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In the frozen landscape of Cokato, Minnesota, a heart-warming rescue story unfolded when two German Shepherd puppies sought refuge under a family’s deck. With temperatures plummeting and snow covering the ground, these frightened pups faced dire circumstances until resourceful rescuers employed a clever strategy to save them.
Starving puppies discover unlikely shelter during Minnesota winter
The biting cold of a Minnesota winter can be unforgiving, especially for young animals without proper shelter. In early 2025, Cokato residents witnessed one of the harshest cold snaps in recent years, with snow blanketing the entire region. During this freezing period, two German Shepherd puppies, later named Cleo and Delta, desperately searched for warmth and protection.
The puppies ultimately found temporary refuge beneath a family’s deck, creating a makeshift shelter from the elements. The homeowners had previously spotted these skittish pups in the neighborhood but hadn’t expected to find them on their property. Concerned about the animals’ well-being, the family attempted to approach them several times, but the frightened puppies remained too wary to accept human contact.
This situation is unfortunately not uncommon. Each year, countless puppies find themselves abandoned or lost, much like those abandoned puppies who spotted a couple riding a buggy and managed to change their fate through a chance encounter.
Believing the puppies might be lost pets, the family shared photos on social media, hoping to reconnect them with potential owners. Their post caught the attention of Kendra Plaschko from Ruff Start Rescue, an organization located about 60 miles from Cokato dedicated to saving animals in distress.
Rescue attempts and the aromatic breakthrough
When Kendra Plaschko arrived at the property, she immediately assessed the challenging situation. The puppies had retreated further under the deck, making them nearly impossible to reach. Despite her experience with animal rescues, these frightened sisters wouldn’t budge from their hiding spot. The rescue specialist and the homeowners provided essentials—blankets, food, and water—hoping to gain the puppies’ trust gradually.
Animal rescues often require patience and creativity, particularly when dealing with traumatized or frightened creatures. Similar challenges arise in various rescue contexts, like the case of a father and children missing for years who were found wearing camouflage in an isolated location.
Animals A diver picks up a “harmless” creature, only to realize too late his terrible mistake.
Understanding the complexity of the situation, Plaschko returned the following morning with reinforcements. She brought along her colleague Meg Larson and implemented a clever strategy that would ultimately save the puppies’ lives. Their ingenious plan hinged on something irresistible even to the most frightened animals—the enticing aroma of roasted chicken.
The tantalizing smell wafted beneath the deck, reaching the hungry puppies’ sensitive noses. After enduring the bitter cold with minimal nourishment, the sisters couldn’t resist this temptation. Slowly but surely, the puppies emerged from their hiding place, allowing Larson to quickly secure them and transport them to veterinary care.
Recovery journey for the frost-bitten sisters
Upon examination, the veterinarian determined the puppies were approximately 12 weeks old. Both suffered from frostbite on their paws, noses, and tongues—evidence of their prolonged exposure to severe winter conditions. Despite these concerning injuries, the medical assessment revealed they were otherwise in relatively good health, considering their ordeal.
Meg Larson made a significant decision that would transform the puppies’ lives—she volunteered to become their foster mother. This commitment to animal welfare reflects the same compassion shown by families who give homes to pets others have overlooked, such as Jack, the previously unwanted dog who celebrated his first Christmas with his adoptive family.
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The initial days in foster care proved challenging as Cleo and Delta remained extremely timid and fearful. Their previous experiences had taught them to be wary of humans, making trust-building a gradual process. Larson’s patience eventually paid off as the puppies began showing small signs of progress—first eating from her hand, then allowing gentle touches.
Larson described an emotional breakthrough in their relationship: “The first time they let me pet their faces, I truly had tears in my eyes.” This touching moment represented a significant milestone in the puppies’ rehabilitation journey and highlighted the profound bond that can form between rescuers and the animals they save.
From frozen deck to forever homes
The transformation of Cleo and Delta from frightened, frost-bitten strays to socialized puppies ready for adoption showcases the remarkable resilience of animals. Their story stands as a testament to the power of human compassion and the importance of animal rescue organizations like Ruff Start Rescue.
Larson continues to provide care for the sisters until they complete their vaccination schedule and undergo spaying. Following their medical treatments, these once-starving puppies will become available for permanent adoption, giving them a chance to join loving families like those who welcome unexpected additions into their homes—whether it’s a Texan mom expanding her already supersized family or individuals making room for a four-legged companion.
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Stories of recovery and reunion often capture public attention, whether they involve missing persons found decades later or lost pets reconnecting with owners. These narratives remind us that sometimes the most hopeless situations can resolve in unexpected ways.
As families increasingly seek meaningful connections away from technology—with some parents even creating apps to encourage their children to spend time outdoors—adopting rescued animals like Cleo and Delta offers a perfect opportunity to build relationships based on care and mutual affection.
The remarkable rescue of these German Shepherd puppies from beneath a snow-covered deck demonstrates how innovation, patience, and the universal appeal of roasted chicken can make all the difference in saving lives during the harshest winter conditions.
