Mission Viejo shelter organizes party to reunite pups that overcame ruff start

Their lives got off to a rough start, but these siblings are doing well now and on Saturday got a chance to reunite.

As newborns, the 10 puppies were tossed into a bush near the Mission Viejo Animal Service Center. Rescued by the shelter, and their mother located, they were nursed with the help of a foster to health and successfully adopted out to new forever families.

Mom also found a new family.

Some of the new owners stayed in contact and a few of the siblings had been having playdates at the local dog park, said Brynn Lavison, shelter director. Then the idea was raised about marking the one-year anniversary of their rescue and the shelter reached out to all of the adopters. On Saturday, most of the siblings attended the puppy ice cream party, along with their mom, enjoying a rousing romp together in the backyard where many had been fostered.

“We are a pro-humane shelter, so 99% of our stories are happy stories,” Lavison said, adding it was still nice to recognize the good outcome in this case that received wide attention at the time. “I think it is also great for the foster, she’ll be able to see the dogs and how they are doing.”

Currently, the Mission Viejo shelter has 23 dogs looking for adoptive families. Find out more at cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services.