Neonatal Rescue at Woof & Willow

Tiny Hearts. Fighting Chances.

At Woof & Willow Puppy Rescue, we specialize in the most fragile lives — newborn puppies who have been orphaned, rejected, surrendered, or placed on euthanasia lists simply because they require too much care.

Neonatal puppies cannot regulate their body temperature. They cannot eat on their own. They cannot survive without round-the-clock intervention.

That’s where we step in.

What Is a Neonatal Puppy?

A neonatal puppy is typically 0–3 weeks old.
At this age, they are completely dependent on their mother — or on human intervention.

Without proper warmth, feeding, and monitoring, they can decline within hours.

Cannot regulate body temperature
Require feeding every 2–3 hours
Need stimulation to urinate and defecate
Highly susceptible to fading puppy syndrome
Require sterile, controlled environments

What Makes Neonatal Rescue Different?

Neonatal rescue is not traditional fostering.

It requires:

Incubators
Tube feeding training
Oxygen access
Emergency veterinary partnerships
24/7 wake cycles
Advanced sanitation protocols

It is physically exhausting. It is emotionally heavy.

And it is worth it.

Why This Focus Matters

Across the country — especially in overcrowded shelters in states like Texas and New Mexico — newborn puppies are euthanized for “space” simply because they require intensive care.

We believe their size should not determine their worth.

What We Need to Sustain This Program

Supplies Needed

Puppy formula
Feeding tubes & syringes
Heating pads
Incubators
Puppy pads
Medical disinfectants

Financial Support

Neonatal care often includes:

Emergency vet visits
Oxygen therapy
IV fluids
Medication
Lab testing

Trained Neonatal Fosters

Not everyone can do this — and that’s okay. But those who can change everything.

Neonatal rescue means holding life in your hands.
It means celebrating weight gains measured in grams.
It means heartbreak sometimes.

But it also means giving a baby who never had a chance… one.