A stray dog in California has been hailed as a 'real-life Lassie' after leading animal rescuers to her ten puppies hidden in an abandoned barn. The dog, named Betty Boop by her rescuers, had been wandering the streets of Fowler, scavenging for food to feed her litter.
Krystle Woodward, 33, who runs the non-profit Pinky Paws ResQ, first spotted Betty Boop and managed to trap her. However, the dog escaped and continued her daily routine of walking two miles into town to find food before returning to her puppies at night. After a second successful capture, a vet confirmed Betty had recently given birth.
Woodward and her husband then took Betty out, hoping she would lead them to the puppies. Using a recording of puppy cries on her phone, Woodward encouraged Betty to follow the scent. The dog led them two miles to an abandoned farmhouse, where the puppies were found under broken floorboards.
All ten puppies and Betty Boop are now safe at the rescue centre, awaiting adoption. Woodward described the event as a 'miracle' and praised the dog's determination to care for her young.
