7 Pups from the Pines

01/03/2025

Three years ago, everything changed.🐾🌲

Today marks the (estimated) 3rd birthday of the Original 7 Pups from the Pines—the puppies who unexpectedly came into our lives and shaped everything that followed.

They weren’t just a litter of orphaned newborns. They were the beginning of something much bigger.

When we found them in the woods, their stray mother lying dead beside them, we had no rescue network, no resources, and no roadmap. What we did have was a promise—a promise we made to their mama as we buried her: that we would make sure her babies were taken care of, no matter what that looked like.

And we kept that promise.💜

At the time, we didn’t have the connections we do now to find them all homes. So 4 of those 7 puppies stayed with us, becoming a permanent part of our family—not because we planned it, but because there was no other option.

We didn’t get the dogs that fit neatly into our lives, but we got the dogs that forever changed them.

These pups remind us that sometimes the things we never saw coming are the ones we can’t imagine living without.

Their birthday isn’t just a milestone. It’s a testament to survival, resilience, and the kind of love that redefines everything. It’s a celebration of their existence, their growth, and of everything they set in motion.

Because of them, 7 Pups from the Pines exists. Because of them, countless other dogs have found safety, love, and a future. Because of them, we learned that even in the face of heartbreak, we had the power to build something that gave their story a purpose.

What started in isolation has become something more - a movement, a mission, and a community of people who believe, like we do, that these dog’s lives matter. Their story is still being written - not just in their own lives, but in every life that has been saved because of them.

So today, we celebrate them. Their journey. Their impact. And their legacy.

Happy 3rd Birthday to the 7 Pups who started it all. 🎉🐾🌲

(In order)
Hallie Whitney Blakeston
Martha-Dale
Jack
Squirtle
Tubbs
Gamora
Annie (now Sammie)

Their birthday gift was wrapped by Knotty and Nice—check out their page for affordable, creative, custom gift wrapping! A portion of every sale goes directly to 7 Pups from the Pines. 🎁

28/02/2025

We have some BIG NEWS to share about little Merle! 🗞️🐾📰

If you’ve been following Merle’s journey, you’ll notice something missing in these photos—his cast! Merle has officially healed from his leg fracture, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this outcome. We are deeply grateful to both Dr. Cranmore and Dr. Spencer for their exceptional care, ensuring Merle’s leg was saved and he could move forward without limitations.

And the even BIGGER NEWS? Merle is being ADOPTED! 🎉 In just a couple of weeks, he’ll be heading home with his forever family—a wonderful couple who couldn’t be more excited to make Merle a part of their family.🧡

From an orphaned, bottle-fed newborn as one of the “9 from the Pines” to conquering every challenge life threw his way (and making sure we all fell in love with him in the process), Merle’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Thank you to everyone who has rooted for him, donated, shared, and sent him love. Extra special thanks to the Moya family, as well as all of the other volunteers who had hands-on roles in bottle-feeding, fostering, and even stepping in for babysitting duty. The fact that all nine of the “9 from the Pines” not only survived, but thrived, is nothing short of miraculous - and it’s because of this community’s dedication that Merle and his littermates are here today.

This isn’t just a win for Merle—it’s a win for all of us. Thank you again for standing with us every step of the way. 🌲🐾

15/02/2025

Broken bones - not hearts 💘 Happy Valentine’s Day!

04/02/2025

Now 8 weeks old, Merle is thriving and embracing his playful puppy energy - even with a fractured leg!🧡His sharp little teeth have earned him the nickname “alligator,” and he loves using them to explore the world around him.🐊 Despite the mischief, Merle is a total sweetheart who sticks to your side like glue, curious about everything you’re up to.

We’re so incredibly grateful to Merle’s awesome foster family for giving him the love, care, and stability he needs while he heals. Their dedication makes all the difference in his recovery, and we’re so thankful he has such a wonderful place to grow, learn, and be his playful, alligator-like self!

Merle’s smarts are shining through as we work with him on basic obedience and potty training—he’s picking things up quickly, and is enjoying different puzzle toys for enrichment! He’s also been safely socializing with new people, animals, and car rides, building confidence and charm with every interaction.

Tomorrow, Merle goes back to the vet for new X-rays to check on his leg’s healing progress, a re-splint, and his second round of vaccinations. He’ll also begin heartworm, flea, and tick prevention to keep him on track for a healthy future. His care is ongoing, with X-rays every two weeks to monitor healing. While we’re optimistic the bones will heal properly, surgery may still be needed. If surgery becomes necessary, we’re ready to face that hurdle with him. 🩻🩺💉

We’re also very excited to share that all 8 of Merle’s littermates, who were transferred to Operation Kindness have found their forever homes! We’re so thankful to Operation Kindness for partnering with us and helping Merle’s littermates find their perfect homes. Their teamwork and compassion have made such a difference for these puppies, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support! 🐾🌲

While Merle still has a few weeks to go before he’ll be ready for adoption so we can ensure his leg heals fully, we are currently accepting applications for him. You can learn more here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/merle-74860576/tx/scroggins/7-pups-from-the-pines-tx-tx2625/

We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support Merle has received from our community. Your kindness makes it possible for us to help dogs like him on their journey to brighter futures. If you’d like to contribute to Merle’s care, donations can be made directly to:

Spencer Veterinary Services
📞 (903) 725-6214
Account Name: Emmy Summerlin

Thank you for being part of Merle’s story and cheering him on every step of the way.🧡 He’s one amazing little pup, and we can’t wait to see him take his next steps! (Literally, and figuratively 😉) 🐾🌲

01/02/2025

24/01/2025

We know it’s been a few weeks since our last update, but behind the scenes, we’ve been busy pouring everything into giving the “9 from the Pines” the care and love they deserve. Now approaching 7 weeks old, watching them grow from bottle-fed newborns into the thriving, playful pups they are today has been nothing short of incredible.🖤

Today, we have some big updates to share—and none of it would have been possible without our community of supporters.🌲

With the help of one of our supporters, we’ve secured a place for the “9 from the Pines” with Operation Kindness in Carrollton. Eight of the nine puppies will be transferred into their care, where their adoption process will continue. This decision wasn’t easy—we would have loved to see this journey through ourselves—but with a litter this size and limited foster support, partnering with Operation Kindness ensures the best outcome for the pups. Their large network of adopters means these sweet puppies will find their forever homes much faster than we could manage on our own. We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership, and excited for the “9 from the Pines” to begin the next chapter of their journey. 🐾

However, one special pup will remain under 7 Pups care—Merle.🧡

Merle suffered a leg fracture that requires specialized care. While it’s too soon to know the long-term outcome, Dr. Spencer—who successfully treated Stone, a dog we rescued in 2023—believes there’s a strong chance Merle’s leg will heal completely due to his young age. However, there is still a possibility that he may need a forelimb amputation in the future.

For now, Merle’s treatment plan includes splinting, regular X-rays, and exams every two weeks as he continues to grow. If his leg heals well and remains pain-free, that’s the best possible outcome. We’re committed to giving him the chance to recover fully before considering amputation.

Keeping Merle under 7 Pups care ensures he receives the individualized attention he needs as we focus on his long-term health and continued development, while finding a loving forever home that understands and supports his needs.

To everyone who has been part of this journey—THANK YOU. 🙏🏼

🌟 To the fosters and volunteers who bottle-fed these puppies around the clock, even through the holidays—your dedication saved their lives.
🌟 To the donors who provided formula, supplies, and funds for vet care—your generosity gave them the best start in life.
🌟 To Dr. Cathy Cranmore and her team at Tri-Lakes Veterinary Clinic—your exceptional care set these pups up for healthy futures.

Letting go of the “9 from the Pines” is bittersweet, but this decision allows us to prioritize Merle’s recovery while staying focused on the broader mission of 7 Pups from the Pines.

Merle’s story is just beginning, and we’re excited to share his journey with you. Stay tuned for updates on his recovery and search for the perfect forever home.🧡

Thank you again for standing with us every step of the way. You’ve made brighter futures possible for these puppies, and we are so grateful to have you as part of this mission.🌲🐾

24/01/2025

Multiple animal shelters and rescues around Titus County are speaking up, demanding the City of Mount Pleasant and the County to put forth ordinances that would help curb the overabundance of stray dogs all over the city and county.

05/01/2025

📣UPDATE: Reunited with owners! 🐾🩷
🚨 FOUND DOG 🚨
This sweet girl was found on County Road 2412 in Leesburg, TX today, Saturday - January 4th, 2025. She’s an adult female Australian Shepherd, and she wasn’t wearing a collar when found.

If you recognize her or know her family, please contact 7 Pups from the Pines on Facebook or email us at [email protected].

Let’s get her back home where she belongs!

02/01/2025

We URGENTLY need foster homes for the “9 from the Pines.”

We want to be clear - we do not have a shelter, and operate with very limited volunteer support. Foster homes are the only way we can give these puppies the stability they need to grow, thrive, and find their forever families.

We’ll provide all the supplies, vet care, and support—you just provide a safe, loving space. Think you can’t foster? Let’s find out.

Sign up HERE ⬇️
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgRjzCJ0jqsBUvennzFMQSZsw8Ds10nzOJF0KBkHgC6w2E7A/viewform

🐾🌲 Life happens, and all of our amazing fosters for the “9 from the Pines” have faced unexpected situations, leaving us urgently in need of more hands on deck.

These puppies are growing fast, and as they develop, their needs are evolving too. We’re looking for committed fosters who can step in, adapt to these changes, and stick with us through this critical stage of their lives.

Fostering is the backbone of rescue work—even more than financial support or supplies. Without someone to provide hands-on, consistent care, all the resources in the world couldn’t help us save lives. We don’t have a shelter; foster homes are everything. For these puppies, stability is essential for their emotional and physical development, giving them the foundation they need to grow and thrive.

When we’re forced to focus on just finding temporary housing, it takes time and energy away from meeting their long-term needs—like training, socialization, and finding forever homes. By stepping in as a foster, you’re not just giving them a place to stay—you’re helping shorten their journey to their permanent family.

We are hoping for a minimum commitment of 8-12 weeks, but ideally, we’re looking for fosters who can stick with the puppies until they’re adopted. That stability is critical, shaping their future and setting them up for lifelong success. However, please don’t let that stop you from reaching out - we will gratefully accept any help you are able to offer!

Let’s be honest—fostering isn’t always convenient. It’s work—physical and emotional. It means adjusting your routine, cleaning up messes, and pushing through tough moments. But it also means being the reason these puppies don’t end up scared and alone on the streets. It’s watching them grow, heal, and flourish because you cared enough to step up.

Fostering isn’t forever, but it is transformative—not just for the animals, but for you too. You’ll be there for these puppies during one of the most critical moments of their lives. And we’ll be there for you, supporting you with supplies, resources, and guidance every step of the way.

💌 Ready to help? Fill out the foster sign-up form below, and we’ll be in touch:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgRjzCJ0jqsBUvennzFMQSZsw8Ds10nzOJF0KBkHgC6w2E7A/viewform

These puppies are counting on us—and we’re counting on you. Together, we can give them the steady foundation they need to grow into happy, healthy dogs, break the cycle of uncertainty, and find their forever families.

Thank you for stepping up! 🐾🌲

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!🍾🥂🌲 Tonight, we are excited to share the successes we’ve had in 2024.

7 Pups from the Pines didn’t start as a well-planned nonprofit; it started because we had no other choice.

Almost three years ago, when we found a litter of seven newborn puppies and their deceased, stray mother in the woods behind our home, there was nowhere for us to turn for help.

No one was coming to save us or those puppies.

We felt utterly alone, overwhelmed by the weight of what we’d found, and isolated in a community where life often feels disposable.

But in that moment of isolation, something shifted.

Rescuing those puppies became more than just an act of survival for them—it became a lifeline for us, too. Witnessing the kind of disregard that allows animals to suffer alongside a system that feels indifferent, created a helplessness that’s hard to put into words. Saving dogs became the only way we knew to reclaim some sense of control, to push back against a broken system, and to give meaning to the pain we couldn’t ignore.

This work has been deeply healing. What began as a response to despair has become a source of purpose and connection, not only for the dogs we rescue, but for ourselves. The trauma of those early days-when we felt abandoned alongside those pups-has been replaced by a network of support, kindness, and hope—a community we never imagined was possible.

The truth is, this work is as much about saving ourselves as it is about saving these dogs. It’s about standing up to a world that normalizes neglect, and finding purpose in the fight for something better. It’s about refusing to let apathy win, and proving that change—no matter how small—can take root and grow.

We may not have started with a clear plan, but we began with a clear purpose: to make a difference for dogs who had no one else. Together—with your support—we’ve created something extraordinary. Every life saved, every step forward, is proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, compassion can triumph.

This mission is not just ours; it belongs to everyone who has stood beside us. Your kindness and dedication remind us that hope is never out of reach. The community we’ve built through this work has transformed our lives, turning what began as a lonely act of survival into a shared journey of healing and growth. As we look to the future, we know we can keep building, growing, and saving more lives—because of you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. The difference we’re making is real, and it’s just the beginning. Together, we are rewriting what’s possible.

We know this work won’t fix everything. But it’s a start.

It’s our way of saying that we refuse to give up, even when the odds feel stacked against us. This is how we fight back, how we heal, and how we keep moving forward.

31/12/2024

📣 UPDATE: Returned to owner!
🚨FOUND DOG! ⬇️
Adult Male (Neutered)
~50lbs
Left Eye Removed
No Microchip

Found 12/30/24 on County Road 4375 off Highway 115 in Scroggins, TX (near Lake Cypress Springs)

This sweet dog likely ran away from home because of fireworks/gunshots. If you recognize him or know his owner, please contact us! SHARE to help get him home safe! 🐾🌲

31/12/2024

🐾🌲 Life happens, and all of our amazing fosters for the “9 from the Pines” have faced unexpected situations, leaving us urgently in need of more hands on deck.

These puppies are growing fast, and as they develop, their needs are evolving too. We’re looking for committed fosters who can step in, adapt to these changes, and stick with us through this critical stage of their lives.

Fostering is the backbone of rescue work—even more than financial support or supplies. Without someone to provide hands-on, consistent care, all the resources in the world couldn’t help us save lives. We don’t have a shelter; foster homes are everything. For these puppies, stability is essential for their emotional and physical development, giving them the foundation they need to grow and thrive.

When we’re forced to focus on just finding temporary housing, it takes time and energy away from meeting their long-term needs—like training, socialization, and finding forever homes. By stepping in as a foster, you’re not just giving them a place to stay—you’re helping shorten their journey to their permanent family.

We are hoping for a minimum commitment of 8-12 weeks, but ideally, we’re looking for fosters who can stick with the puppies until they’re adopted. That stability is critical, shaping their future and setting them up for lifelong success. However, please don’t let that stop you from reaching out - we will gratefully accept any help you are able to offer!

Let’s be honest—fostering isn’t always convenient. It’s work—physical and emotional. It means adjusting your routine, cleaning up messes, and pushing through tough moments. But it also means being the reason these puppies don’t end up scared and alone on the streets. It’s watching them grow, heal, and flourish because you cared enough to step up.

Fostering isn’t forever, but it is transformative—not just for the animals, but for you too. You’ll be there for these puppies during one of the most critical moments of their lives. And we’ll be there for you, supporting you with supplies, resources, and guidance every step of the way.

💌 Ready to help? Fill out the foster sign-up form below, and we’ll be in touch:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgRjzCJ0jqsBUvennzFMQSZsw8Ds10nzOJF0KBkHgC6w2E7A/viewform

These puppies are counting on us—and we’re counting on you. Together, we can give them the steady foundation they need to grow into happy, healthy dogs, break the cycle of uncertainty, and find their forever families.

Thank you for stepping up! 🐾🌲

26/12/2024

🎄🐾 Looking to make your holiday season extra special? Adopt Bella or another amazing NETRO dog this Christmas season! 🐶❤️

Did you know that adopting a pet not only saves a life but also brings endless love and joy to your home? 🌟 Bella and her furry friends are all waiting for their forever families!

Check them out here 👉 https://www.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_id%5B0%5D=TX2776&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added and give a pup a chance at a happy holiday! 🎁✨ Share the love and tag someone who needs to see this! 🐾💖

25/12/2024

The “9 from the Pines” Puppy Update! 🍼🐾

Merry Christmas!🎄 We are excited to share that all 9 puppies are doing wonderfully! Their eyes are starting to open, and they’re growing every day. Thanks to the outpouring of support from our incredible community, we were able to place them in groups of 3 with experienced foster families who are bottle-feeding them. These fosters have been an absolute blessing, and we’re so grateful for their help in giving these pups the care and attention they need.

Over the weekend, a couple of amazing volunteers came by to help with feedings, which gave us the chance to finalize the logistics of getting the pups ready for their foster homes. That extra support made all the difference, and we couldn’t have done it without them.

On Monday, the pups had their first vet visit with Dr. Cranmore for a wellness exam, and we’re thrilled to report that all 9 are healthy and thriving! It’s such a relief to know they’re off to a good start, and we’re excited to watch them grow.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has shown up for these pups. From donating supplies, paying for their vet care, and offering hands-on help, your kindness and generosity have been overwhelming in the best way. It truly takes a village, and we’re so grateful for the one we have.

We’ll keep you updated as the pups continue to grow and hit milestones. For now, they’re happy, healthy, and surrounded by love.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and thank you again for supporting this work. It’s been a powerful reminder of the meaning of community and the humanity that does still exist in this world. It’s truly a beautiful thing to be a part of. 🐾🎄🖤

21/12/2024

📣 Puppy Update!

First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has stepped up to volunteer, donated puppy formula, or reached out with words of encouragement. The outpouring of support from our community has been incredible—we say this all the time, but it’s true that we couldn’t do any of this without you. 💛

We’re excited to share that all 9 pups— The Nine from the Pines 😉🌲—are still doing well! Caring for them has been a full-time effort, but they’re all doing well, and we’re grateful for the chance to give them the best start possible.

We are working as quickly as possible to respond to all comments and messages. Thank you so much for your patience as we juggle around-the-clock feedings and coordinate this effort. We promise to get back to each of you as soon as we can!

🍼 For those who have asked about formula: Winnsboro is currently out of stock, but we can also arrange pickups at Tractor Supply in Sulphur Springs or Mount Pleasant. While we’ve been using the liquid version to simplify the already demanding feeding process, the powdered version is also very much appreciated and helpful. Every bit makes a huge difference for these tiny lives!

Thank you again for being part of this incredible effort. The generosity and kindness of our community mean the world to us—and to The Nine from the Pines. 🐾🌲💚

Introducing the The Nine from the Pines:

The Boys -
Merle
Morrison
Marlow
Moss

The Girls -
Magnolia
Mabel
Marlene
Myrtle
Minnow

To those interested in helping with bottle feedings, sign-up HERE:

19/12/2024

🍼 We have a litter of 9 newborn puppies in need of bottle feeding, and we cannot do this without help.🐾

Here’s what we need:

1.) Local Bottle-Feeding Volunteers 🍼

We’re located in Scroggins, TX (outside of Mount Vernon/Winnsboro - Lake Cypress Springs area) and are looking for local volunteers to help us care for these fragile pups. They need to eat every 2–3 hours, and we’re looking for 3 sets of volunteers who can take 3 puppies each. Keeping them in small groups provides the comfort and connection they need to thrive. This is hands-on, lifesaving work, and we’ll make sure you’re set up with everything you need.

2. Puppy Formula Donations 🐾

We’re using PetAg Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Liquid (11 oz cans for $9.99 each). You can purchase it at Tractor Supply in Winnsboro and list “Emmy Summerlin” for the pickup name. Every single can helps keep these puppies alive.

If you can help by bottle-feeding or donating formula, please reach out!

Volunteer Sign-Up Form:
https://forms.gle/si6ewDVmHuFsAQrQ7