A resident of Anson County, North Carolina, was out and about one day when they spotted a green bin sitting alone along the edge of some woods. Curious and a bit confused, they wandered over to peek inside — and were horrified to discover five tiny puppies, writes thedodo

It was clear that someone had brutally abandoned the puppies since they were too tiny and frail to climb out of the trash can on their own. They wouldn’t have survived if they had been left alone much longer because they were all entirely confined within the garbage and sweltering in the 50 degree heat. All of the puppies were soon placed inside a crate along with some much-needed food and water by the Good Samaritan. They were soon moved to the care of the Columbia, South Carolina, veterinarian partner of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC.

“They were weak and dehydrated and apparently had a ‘funny smell,’” Jackie O’Sullivan, cofounder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, told The Dodo. “One was not doing well so we feared parvo, but after some fluids, baths and good nutrition, so far all five are doing OK.”

The puppies were determined to be around 6 weeks old, and were named Sullivan, Snoopy, Sanders, Simon and Sassafrass. After being vaccinated, dewormed and treated with medication and lots of fluids, the puppies are doing well and beginning to grow, and everyone at the rescue is so thankful for the kind person who saved their lives.

“They are lucky they were found in time,” O’Sullivan said.

Although it will be some time before the puppies are available for adoption, folks are invited to begin making adoption requests now. As soon as they are well enough, they will be allowed to leave and find their loving forever homes, where they won’t ever have to worry about being neglected again. They are now receiving the best care.