Mission accomplished!

Today, UAN's Emergency Animal Rescue Service are wrapping up their deployment at the temporary shelter in Kern County, California. Most of the Chihuahuas and other animals relinquished by an overwhelmed animal rescuer last week have been transported to other rescue groups and shelters in California, where they will be made available for adoption.

Only seven dogs remain at the temporary shelter, and they are getting top-notch care and attention from the remaining EARS volunteers today. Thanks to all of the EARS volunteers who gave up their time to take care of these dogs!

Below are some highlights of the response from EARS volunteer Heidi Ziegler of Los Angeles.

On Friday morning, vet checks for all animals were the priority for the day. Two veterinarians and a number of assistants worked throughout the day and volunteers lined up with animals outside the exam room. Notable cases included animals with untreated cataracts, mange and ear infections. One beautiful dog had an ear infection so advanced that it damaged his inner ear. In addition, his feet had urine burns and his nails were in need of a major trimming.

The Kern County Fairgrounds provided an air-conditioned building for the temporary shelter, so humans and animals stayed cool inside while the temperature outside reached 107 at noon.

Volunteers cleaned kennels, provided food and water, and assisted with grooming and exercise. Some dogs' coats were so matted that volunteers spent several hours cutting and shaving. At times, the situation was comical and provided the volunteers a chance to laugh with each other.

Many of the dogs had never been on a leash before -- so we followed the protocol of walking them on a double leash.

Some of the early volunteer favorites were a black-and-white spotted dog, a poodle, a timid Russian blue and regal grey-and-white cat, the Great Pyrenees and the small dogs with so much personality!

Photos: One of the nearly 200 animals rescued in Kern County last week; EARS volunteer Ida Noack of Burbank, California waits for vet care with a patient; EARS volunteers give a friendly dog some much-needed grooming, and get a few laughs in the process; EARS volunteer Sharon Covington of Sacramento and Lynn Frischmann of Santa Cruz, a UAN and HSUS volunteer) practice the two-leash protocol; this dog is ready for playtime.