Three pregnant border collie mixes were rescued by the Pasadena Humane Society after being found wandering in the streets of the Pasadena area, likely after being dumped by whoever owned them, according to officials.

The abandoned canines were “very, very pregnant and ready to give birth” when three good Samaritans found them in early March, said Jamie Holeman of the Pasadena Humane Society.

They had been roaming the streets of Pasadena and surrounding cities without any food or water. All were in the final stages of pregnancy, with one giving birth within 24 hours of being rescued.

“It had to be tremendously stressful for them,” Holeman said in an interview on Friday. “One of the dogs that was brought here had a horrible infection. Had she not had that … care, she probably would have died.”

The three border collie mixes delivered 14 puppies between them.

The dogs were placed with foster families, while the puppies would be available for adoption though the Humane Society in about two months, according to Holeman.

It was not known who dumped the dogs, but Humane Society officials believe it was the work of one person.

“We think it could be someone who may be found themselves in over their heads with a lot of pregnant females,” Holeman said.

While the dogs didn’t show any signs of abuse, dumping can be just as dangerous, Holeman warned. She noted the puppies could have died within days of being born.

“Please do the responsible thing, either bring them to your local shelter or find someone who you know can take care of them,” she said. “Do not dump them on the street. It’s dangerous for the dogs and it is cruel to them as well.”