It was labeled “Around 2 months.”

The animal lover couldn’t believe it.

“This is the first time she had experienced dumped animals on our property, so it caught her off-guard,” CARE executive director Alexandra Mounger told The Dodo. “Luckily, our program coordinator and I were not far behind.”

The rescue team members swiftly grabbed the box and brought it inside. They peeled back the tape and carefully swung the flaps open. Just as the label suggested, there were six little puppies within, huddled together on a piece of cloth.

Staff members moved the pups into kennels and gave them plenty of food and water. They handled the dogs with care, trying to ease their fears.

“Pretty much all of them were timid and had a freeze response when we picked them up to move or clean them,” Mounger said. “Most would glue themselves to the back of their kennels … It had to be really scary being separated from their mother and put in a dark, small space with no food or water.”

The CARE facility isn’t intended to house animals for extended periods of time, so team members had to do a bit of reorganization. Eventually, they made an area where all the puppies could run around. That’s when the dogs — now named Luke, Han, Finn, Kylo, Leia and Rey — really began to let their personalities shine.

“Luke is by far the most vocal when things aren’t going his way,” Mounger said. “He’s very independent and adventurous, but also craves attention from his siblings … Finn was by far the most well-behaved at first, rarely making noise or knocking over food [and] water dishes. Once in the playpen, he couldn’t resist joining Luke in his many antics during playtime, but always needed to be in the middle of the pile when it was time for naps.”

Today, all of the puppies are safe in caring foster homes, where they’ll remain until they’re old enough to start looking for permanent families.

Mounger hopes this story encourages community members to do right by their pets and to help rescue organizations in their area. According to Mounger, CARE has seen an exponential increase in demand in the last five years, stretching employees thin. Becoming a foster parent, especially for large dogs, takes a significant load off of rescue organizations. Donating to rescues is also a meaningful way to help.

To avoid situations like this in the future, Mounger encourages pet owners to spay and neuter their animals. Additionally, pet parents should be mindful about training their pets and managing their behavioral issues.

If everyone does their part, dogs like Luke, Han, Finn, Kylo, Leia and Rey can continue living the comfortable, joyful lives they deserve.

To help other animals like these puppies, you can make a donation to CARE.