Help pours in for 20 puppies abandoned in a field

People across North America are reaching out to help a pack of puppies abandoned in northwest Saskatchewan.

A hunter came across 20 animals left in a field near Glaslyn, Sask., on Friday and took them to the nearest shelter, the Battlefords Humane Society.

When news of the rescue got out, it led to an outpouring of offers to help.

The humane society's Michelle Spark said Monday that the organization has already received thousands of dollars worth of donations, including cash, puppy food and pet toys.

"We had an organization out of B.C. phone and offer free flights — with private pilots — anywhere across Canada if we need to move puppies," Spark told CBC Radio host Craig Lederhouse.

She added what the shelter needs now are volunteers to help feed, bathe and care for the animals.

Meanwhile, the hunter who discovered the puppies said Monday that he remains surprised by what he found.

"I was shocked," Greg Zubiak said. "They were left here for dead. They were left here for no one to find them."

Zubiak recounted how he used some of his own clothing to provide comfort for the puppies.

"I peeled my clothes off. I was wearing my sweaters and jacket and I made them a small bed in the back of  the truck," he said.

At the shelter in North Battleford, Spark said the arrival of the puppies had staff scrambling.

"It was a little overwhelming to have that many puppies come in all at the same time," she said. Although the dogs were hungry and had fleas, Spark said it looks like they will all survive.

"We were a little bit worried about the runt," she said. "She wasn't doing good for the first couple of days, but she's right back at it."

Zubiak said he hopes the puppies go to good homes, adding he hasn't decided yet whether he'll adopt one for himself.

Glaslyn is about 200 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon and about 70 kilometres north of North Battleford.