Two puppies were discovered on a bridge in the center of a highway in Lucas County near Chariton, Iowa by a young woman who couldn't believe her eyes. She watched in horror as the truck in front of her literally went over them on the highway. Stopping, certain they were dead or injured, she whipped them up from the highway and placed them in her vehicle.

After assessing them, she realized they were cold, hungry and frightened, but unharmed. That's when she contacted RVAS. RVAS quickly found a foster home where these two 4 week old pups could begin to heal.

So off the rescuer went, driving over 2 hours to Boone, Iowa where they could be placed into foster care immediately, receiving the proper medical care, love and attention they would need to become great dogs.

They were taken immediately to the vet, where, it was discovered that they were slightly malnourished and of course, full of intestinal parasites. After a very long day of traveling, hungry and cold, these little girls arrived back home to their foster where a warm bed, good food, and lots of love were waiting.

Aiko remained close by "foster mom" not leaving the underneath, but Keena (greek for brave) soon ventured out from under the mom to explore. Aiko, quickly followed and within 10 days, these two little timid girls were bouncing around and starting to settle in.

By 12 weeks old, both Aiko & Keena were "bunny hopping" around, and enjoying each other's company, as well as, their other furry feline friends.

It's believed that these two ladies were the results of an unwanted litter, and, being females dumped on a roadside to die rather than properly spayed and adopted or placed with a shelter. While Keena and Aiko's owners are still unknown, puppies are victims of this type of senseless behavior everyday in Iowa.

But thanks to a kind hearted DNR employee, Keena & Aiko' lives were spared. But not without more problems. After 3 months, Aiko was adopted, and it was discovered by both Aiko's new caretakers and Keena's foster that they were showing signs of hip dysplasia. After extensive tests by Aiko's new parents, it was confirmed. But that didn't deter Aiko's new adopters, and they still get together with Keena's current foster parents so that both Keena & Aiko can have a play date.

Keena's adoption has been postponed until further tests can be done to evaluate her disease and what type of care and expense it will cost to have her a part of a family.

Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue receives hundreds of calls like this every week and without a shelter, without city, state, county or federal funding, we are still saving these lives. But it does come at a price. While many of our foster homes donate the basics as food, toys and brushes, the medical care that is required is covered by our organization.

You can help us stop this from happening by sponsoring Keena or by donating to one of our programs below. Help us...continue to save lives...and change the way our communities treat animals by supporting us today!

Rescue Fund
Donations help feed, house, provide medical treatment and transport, if necessary, to the animals rescued by our organization.

Legislative Fund
Donations provide education and legistlative action needed to change Iowa's Laws on animal care and treatment.

Neglect & Cruelty Fund
Donations cover the extensive costs of medical care needed for abused, abandoned or neglected animals for their rehabilitation.