A litter of newborn puppies suffered a horrific fate after they were tied up in a black bin bag and dumped in the woods.
Experienced staff at the RSPCA took them in and gave them round-the-clock care, but tragically 10 of them died - leaving just one pup.
A member of the public first alerted vets to the litter after finding a rubbish bag in a wooded area of Heath Lane, Huddersfield, on Monday, June 20.
It was revealed the puppies were just a few hours old and still had their umbilical cords attached.
RSPCA deputy chief inspector, Sara Jordan, took one of the fluffy dogs into her home and named her Tippy.
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Heartbreakingly the rest of the litter, believed to be German shepherd types, all passed away over the following days - despite receiving such dedicated care.
But Tippy has survived all the odds and is going from strength to strength, in the arms of her rescuer.
Sara said: "The puppies required very intense care as they were completely reliant on us, as they would be their mother.
"But sadly it seems they had some congenital defects or infections which meant despite everyone's best efforts they could not survive.
"The ray of light is Tippy seems to be doing so well although it has been touch and go.
"She almost died three times due to urinary infections but each time she was given immediate veterinary treatment and had the fight to pull through.
"She is really gaining a personality now and it was a relief when she opened her eyes at two weeks old.
"She definitely sees me as her mum and is always very close to me and tries to talk to me especially if it is feeding time - or if she is complaining because it is too warm.
"Initially she had to be fed every 90 minutes so I was up in the night quite a lot and I had to take her everywhere with me to keep a very close eye on her.
"I juggled it with my work as an RSPCA inspector so it was very tiring but absolutely worth all the effort as she is so adorable."
Tippy, aged five weeks old, is now enjoying life with Sara's own pets - seven dogs and six cats - and once she is in full health a permanent home will be found for her by the animal welfare charity.
Meanwhile Sara is continuing to investigate and find the person responsible.
She said: "It is so callous to think these vulnerable puppies who were only a few hours old had been dumped like this. I am concerned that their mother is out there and also may require veterinary attention."
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time or who knows a dog who recently gave birth but doesn't have a litter should contact the RSPCA's appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.
The charity is highlighting Tippy's story as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty summer campaign. To help support the RSPCA, visit the website.
Have you ever saved a dog in need? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
