For Ryan Weepers and Brittni Moffatt, adventure wasn’t just a pastime — it was their way of life. For six years, the pair lived aboard a houseboat, traveling across seas, docking at new ports, and documenting their explorations on Instagram and YouTube. Each destination brought surprises, but nothing prepared them for the heartbreaking scene they stumbled upon during their stay in Sicily, Italy, four years ago.
One sunny afternoon, Brittni wandered along a quiet stretch of beach. As she passed through tall grass, something unusual caught her eye — a tiny face peering timidly through the blades. At first, she thought it was a lone stray, but her heart dropped when she realized there wasn’t just one. Huddled together in the grass was a small group of frail puppies, their ribs visible beneath patchy coats.
“Oh my God, puppies,” Brittni recalled saying in shock as she bent closer. Their hollow eyes and weak movements spoke volumes — these babies were starving.
First Steps Toward Rescue
Knowing time was critical, Brittni hurried back to the boat to grab food. The moment she placed kibble on the ground, the puppies devoured it desperately, confirming just how long they had gone without nourishment. “They were so starving,” she later said, still struck by the urgency of the moment.
With Ryan’s support, Brittni carefully gathered three of the puppies and coaxed them into carriers. These little ones, though weak, were too exhausted to resist much. The fourth sibling, however, had more energy than the others and was far more suspicious. For nearly an hour, the couple tried to gain his trust, but he slipped through their hands every time. With heavy hearts, they took the three rescued pups back to the boat, promising they would not abandon the last one.
That evening, Brittni set up a safe haven for the puppies in the bathroom of the boat. She placed a hot water bottle under a blanket, creating a warm space where the three siblings could cuddle together. Finally, they were sheltered, fed, and comforted.
Healing on the Houseboat
The transformation began almost immediately. That first night, Brittni captured their tiny bodies curled up in peaceful sleep, the first they’d likely had in weeks without fear. By morning, the puppies wagged their tails, showing signs of joy and trust for the very first time.
Determined to give them the best chance at survival, Brittni reached out to a local veterinarian for guidance. Following the vet’s advice, she administered antibiotics and painstakingly combed ticks from their fur. Each day brought new improvements — their eyes grew brighter, their steps stronger, and before long, they were romping playfully across the boat as if they had always belonged there.
But even as their spirits soared, Brittni and Ryan couldn’t stop worrying about the one sibling still left behind. His absence weighed heavily, and they knew their mission wasn’t finished.
A Happy Reunion and New Beginnings
Every few days, the couple returned to the beach to search for the missing puppy. Each attempt ended in disappointment — the little one always managed to escape. But Ryan and Brittni refused to give up. On one visit, luck finally turned. They spotted the puppy dart into a thick bush. Acting quickly, they began pulling branches aside until they could finally reach him. Trembling with fear, the last sibling was finally in safe hands.
At long last, all four puppies were reunited. The relief was overwhelming — none of them would ever have to fend for themselves again. The couple contacted a local animal shelter, which stepped in to help. Through their network, each puppy was eventually placed into a loving forever home.
The story didn’t end there, though. Four years later, Ryan and Brittni continue their global travels, but now with a new companion — their baby, Oakley. While their adventures look different today, their dedication to helping animals remains the same. For them, the memory of those starving puppies in Sicily serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways life can call us to act with compassion.
“You just never know who might be waiting around the next corner,” Brittni reflected. And thanks to their kindness, four little dogs got the second chance they deserved.
