In Phelan, CA, the Mojave Desert’s rustic charm conceals a tale of canine resilience.
A distressed dog family—parents and nine pups—emerged from a dark corner of neglect after their owner’s passing left them at the mercy of squatters for six weeks.
The situation gained public attention thanks to Kristen Gamble, co-founder of One Mutt At A Time Rescue, who swiftly responded to a neighbor’s social media plea.
Kristen, driven by compassion, ventured into the dilapidated residence, unveiling a scene of neglect that had left the dogs malnourished in squalid conditions.
The dire state of the home took Kristen aback.
Kristen shared:
“The dogs had been trapped in the house alone for 6 weeks. They were very skinny.”
![](https://thegoldensclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/messy-house-579x1024.jpg.webp)
The neighbor had attempted to help by providing food in the sixth week and isolating the dogs upstairs. However, the home’s unlivable state became evident, with urine-soaked floors and pervasive filth.
The father, a Corgi/Husky mix, and the mother, a petite Shepherd mix, along with their estimated six-week-old puppies, had endured this plight since the homeowner’s passing.
Kristen, reaching out to her network, found a savior in Vanessa Traufler-Samarripa, a volunteer and Board Member at One Mutt At A Time, who stepped up to house all 11 dogs.
![](https://thegoldensclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/two-dogs-in-car-1024x823.jpg.webp)
However, the rescue mission is far from over. Despite sharing the urgent situation on social media, One Mutt At A Time has yet to receive a foster or adoption request.
They now face the critical task of finding permanent homes for this resilient canine family.
![](https://thegoldensclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/woman-carrying-dog.jpg.webp)
Commenting on the post, one user empathized,
“Heartbreaking to think of what they’ve been through. I hope they find loving homes soon.” Another user added humorously, “These pups need a ‘ruff’ rescue, and a loving family can make that happen!”