Introduction:

Sometimes, the smallest voices can make the biggest impact. A few months ago, Dellymar Bernal, executive director of Santuario de A

nimales San Francisco de Asís (SASFAPR) in Lajas, Puerto Rico, discovered this firsthand. On her way to a doctor’s appointment, a tiny, persistent pup barking from the roadside changed everything—leading to the rescue of an entire litter of 10 abandoned puppies. What began as a casual drive turned into a life-saving mission and a heartwarming story of hope and compassion.

A Shocking Discovery:

Bernal was stopped at a rural intersection when she spotted something unusual out of her car window: a litter of 10 abandoned puppies, left alone in an isolated area. Among them, a small tan pup, later named Luna, barked insistently, catching her attention immediately.

“The dog who was barking and wagging her tail, honestly, she stole my heart with her pure face. I was in shock,” Bernal recalled. Despite the shelter being nearly full and the puppies’ number overwhelming, she knew she couldn’t leave them behind.

Gaining Trust and Rescuing the Litter:

Approaching cautiously, Bernal slowly won the puppies’ trust. Their joyful reactions confirmed they were desperate for care and human attention. “They all came to greet me, wagging their tails… it was heartbreaking but beautiful,” she said. One by one, she carried the puppies to her car, ensuring all were safe before heading to SASFAPR.

Among the litter, one puppy named Lirio had suffered injuries. Veterinary exams revealed multiple fractures in one of her back paws. Thanks to a dedicated veterinary team, Lirio began a journey of healing, while her siblings—Lorenzo, Luna, Lisa, Luisa, Lilypads, Lance, and Liliard—started thriving in their foster environment.

A Bright Future for the Puppies:

Soon after their rescue, the puppies began receiving adoption applications. Luna was adopted and moved to Boston, while her sister Lisa found a loving home in New York. The remaining two—Lirio, still recovering, and Lorenzo, awaiting eye surgery—are receiving round-the-clock care at SASFAPR, preparing for the day they too will find forever homes.

Bernal’s attentiveness and compassion made all the difference. The tiny calls from a frightened pup led to the rescue of an entire family, giving each puppy a chance at a safe, loving, and joyful life.

Conclusion:

This heartwarming rescue highlights how even the smallest actions can change lives. Thanks to one vigilant woman and a tiny puppy’s determination, ten abandoned lives were saved, and their futures transformed. Luna, Lirio, Lorenzo, and their siblings are proof that love, patie