This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here!

Being The Cat House on the Kings, we weren't planning on a "puppy party" for the holidays, but boy did we get one!

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

When staff arrived for their early early shift to begin all the cat care at our sanctuary, their hearts sank when they spotted a plastic bin beside our trash dumpster in the parking lot. Heartbreakingly, we have experienced it all too often, so boxes of any sort bring immediate stress. It is also the coldest time of the year, so there was an added panic to what the discovery would be inside the plastic bin.

Upon opening the bin, eight rounded puppy heads popped up to see what awaited them as they were freed from the darkness. Understandably timid at first, the litter of eight puppies huddled together to protect each other from what they would encounter next. They seemed relieved but still unsure once they were brought into a safe warm building that emitted a lot of meowing!

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

One by one they were examined, weighed, cleaned, and happily fed. This melted their worries a bit, as they were very hungry and excited to have several plates full of food! They maintained their reservations of their new experience, playing follow the brave leader, Hermione, as she led them in exploration.

It didn't take long for them to realize that they were in a good place surrounded by loving people and strangely behaved other beings that quickly taught them to "back up!" The puppy party was in full swing, and they played wholeheartedly in the freedom of safety. This fun fast growing litter of pups came to enjoy getting hands on time being re-weighed, checked out, etc. but they were a bit hesitant when it came to crate time for their spays and neuters since they really didn't want to leave doggie Disneyland.

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

They have all been readied for adoptive families, and a couple of them have been adopted already. The cats at The Cat House have given the stares of "how long will they be here?" to all of the humans, so we turn to the extraordinary public to help us find homes for these expeditiously growing pups!

(Side note: We did put out a plea to the public that we would spay the puppies' Mom or Mom and Dad for free, but we received no contact back.)

As Hermione is the self-appointed leader, we will include her profile, which is similar to her siblings':

PHOTO: THE CAT HOUSE ON THE KINGS

Meet Hermione! This four-month-old girl is a total rock star. She is always right in the middle of her seven siblings, letting them know who's the boss. She loves exploring and getting any cuddles she can. Hermione will grow to be a large dog that will require daily exercise. Why not bring in the New Year with a new pup? Hermione would be perfect for any family willing to open their home to her.

She enjoys other dogs and is learning cats can be friends. Here's the link to Hermione's profile, where you can click to see all her siblings' profiles, too!

This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings in Fresno County, California. Learn more about them here!