AN appeal was this week issued for a loving home for two puppies, callously abandoned by the side of the A30 over the Easter weekend. The young German Shepherd dog bitches were found in a layby just south of Sourton Cross by a visitor to the area. Initially, the man thought that at least one of the youngsters was dead, because they were both lying perfectly motionless, one on top of the other. The man took the puppies to Okehampton police station, from where they were taken to Riverside Boarding Kennels in Hatherleigh, which is the holding kennels for stray dogs in this area. Lynn Murphy, who works at the kennnels said: 'When they came to us they were absolutely terrified. 'They didn't want to be put on a lead or handled and we had to coax them to go outside. They're absolutely beautiful dogs, though, with no aggression at all.' Lynn has spent a week working with the puppies and rebuilding their confidence. She said: 'They're starting to come out of themselves now. 'They're little darlings — they'll lay on their backs and let you tickle their tummies, but any sudden movement or loud noise still frightens them.' She is now looking for somebody who might be able to offer the timid pair a home. 'It would be terrible for them to be split up,' she said. 'One of the puppies is very reliant on the other. Whoever takes them is going to have a long haul, gaining their confidence. 'They need an owner who is very, very patient, and who has owned dogs before — particularly nervous dogs.' Neither Lynn nor the police has any clues about where the dogs came from. German Shepherd enthusiast Karen Smith has been to see the puppies. She said: 'They're lovely little puppies, but their ears haven't come up yet. So it could be that they're from a breeder who didn't want them for that reason.' Anyone who thinks they might be able to offer the pups a safe home should call Tim or Pauline Sheffield, the owners of Riverside, on 01837 810424.
