An old, deflated tire on a deserted dead-end road beneath a freeway overpass in Muscoy, California, served as a makeshift home for the most intriguing little group.
Seeking refuge from the blistering sun, three little dogs huddled together inside the tire. In such a remote spot, with the heat bearing down, their chances of survival were slim.
But fate was on their side—a Good Samaritan spotted them and made the call that would change everything.
Help Is On The Way
Source: Faith Easdale
A man who had taken a wrong turn by chance noticed a matted white Terrier resting atop a pile of garbage. With the heat beating down, he knew the pups needed help, so he reached out to Faith Easdale, a local Muscoy dog rescuer from Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue.
For Faith, calls like these were all too common, so she wasn’t surprised.
“We do this all the time. We find dogs abandoned in underpasses, fields, canyons, and freeways—you name it. And that area is one of the worst,” Faith told The Dodo. “Hardly anyone goes there, and even if they see these dogs, they just keep driving. They don’t care. It happens every day.”
Wasting no time, Faith reached out to her fellow rescuer, Cassandra Aldridge, asking her to check on the pups. When Cassandra arrived, she immediately spotted the Terrier. But as she peered into the tire, two more little faces gazed up at her.
Source: Suzette Hall
Too weak from dehydration and exhaustion, the pups couldn’t muster the strength to move. Realizing they needed shade immediately, Cassandra carefully lifted the entire tire—pups and all—and placed it in the back seat of her car.
She had no way of knowing how long they had been stranded in the relentless Muscoy heat, but one thing was certain—their relief was palpable as cool air from the car’s air-conditioning washed over them.
Source: Suzette Hall
When Faith arrived at the scene, the pups, now a little more alert, scattered across the back seat, forcing her to coax them out of hiding.
With patience, she finally managed to gather the frightened puppies, wrapping them in a blanket and offering them cold water. Desperate for relief, they drank it down immediately.
“I stroked their heads and reassured them that they were safe,” Faith said. “Then, one by one, I placed them in a crate. They were so weak they didn’t even try to run. But once inside, they huddled together, finally feeling secure.”
Relieved to have them safe at last, Faith couldn’t help but smile when she noticed the white dog gently resting her paws over the black one, who appeared to have recently given birth. The tender moment melted her heart.
At The Vet
The little pack was quickly transported to a nearby veterinary hospital, where they received a thorough medical exam and much-needed fluids to help them recover from dehydration and exhaustion.
Source: Faith Easdale
Since they needed names for their veterinary records, the rescue team found it fitting to name them after different tire brands—Michelin, Pirelli, and Kumho.
Despite being covered in fleas and ticks, with patches of fur missing from constant scratching, the little trio seemed relieved to finally be safe.
And after receiving spaying, neutering, dental cleanings, and professional grooming, they were surely even happier!
“Pirelli and Kumho were both lactating, meaning they had recently been nursing puppies—hopefully ones old enough to be weaned. Michelin, on the other hand, was shut down and protective but is slowly opening up as the days go by,” wrote Hedy Alison, office manager of Camino Pet Hospital, in a report.
“The girls are so loving and seem to feel like royalty with their fresh new ’dos. Michelin is still too proud to wag his tail, but we can see the light coming back into his eyes.”
Once they received their vaccines and microchips, the pups were placed in foster care, where they continued to heal, regain their strength, and rediscover what it felt like to be happy.
Forever Home
After spending time in foster care and making a full recovery, the pups finally found their forever homes, where they could live the happy, loved lives they deserved!
Source: Faith Easdale
The first to be adopted was Michelin! This was incredible news for Faith, as he had been her biggest concern during the rescue.
“This tire baby was the one I feared might not even survive the transport to the hospital,” Faith wrote in a Facebook post. “He seemed the most broken. He wouldn’t take the water offered, and I knew we had to HURRY to get him help! Thankfully, he recovered and got that second chance. Just look at him now—he looks amazing! And he has a brand-new mama who will give him all the love and attention he deserves.”
Pirelli and Kumho were also adopted—together! The two girls now live in a mansion with a loving owner who absolutely adores them. Their journey from survival to luxury is nothing short of amazing!
Source: Faith Easdale
It’s truly incredible to see this little pack thriving after once fighting for their lives in a deflated tire.
I hope they never have to endure hardship again and that their new lives are filled with love, adoration, and endless fun-filled playdates!