Sixteen abandoned puppies are expected to get a second chance at finding forever homes after Good Samaritans rescued them from a creek bed behind a Walmart parking lot in Livermore, California.

The group originally included 17 puppies, but one was struck and killed by a vehicle before rescuers arrived. Volunteers transported the remaining puppies to the East Bay SPCA, where they were divided between the organization's Dublin and Oakland shelters.

Shelter staff believe the puppies, estimated to be 9 to 10 weeks old, are border collie mixes from two different litters. The puppies are adjusting well and are expected to be available for adoption in about a week.

The East Bay SPCA said anyone interested in adopting one of the puppies should monitor its website for adoption updates.

nbcbayarea.com