Coachella puppies tossed in dumpster open eyes as health improves

COACHELLA, Calif. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - A litter of newborn puppies that were saved after their owner threw them in a trash bin in Coachella appear to be getting healthier and have now opened their eyes.

Riverside County Animal Services shared a photo of the 6 puppies to Facebook, who are now in the care of a foster volunteer.

"The woman who has graciously dedicated many hours and a fair amount of her own money toward these abandoned puppies is doing a great job," said animal services.

Seven puppies were originally found but the runt of the litter died days later.

"He was just so weak and held on for as long as he could," wrote the volunteer on social media. "When I got him, he was pale and kind of flat looking, so I think he was the cushion that saved his siblings. As the lady threw them in the bag, I think he was at the bottom and took the hit when all of his siblings landed on him."

Deborah Culwell was arrested after police said she dumped the 3-day-old newborn pups. During a search of her home, investigators found nearly 40 other dogs living in deplorable conditions. The dogs have officially been relinquished to Riverside Animal Services, according to a press release.

"The 38 seized dogs remain at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms. These dogs will be made available for adoption or transfer to the department's rescue group partner organizations this week."

For now, the 6 Coachella puppies will remain in the care of the foster volunteer who has been nursing them.

"We don't want to interrupt her wonderful work with the two mothers, especially since time has passed and the mothers may reject the pups at this stage."

Culwell is facing animal cruelty charges.