FORT WALTON BEACH — Jessica Bauer struggled to keep her balance Thursday in her backyard as seven puppies quickly made their way to her.
Bauer and her husband, Ian, have been caring for the puppies since Monday after the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society called for help. The couple says this is their fourth batch of foster puppies they have taken in.
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Unlike their past puppies, though, this group was riddled with fleas and suffering from illnesses and malnutrition.
But Bauer said in just the few days of caring for the pups they’ve already made a turn for the better.
“It’s a huge difference we’re seeing,” Bauer said while scanning her backyard to see where each of the German Shepherd mix dogs roamed. “They were on death’s door Monday. The first night was difficult, but they seem to be doing better.”
Bauer said the puppies — named Grace, Hope, Courage, Patience, Wisdom, Spirit, and Mighty — will likely be available for adoption in two to three weeks when they are better. She said while they heal she and Ian will get their “puppy fix” as they do each time they foster.
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“I would love to see them get into good homes,” Bauer said. “I’d also like to see more people fostering. Puppies are coming in left, right and crooked. They need more help and once you get a system down its not too bad.
“Puppies are amazing. You get unconditional love. You just sit down on the floor and they surround you. There’s nothing better.”