The pups appeared to be approximately three weeks old and had spent that entire period outside in the cold.

Snowbelle was the name of the dog. She gave birth to puppies during a snowfall, according to shelter staff. The mother stayed on the scene with the kids despite the cold, and they survived in this manner for almost three weeks until being discovered.

Snowbelle was found to be without milk for the babies when the family was returned to the shelter.