On Tuesday night Penny and Ian McLatchie, of Lockerbie, and their four-year-old daughter Freya were travelling home on the Selkirk to Moffat road at about 8 pm when they spotted something white moving in the grass verge right beside the road.
Penny said: “We reversed and I jumped out and found the two Jack Russell-type puppies in the cold, dark, wet night.
“The white one squealed with fear as I approached, so I wrapped him up and in popped him in the truck.
“I then picked up the wee girl, who was very timid, and we searched the verges for anymore more.”
The dogs had been left out in the open with just ripped newspaper to lie on and an unopened tin of dog food.
Penny said: “I was absolutely distraught. What is wrong with people?
“We got in the truck and took them straight
to the Ark Vet Centre.”
The puppies were examined and, although thin and worm-ridden, got the all clear and experts yesterday confirmed the pair are doing well.
Ark vets have donated their care for free and are looking after the puppies, while Christine McGahan, of CJ Equine Services, has also donated a bag of puppy food.
And there was more good news as Ian revealed that new homes have been found for the pups, nicknamed Charlie and Lola by his daughter.
Meanwhile, police have been informed and condemning the cruelty, PC David Irons said: “Both the puppies are safe and well after having been checked over by the vets.
“We are keen to trace those reponsible for this heartless act of animal cruelty.
“Anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact police on the 101 number.”
