Two abandoned Pug mix puppies are settling into their temporary shelter in West Kelowna, B.C., after being found left in a box by the roadside in the Shuswap area.
“They were extremely thirsty and dehydrated, and had a lot of fleas,” said Romany Runnalls, president of the Okanagan Humane Society (OHS).
The seven-week-old puppies are currently under the care of OHS after being discovered on a rural road in Tappen, just outside Salmon Arm early on Tuesday.
Wayne Smith, a local resident, found them by a community mailbox.
“I saw this box and thought, what’s that? When I drove in, I found them there,” Smith shared with Global News. “I was nearly in tears—like, are you serious?”
These two puppies weren’t the only ones found that day.
Smith noted that four other puppies, likely from the same litter, were also abandoned in a box further up the road.
Another community member found those four later the same day, and then on Friday, Smith was shocked to discover a seventh Pug mix in the vicinity.
Get daily National news
Receive daily updates on the most important news, political, economic, and current affairs in your inbox.
“I couldn’t believe it; it’s happening again—really? What is wrong with people?” an astonished Smith exclaimed.
Runnalls mentioned that the rising trend of abandoned pets has become more pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic. She is encouraging people to contact animal charities before endangering an animal’s life.
“Some might be facing financial challenges, unable to afford spaying and neutering,” Runnalls explained.
“Additionally, there are challenges with rental properties, as many landlords do not permit pets post-pandemic.”
Runnalls emphasized that this situation contributes to the growing number of animals that require help.
This year, OHS has already rescued about 2,000 animals and is anticipating yet another record-breaking year.
To support its mission during this unprecedented animal crisis, the volunteer organization is running a fundraising raffle on the Okanagan Humane Society website until May 10th.
Additionally, OHS is hosting two fundraising events, one on Saturday, April 26 at Rustic Reel Brewing in Kelowna.
Another event, ‘the Heart for Paws,’ will happen on May 31 at the Prestige Hotel in Vernon.
The abandoned puppies are expected to be available for adoption in a few weeks.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
