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In a heartbreaking discovery that highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty, a caring wildlife photographer became an unexpected hero for ten newborn puppies callously abandoned in a sack by the roadside. This compassionate rescue story from Fismes, France, demonstrates how one person’s intervention can change the fate of helpless animals left to die.
Heroic rescue of abandoned newborn puppies
Pascal Ruffy, a wildlife photographer from Fismes in France’s Marne region, never expected his roadside journey on October 31, 2024, would turn into a life-saving mission. While traveling between Chéry-Chartreuve and Mont-Notre-Dame, Ruffy spotted something unusual at the roadside – a discarded sack containing ten tiny puppies.
The newborns were in critical condition, still bearing their umbilical cords, indicating they had just entered the world before being callously discarded. Eight males and two females faced certain death had Ruffy not intervened. Despite his efforts, one female puppy succumbed that very day, while nine survived the traumatic beginning of their lives.
This heartbreaking scenario echoes similar rescue stories, like when a woman discovered an unexpected creature while attempting to rescue what appeared to be a trapped turtle. These incidents remind us that compassion often leads to unexpected situations requiring immediate action.
Ruffy’s quick response proved crucial for the puppies’ survival. Working with a friend, he established a round-the-clock care schedule, providing bottle feedings every three hours. The demanding regimen highlighted the dedication required when rescuing abandoned newborn animals without maternal care.
From roadside abandonment to loving homes
Facing the enormous responsibility of caring for nine newborn puppies, Ruffy turned to social media for support. Through his Facebook page, he launched an urgent appeal for specialized puppy formula and supplies. The community responded generously, providing the essential resources needed to sustain the vulnerable animals through their critical first weeks.
The consistent care provided by Ruffy and his friend gave the puppies their best chance at normal development despite their traumatic start. Their dedication mirrors stories like the emotional reunion of a cat missing for 15 years with its owner, showing how powerful the bond between humans and animals can become.
Over the following months, Ruffy’s nurturing transformed the abandoned newborns into healthy, socialized puppies ready for adoption. His network helped identify suitable families, ensuring each survivor found a permanent, loving home – a far cry from the roadside abandonment that nearly claimed their lives.
Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. In March 2023, motorists discovered a suitcase abandoned beside a highway containing four puppies. These recurring cases highlight a disturbing pattern of pet abandonment that animal welfare advocates continue fighting against.
Wildlife photographer’s continuing mission to save vulnerable animals
Pascal Ruffy’s compassion extends beyond domesticated animals. Between November 2024 and March 2025, his rescue efforts saved multiple lives, including the roadside puppies, another abandoned litter, a suffering fox, and an injured roe deer doe.
In January 2025, Ruffy encountered six more abandoned puppies, approximately two and a half months old. Their slightly older age made the rescue less intensive than the newborns, but still required significant intervention to ensure their wellbeing and placement in appropriate homes.
Animals A diver picks up a “harmless” creature, only to realize too late his terrible mistake.
Around the same time, Ruffy spotted a fox suffering from severe mange, a painful parasitic skin condition. Once again utilizing social media, he requested medication typically prescribed for dogs with similar conditions. Within three days, supporters provided the necessary treatment, which Ruffy cleverly administered by hiding it in meat balls placed near the fox’s den.
Ruffy’s dedication reminds us of other remarkable human-animal connections, like the grateful crow that seemingly repaid a man’s kindness after being rescued. These stories illustrate the meaningful relationships that can develop between humans and wildlife.
Making a difference through photography and direct action
Early March 2025 brought yet another rescue opportunity when Ruffy discovered a female roe deer (chevrette) struck by a vehicle. Despite the collision, the animal showed no serious injuries but needed recovery time in a safe environment. Ruffy transported the frightened creature to a secure location where she could rest overnight before being successfully released back into the wild the following day.
Ruffy’s dual commitment to wildlife photography and rescue work demonstrates how professional skills and personal passion can combine to protect vulnerable creatures. His camera captures the beauty of animals in their natural habitat, while his hands-on interventions save those in critical distress.
Animals He shoots a cat with a crossbow, the animal is found with an arrow stuck in its neck.
The photographer’s growing reputation as an animal advocate has created an informal network of supporters ready to assist with supplies, medication, and even adoption opportunities. This community-based approach proves especially valuable in rural areas where formal animal rescue infrastructure may be limited.
Through his documentation and social media presence, Ruffy not only secures immediate help for animals in distress but also raises awareness about abandonment issues. His work serves as a powerful reminder that individual actions matter tremendously in the fight against animal cruelty and neglect.
As Pascal Ruffy continues his wildlife photography journeys across the French countryside, he remains vigilant for animals in need. His story shows that sometimes the most meaningful images are not captured through a lens but created through compassionate intervention in moments of crisis.