Bounding around their pen at Dogs Trust Evesham, it is difficult to believe just days ago these puppies’ lives were hanging in the balance.

Snowy, Frosty, Icy, Polar, Icicle, Blizzard and Baltic came to the rehoming centre in Wickhamford last month after they were found abandoned in a car park in a cardboard box.

They were discovered by staff at De Montfort Veterinary Centre in Merstow Green, Evesham, when one of the bundles of fluff made a break for freedom and came perilously close to a main road.

But despite the ordeal of being left in sub-zero temperatures, the litter of crossbreeds are healthy and now ready to go to loving homes.

Shauna Stedman, Dogs Trust Evesham supporter relations officer, said it was “beyond comprehension” why anyone would leave the nine-week-old pups in the cold.

She said: “They were actually quite healthy. They were eating really well from the start and they’ve grown from strength to strength.

“It could have been such a different story for them.

“It’s a good job they were left somewhere like the vets.

“With temperatures the way they’ve been dropping, the puppies wouldn’t have lasted long outside.

“We found them just in time.

“We’re now looking for really good homes for them with people who are going to be there a lot of the time to help with socialising, training and all the things that come with having a puppy.

“We do have a lot of dogs that are brought in.

“Unfortunately, it’s the climate we’re living in.

“These puppies were too young to be taken away from mum, which is a real shame. We’re just hoping mum’s OK too.”

Anyone interested in rehoming the puppies or any of the dogs at Dogs Trust Evesham can call the centre on 01386 830613 or visit dogstrust.org.uk.