When Dory gave birth to nine beautiful puppies, the five-year-old Boxer needed her family’s support more than ever.

Instead, Dory and her defenceless babies were dumped in a church parking lot.

The heartbroken and frightened momma knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her beloved pups alive if someone didn’t come to her aid.

Mistie Boerger of Paw Angel Animal Rescue became aware of Dory’s dire situation after someone posted a picture of her and her babies online.

Boerger instantly contacted her friend Angel Urban and the pair rushed to the scene.

When they arrived, they found Dory huddled up next to her nine puppies.

The puppies were only two weeks old and though Dory was doing her best to keep them safe and calm, it was clear that the poor mommy needed help.

Boerger and Urban found that Dory was in need of medical attention, and so they brought her and her puppies to the vet for treatment and additional check-ups.

Dory had several injuries, including multiple open wounds, but all her ailments turned out to be treatable.

Unfortunately, the vet discovered that one of the pups’ condition was much more serious.

The little pup, which the rescue named Peach, turned out to have been born with a tumour in her throat.

The tumour kept the little pup from being able to nurse properly, and would just keep growing until swallowing became impossible.

Due to Peach’s size and age, they were not able to surgically remove the tumour and instead had to euthanize her to spare her any suffering.

“She leaves heavy hearts but hope and resolve for her mom and eight siblings,” Paws Angel Animal Rescue wrote after sharing the devastating news on Facebook.

The tragic loss of Peach rocked the little family, but thanks to the rescue’s hard work, love, and dedication, Dory and her remaining eight puppies had the time and space to heal and find hope for the future.

After going through so much pain and sorrow together, the little family was finally safe and they could enjoy spending time together and focus on their love for each other without having to worry about whether they would survive the day.