They were discarded like trash. But to us, they are treasures.
That’s the truth captured by WRAL and CBS17 this week in a heartbreaking story that has echoed far beyond Rocky Mount. It’s the story of three newborn puppies who were zipped inside a trash bag and tossed in a dumpster—left to die before their lives had even begun.
But this story isn’t just about cruelty. It’s about compassion. It’s about rescue. And above all, it’s about hope.
Found Just in Time
Late last month, a Good Samaritan made a horrific discovery behind an apartment complex in Rocky Mount, North Carolina: a tied garbage bag in a dumpster, and inside—three tiny puppies, no older than two weeks.
They were cold. They were weak. They were starving and utterly alone. But they were alive.
Thanks to quick action by the bystander and the dedicated shelter staff who responded, the puppies were stabilized just long enough to give them a chance. That’s when Blazin’ Trails Bottle Babies got the call. And even though we were already at capacity—strained on space, stretched on supplies, and low on funds—we said yes.
Because saying no wasn’t an option.
The Journey to Safety
The three puppies—now named Emma, Elijah, and Evans—were brought into our care in fragile condition. Their first days were filled with syringe feedings, around-the-clock monitoring, warming pads, and hopeful prayers. They had been deprived of everything a puppy needs to survive—nutrition, warmth, comfort, and love.
But from the moment they arrived, we treated them not as a burden, but as a gift.
They aren’t just “the puppies from the trash bag.” They’re Emma, with her fierce determination. Elijah, with his soulful eyes and quiet strength. And Evans, the smallest of the three, with a spirit that refuses to quit.
They are fighters. And they deserve every ounce of love the world has to give.
Behind the Headlines
WRAL and CBS17 shared their story with the world—drawing attention to the cruelty they endured and the hope now surrounding them. You can watch and read the full coverage below:
📺 WRAL Video Report: www.wral.com/video/puppies-found-in-trash-bag-in-rocky-mount-rescued/21916199/
📝 WRAL Article: www.wral.com/news/local/three-puppies-recovering-rocky-mount-trash-bag-march-2025/
📺 CBS17 Report: www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/thrown-away-like-trash-puppies-found-abandoned-in-rocky-mount-at-2-weeks-old-getting-needed-care/
🎥 YouTube Coverage:
https://youtu.be/4gDf0E6kKGY?si=YF3VS6DR0UbV1lP5
https://youtu.be/oM6St5qkFns?si=4U04frUHWPcsSrKY
The photos and footage are raw and emotional. But what the cameras can’t show is what happens when the stories fade from the headlines.
The exhaustion. The syringe feedings at 2 a.m. The emotional weight of loving something so deeply fragile. The financial strain of intensive care.
And yet—we keep showing up.
The Road Ahead
Emma, Elijah, and Evans are safe now. But they’re not out of the woods. They need time to grow, to heal, and to learn that this world can be kind. And to do that, they need a village.
Right now, Blazin’ Trails is at full capacity. We are low on funding. Supplies are running thin. And there are more puppies who will need us tomorrow.
But here’s what we know:
Love finds a way.
How You Can Help Write Their Next Chapter
These babies are survivors—but they can’t do it alone.
💛 Donate to support their care: www.blazintrailsbottlebabies.org/donate
🏠 Apply to foster or adopt: www.blazintrailsbottlebabies.org/foster
📢 Share their story: Help us reach the hearts of others. Be part of their healing.
Because while someone once threw them away, we believe their story is just beginning.
And with your help, it will end in love.