Foster Fridays: From Fleas to Fosters...

In early August, homeless puppies were found on James Island by Brian Foster and Jason Moore. They first found 2 puppies on Saturday, August 4th and then Sunday they returned to find 15 more puppies. A few days later, an 18th pup was found. These 18 puppies were approximately 6 weeks old and ranged from 1 lb to 5 lbs. They were infested with fleas and ticks and had lost hair and had scars and scabbing from the fleas and ticks. The puppies were bathed, vaccinated and treated for the infestations at Pet Helpers on James Island where Jason works and Brian volunteers.

The 18 puppies were then sent out to 6 different foster homes, each home taking 3 puppies, to care and nurse them back to health, Unfortunately, one of the smallest and sickest puppies did not make it due the anemia from the parasites. The remaining 17, now with a clean bill of health, are being brought into Pet Helpers- Greer Spay and Neuter Clinic to be spayed or neutered and to get another round of vaccines.

Five puppies are now available for adoption with a sixth puppy already adopted. The remaining 11 puppies will be ready next week. Below is the information about the 5 available now:

Fosters from the Folsen Zoo (Brian Foster and Laura Olsen)

Skeeter: Male. 8 to 9 weeks old. Lab/ Shepherd mix. Tan and black. Skeeter is a playful fellow. He loves to romp and roll in the yard and with his favorite stuffed toys or tennis balls. He is a big cuddler as well and loves his belly rubbed. He was the most social from the start. He has some bald spots from the fleas but his hair is starting to grow back and he has a very soft coat.

Lil Jas: Female 8 to 9 weeks old Lab/Chow mix. Solid Black. Lil Jas is a shy one and takes a minute to make sure your ok. Once you get her approval she loves to cuddle and plays with the others and the adult dogs at her foster home. She is now the first to come when called inside and is a quiet observer of all things.

THE OLYMPIANS fostered by Christy and Bora Yatagan

Gabby: Female 8 to 9 weeks old Lab/ Chow mix Solid Black. Gabby is the smallest of the group but has a lot of spunk! She took a day or two to warm up to her foster parents but now when her foster mom kneels down and calls the dogs she is the first to come running. Her skin was patchy and her tail was bare when she first came to us, but now her fur is growing and she is turning into quite a pretty little girl.

Michael: Male 8 to 9 weeks old Lab/ Chow Solid Black. Michael started out as the runt, but he has made the best weight gain going from 3.4lbs up to 9lbs! He loves attention and lots of cuddling. He is always sleeping or wrestling with his sister or brother and doesn't mind being held for long periods of time.

Ryan: Male 8 to 9 weeks old Lab/ Chow Solid Black. Ryan is our big jock. He loves rolling around in the dirt, chewing on sticks, and venturing out to the edges of the yard. He thinks the water bowl is an ice bath and can often be found sitting in it. Ryan gets a little bit restless being held when the others are playing, but if he's alone he turns into a cuddle bug.

These 5 puppies are available for adoption now. Contact Pet Helpers at 843-795-1110 for more information or you can contact Brian directly at 843-297-7182. They will be at Petco on Savannah Highway this Sunday from 12-4 for an adoption event. The remaining puppies will be ready next week so stayed tuned for more information on them.