the end of the rescue effort, eight Chihuahua mixes had been removed from the property.
The group included a mother, a father and several puppies from different litters.
Muse loaded them into a transport van — even though she didn’t yet know where they would all go.
Fortunately, after reaching out to rescue partners and foster networks, she was able to find safe placements for every dog.
One Brave Mama Keeps Everyone Calm
During the trip, most of the dogs were terrified and huddled together in fear.
But one dog stood out — the mother.
Her tail wagged the entire ride.
“She was just walking around like, ‘It’s fine, we’re fine,’” Muse said.
Now named Yodi, the brave mama dog is thriving at Big Easy Animal Rescue.
Slowly Learning To Trust Again
The other dogs are also adjusting to their new lives.
One pup named Winston is recovering at Metairie Humane Shelter, where he’s receiving treatment for parasites and learning to feel safe again.
Two shy brothers, Jelly Bean and Cadbury, are currently being cared for at Take Paws Rescue.
While they’re still timid, rescuers say they’re beginning to show signs of trust and affection.
A Happy Ending For Eight Survivors
Less than two weeks after their rescue, all eight dogs are slowly adjusting to loving environments.
Thanks to a concerned passerby, a determined rescuer and a network of compassionate shelters, these once-neglected pups are now safe.
And for the first time in their lives, they’re finally getting the care and kindness they deserve. 🐾