A driver in Greece was on their way down a quiet country road when they noticed something strange — a black trash bag lying by the roadside that seemed to move ever so slightly.
Most people might have driven past without a second thought. But something told this Good Samaritan to stop and take a closer look.
When they carefully opened the bag, their heart broke. Inside were five tiny puppies, packed together with no way to escape — or even breathe.
“Someone put them in this bag, they cannot breathe, and threw it next to the road,” said Natasa Voulgaropoulou, founder of Hopeland Dog Sanctuary, in a video for The Dodo. “They could have died.”
If the driver had come by even a few hours later, it might have been too late. But instead, thanks to their quick thinking, the puppies were rescued just in time.
The Good Samaritan immediately contacted Hopeland, and soon the babies arrived safely at the sanctuary, where Natasa and her team rushed to make them comfortable.
“We made a safe little corner just for them where they could rest and feel protected,” Voulgaropoulou said.
For the first few days, the puppies were kept in quarantine so the team could monitor their health. During that time, their distinct personalities began to shine.
Four of the pups were timid and preferred to hide behind their bed — but one little boy, Loui, stood out from the start.
“He was comfortable from the moment he arrived,” Natasa said. “He gave the others courage.”
“In the days that followed, I stayed close to them, giving them time so they could slowly start to trust and feel safe,” Voulgaropoulou said.
Inspired by Loui’s confidence, the other puppies soon began to venture out, wagging their tiny tails and accepting love from the Hopeland staff and volunteers.
Now, all five are thriving — healthy, happy, and full of life.
Hopeland Dog Sanctuary will care for them as long as they need, but Natasa hopes that before long, each one will find a forever home.
“They were thrown away like garbage,” she said softly. “But now, they know what it means to be loved.”
If you’d like to learn more about the puppies or inquire about adoption, you can contact Hopeland Dog Sanctuary for details.
