But someone decided to dump them in Mountcharles – and left them.
Three of them managed to make it to the garden of a local woman who rescued them – she found two others later.
“We arrived up today to collect the pups that seem to be collie x springers approx 9 weeks old. There are 4 females and 1 male,” said Ryan McCauley from Donegal Pet Rescue.
“They seemed in quite good health, they had a wormy belly and wee bit nervous but other than that healthy. We looked around the area to see maybe a mother had been dumped with them but unfortunately there was no sign of her.
“We walked around the local area and asked the neighbours if they had seen any dogs or unusual vehicles in the area but to no avail. We are hoping that these little cuties have wondered off by themselves but it is looking like someone dumped them in this location knowing they would be found rather than pick up the phone and ask a rescue organisation for help.
“The pups were checked over and although two of them are a bit nervous of us they seem used to human contact so that puts the idea of being born wild out of the equation.
“They got treated for worms and will get their vaccinations and chips in the next few days. We are pleading with the public for information on this case as it is quite strange to find healthy pups in an area where they will be found quickly.
“We do get pups dumped that are unhealthy or too young to be away from the mum as the owner does want to look after them anymore but most people will call us for help.
“We have had cases in the past were the pups were born in fields to a mum but these pups are used to human interaction and quite healthy so can’t be the case. We would like the public to please get in contact if they recognise theses pups or if they know the mum of these pups so we know she is safe and looked after.
“The rescue centres are always under pressure but we will do everything in our power to help you especially young pups. There is no need to dump them off hoping they will be found. We have had no reports of missing pups or the rescue in the local area has had no reports of missing pups so we are assuming they have been dumped, but if these are your pups please get in contact with us. Can everyone please share so we can get the information we need on these pups and their mum. And please if you don’t want puppies then neuter your pets, dogs trust are running a free neutering and micro-chipping scheme for the month of July.”