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The call we all hate to get
All rescuers dread the day that the phone rings or an e-mail pops up that says a large number of animals were taken in by animal control for abuse and neglect. Chessie rescue has been much luckier than other breeds and has not had this occur too many times. But, unfortunately, it does happen.
On June 6th, CBRR&R was contacted by a Dakota animal control officer (ACO). They had just taken in 10 Chessies. The ACO said a neighbor called because he had not seen the dogs in a few months and was worried. Animal control responded by going to the property where the dogs were housed and found 10 purebred Chessies living in squalor. Having not been allowed outside for such a long time, the house was covered in urine and feces. The dogs were very frightened and emaciated. The ACO asked CBRR&R to take these dogs so they would have a chance with people who know the breed.
Volunteers immediately started planning and as soon as the court allowed the dogs to be released to rescue, a CBRR&R volunteer drove nine hours through the night to get to the shelter. The dogs in the worse condition are three five month old puppies (one male and two females). The male puppy weighs only 16 lbs., the females 30. Since the puppies are so underweight, and would most likely not have strong immune systems, they were taken immediately to the vet so they could be kept in an isolation kennel while their immune systems build up. After the puppies were safe, it was time to get the seven adults. Because the dogs are so frightened, they could not be moved from one crate to another. Because of this, a group of volunteers met one of the shelter workers and the crated dogs were moved from one vehicle to the other so they could go to their temporary home. All of the adult dogs are currently with one volunteer who has kennels. The dogs will stay here until they have gained weight and are ready to move to individual foster homes. Each dog will need, at the minimum, basic medical care such as worming, spaying/neutering, heartworm testing and vaccinations. In addition to that, some have obvious medical problems. Dana, the young female pictured below, has a large abscess on her face. Kane (pictured at the above) has an eye infection.
It took many hours to coordinate and accomplish this transport. All of the dogs are now safely with rescue and beginning their new lives. But this is just the first part of a long journey. We will keep you informed on the dogs progress in the upcoming weeks. Please consider making a tax deductible donation towards the care of the "Dakota 10."
Make checks or money orders payable to Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue
and please note
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UPDATES: August 12, 2009: Currently the Dakota 10 are holding their own. The adults still need on going care to help them adjust accordingly. They have been through so much the past few months. Two of the puppies (now 6-7 months old) are doing very well - one needs more behavioral work. Soon, we hope they'll be ready for new homes.
July 09, 2009: The Dakota 10 are continuing to gain weight and become more social. The dogs are starting to get to the point where they can be sent to other foster homes for individual attention. Our one heartworm positive dog, Hayden, is leaving this morning to go to a new foster home in Montana. He has a great personality and is his current foster home's favorite in the bunch. His new foster mom is a vet tech who will be nursing him through the heartworm treatment.
June 30, 2009: The Dakota 10 continue to amaze rescue volunteers with their wonderful temperaments and pleasing dispositions. They are happy-go-lucky dogs that, with a little guidance and training, will make wonderful companions. To date, all the dogs have been bathed, microchipped and tested for parasites. Only one dog, out of the 10, tested positive for heartworms. As soon as he gains some more weight, and gets a little healthier, he'll undergo heartworm treatment. All the dogs are eating well and the males, in particular, are very sweet, gentle and friendly. The females are a little more skittish, with the two youngest being particularly fearful of strangers. However, although they are frightened, they are not aggressive and it is believed that with time, socialization and proper care they, too, will make wonderful family companions. The puppies are now nearly 6 months old and they have had no training at all. They, literally, need to learn everything -- from housebreaking to basic obedience (sit, down, stay, walk on a leash) to what a ball or toy is to what a comfy bed might be. Thank goodness they now have a chance at a new life.
June 24, 2009: Today, the adult dogs are scheduled to see a vet. Luckily, the vet makes house calls so he will be going to the kennel where the dogs currently are to check on them. Hopefully, if all goes well, the adult dogs will be healthy enough to get their vaccinations and blood work done. The puppies are no longer in isolation at the vet's office. They were released Monday, June 22nd. It was touchy, at first, as the puppies weren't steadily gaining weight. However, we're happy to report that the little male puppy now weighs 22 lbs, up from 16 lbs. Both the girls are over 30 lbs. One of the female puppies is a really nice little girl who really wants to please. The other little girl is very confident and knows no fear. She's one of those Chessies that says "I know how to do this better than you and THIS is what I want to do!" All that attitude in a tiny 5 mos. old package. Looks like heavy obedience training will be in her future.
June 17, 2009: From the foster mom: They are all doing well. They are all very friendly and like to be hugged and cuddled. They still smell pretty horrible as I don’t think they are quite ready for baths yet. I really think they may have had some positive attention along the way and were even at one time housebroken. They do not make messes inside, even now that their bowels are starting to function quite well. They are starting to learn the routine of the kennel. With all of dogs that are here, I always go in their pen with them when I feed, no exceptions. As of today, every one of the SD 10 waits until their food is in the bowl and I have to pet them first and love them -- then they can eat. It’s very cute the way they are responding. Lyle was out there today and couldn't believe the change in them. They are going to be good dogs.
June 14, 2009: From the foster mom: You wouldn't believe these dogs. The momma dog gets down and lays on her back so I can rub her belly. There isn't a mean bone in their bodies. They have so much to offer. I am still concerned about one of the adult males. He is very weak, but he is eating good. He is very friendly and loving. The dogs all have normal stools and they go in their outside run. Everyone has collars on and nails trimmed except the male who is so weak. Anyway, so far so good. Please send all corrections or comments about this website to webmaster@cbrrescue.org. |
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