Sheltering Dogs in Kentucky

This week, a team of 11 RedRover Responders volunteers traveled from six states to Kentucky to assist the ASPCA and the Rowan County Animal Shelter with 118 dogs rescued earlier this month from a breeding operation.

Volunteer Team Leader Andy Bass drove more than 1,000 miles from his home in Florida to lead the RedRover Responders team, which is scheduled to lead the sheltering effort for one week. Since Monday morning, the team has been hard at work cleaning cages, feeding the dogs, taking care of moms and puppies, and monitoring the maternity ward. Andy brought in some toys for enrichment for the dogs. The team's goal is to make the emergency shelter as safe, calm and pleasant as possible for the animals while the case moves through the court system.

News reports described the situation the dogs came from as disturbing, and described mainly small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, miniature pinschers, papillons, dachshunds and schnauzers stacked on top of each other in cages or kept in wire cages with pull out trays beneath them. According to news reports, the dogs were found in unsanitary conditions amidst dead rats, dirty water bowls, feces and urine, and many are suffering from parasites, dental disease, dehydration, matting and abnormal skin, ears and eyes. The owner of the dogs pleaded not guilty to 46 counts of animal cruelty on Monday.

Because of the sensitivity of the legal case, photos of the animals are not available at this time.

Andy reported that despite the long hours and endless scrubbing, the volunteers' attitudes are upbeat and focused on providing quality care for the animals. "I just could not be more proud of the team and how well they are doing," said Andy. "They have stepped up to make a difference in a difficult situation."

The Great Virginia City Cat Rescue

RedRover Responders volunteers are in Virginia City, Nevada to assist in the rescue of over a dozen cats whose owner passed away last week.

Dubbed "Pumpkin" by RedRover Responders volunteers, this 6 year old female is going up for adoption from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Silverland Inn & Suites in Virginia City.

Volunteers arrived on Monday to assist the Nevada Humane Society with the removal of the cats from the dilapidated building where they had lived for the past 11 years. Locating the cats among the clutter and debris in the home was a challenge. Volunteers wore gloves, masks and booties to protect themselves from contamination as they coaxed the cats one by one from their hiding places behind wall panels and underneath floorboards.

RedRover Responders volunteers helped rescue over a dozen cats from this tumbledown structure.

The cats rescued that day were taken to Reno where they were treated, spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped by the Nevada Humane Society. RedRover set up a temporary shelter in the basement space generously provided by the Silverland Inn & Suites where the cats would recover. Volunteers were ready to care for the cats when they returned – feeding them, cleaning the cages, and providing plenty of attention and love.

Beth Gammie, Emergency Services Manager for RedRover, checks on the rescued cats as they await transport to their temporary shelter.

Adoption events are being held daily at the Silverland Inn & Suites from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. RedRover Responders volunteers will be on site to answer any questions and complete the adoption process. Kimberly Chandler, Marketing Manager for the Nevada Humane Society and member of the rescue team said, “It would be a lovely tribute to the cats’ deceased owner if every cat can be adopted back into the community.”

If you can help with this rescue effort by donating, volunteering, or adopting, call Kimberly Chandler with the Nevada Humane Society at 775-856-2000, ext. 324. Donations and support for the RedRover Responders program can be made on our website at www.redrover.org.

Learn more about the cat rescue in Virginia City:

• Interview with Beth Gammie, Emergency Services Manager for RedRover (story begins around the 3:45 mark) - FOX 11 News
• 11 cats rescued from VC home after owner died - Nevada Appeal
• The Great Virginia City Cat House Rescue - Nevada Humane Society