TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – This is not the way puppies are supposed to look, with their skin covered in scabs and their eyes tired and weary.

“Not only do they look bad, but this is painful, with all the swelling in the joints. Their skin cracks and bleeds,” said Pam Backer of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

In horrible condition and suffering for weeks, a Good Samaritan discovered them in a box on the side of the road on Sunday night, tossed like trash near 22nd Street and Busch Boulevard in Tampa.

If it hadn’t been for that Good Samaritan… “These babies surely would have died, without fail, no question whatsoever, because they were just too far gone,” said Backer.

The pups were in such bad shape and their skin was so badly wrecked by mange, the staff at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay can’t even tell what breed they are.

“Their little feet are all swollen. That’s from infection,” said Backer.

The road to recovery will be a long one for this litter of six girls and two boys, at least 4 to 6 weeks, according to their veterinarian.

“It’s something so simple. If it (mange) is caught first, they don’t ever have to get to this condition,” said Dr. Nicole Cornett.

Despite their laundry list of medical issues, the pups are expected to make a full recovery.

“We have every reason to believe that they are going to make it. We are looking forward to seeing them with all of their hair growing back and enjoying life, their tails wagging and running around and playing,” said Backer.

Currently, the puppies are undergoing treatment and therapy like medicated baths, antibiotics and of course, lots of high-quality food.

Once the puppies are fully recovered, they will be up for adoption from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

The HSTB said that situations like this are heartbreaking because they are so easily preventable and offered the following suggestions:

•Spaying/Neutering your pets keeps unwanted litters from ever being born

•Immediate medical attention at the first sign of hair loss can stop mange from spreading through the use of affordable medication

•Reaching out to shelters, rescue groups and veterinarians for help when overwhelmed with a litter and/or sick pet(s) can prevent much suffering. Dumping/abandoning animals is not only against the law but it is a thoughtless act of cruelty.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers affordable veterinary care to the public seven days a week at our Animal Health Center (813-870-3304). The agency also offers intake services (when space allows) for unwanted pets at its shelter. If the HSTB is unable to accommodate an unwanted pet, the organization offers advice and resources on other options for rescue.

Those who would like to help can donate online or text “Adopt” to 243725.

Right now, this case is not under investigation by authorities in the Tampa Bay area. According to Backer, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay contacts authorities on a “case by case” basis for further investigation. Backer tells News Channel 8 the staff members at the Humane Society are just grateful the puppies were turned in and are being cared for properly now.