A heartwarming rescue operation in Israel has brought two stray mother dogs and their 11 puppies to safety after they were found struggling to survive in an open area near Beersheba.

The dogs, named Santana and Brittany, were discovered with their litters in harsh outdoor conditions, yet they had managed to protect and care for all the puppies.

Mothers helped each other survive

According to the animal rescue organisation S.O.S Pets Israel, the two dogs not only cared for their own puppies but also helped each other in raising the large group of young pups.

The organisation received a report about the dogs shortly before the launch of Operation Roaring Lion, a military operation related to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Rescue workers immediately travelled to the location and safely transported the animals to the Veterinary Medical Center in Ramat Gan, where they received medical examination and treatment.

Puppies placed in foster homes

Despite the challenges of operating during wartime — including frequent sirens and the need to move to protected shelters — volunteers successfully found foster homes for all 11 puppies.

The puppies are currently around six weeks old and are expected to be ready for adoption in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the two mother dogs remain under veterinary care because they arrived at the clinic exhausted and in poor health.

“Because their blood tests were not good, they are still hospitalised at the clinic,” said Dafna Deuel of S.O.S Pets Israel.

Stray dog population remains a challenge

Animal welfare groups say the rescue highlights a much larger issue of stray dog populations.

“In Israel, thousands of mother dogs give birth twice a year in open areas and under harsh conditions,” Deuel explained.

She noted that rescuing mother dogs helps reduce uncontrolled breeding, which can otherwise lead to thousands of stray puppies over time.

Volunteers call for more foster families

S.O.S Pets Israel reported that 58 mother dogs and 565 puppies were rescued during 2025 alone through its mothers-and-puppies rescue programme.

However, the organisation said it urgently needs more foster families, particularly during the ongoing conflict when resources are stretched.

Volunteers say fostering can also provide emotional comfort during stressful times.

“Watching the mothers nurse their puppies in a safe environment after being rescued from impossible conditions fills me with joy,” said volunteer foster caregiver Irit Kotzer.

The rescued puppies are expected to be available for adoption soon once they regain strength and adjust to life in foster homes.