Humanimals vet nurse Catie Cawley said the puppies, which featured in the ODT on August 25, were in the care of SPCA Otago but had been living at the South Dunedin vet clinic since and were "doing fantastically".
The "little monsters" had gained weight and began eating solid food this week.
The American bulldog cross puppies — three white and two brindle — were "quite rolly" with wrinkles on their bodies, similar to those of a Chinese shar-pei dog.
The puppies had character.
The brindles were "the thugs" and Jonelle was the "quietest" of the pack.
Miss Cawley said the puppies were always keen to play with her four dogs, an American bulldog, greyhound, Border collie and Labrador cross.
Her big bulldog Gaia loved playing with the pups but her other dogs disappeared when they saw the puppies arrive.
"She’s been their mummy and looks after them, keeping them out of trouble."
The puppies would be fostered out next week and would be available for adoption in about nine weeks.
The puppies were expected to grow to weigh between 25kg and 45kg.
SPCA Otago executive officer Sophie McSkimming said no-one came forward with information on who abandoned the puppies.
"It’s a bit of a pity."
