More rescued dogs are on the move

Submitted by EARS volunteer Tereza Marks of Bonita Springs, Florida

A volunteer loads cats onto the truck

Today was a long and bittersweet day for the EARS volunteers here in Alabama. We arrived at the temporary shelter at 6 a.m. to help load animals for their trip to find new homes in Florida. The HSUS trailer backed up to the loading door of the barn we are using as a shelter, then the EARS volunteers got to work loading 77 dogs and 23 cats for their trip.

This big boy didn't want to walk on a
leash so EARS volunteers carried him. 

First on the trailer were the remaining 23 cats at the shelter.  Each was placed into a carrier and put into the trailer. Next were the dogs. EARS volunteers had their work cut out for them, as many of the dogs didn't know how to walk on a leash or were too skittish to walk through the crowded shelter and had to be carried. Once secured in a carrier, their paperwork was checked and each dog was put on the trailer.

The litter of six puppies is headed
to Florida for adoption

Many volunteers saw their favorites leave today-- including the litter of puppies. My favorite left today for her new life in Palm Beach -- what a lucky dog! The dogs were being transported to shelters in Naples, Tampa and Palm Beach for adoption. A pit bull rescue organization in Florida took many of the pit mixes. Every volunteer was glad to know that the dogs are on the way to their forever homes, but at the same time felt a sense of loss for the dogs they had grown to know and love over the past few days.

EARS volunteers are spending quality
time with the 55 remaining dogs

After the truck left, only 55 dogs remained in the temporary shelter. The shelter felt eeerily quiet and empty. However, this also meant many of the dogs who had been in smaller enclosures got to move to the larger, more luxurious kennels and volunteers had more time to work with and socialize them. After spending much of the day clearing out crates and cleaning up, EARS volunteers spent some one-on-one time with the dogs who are a little scared or skittish. The dogs seemed to really appreciate all the extra attention and many seemed to have smiles on their faces.

In addition to the loss of the dogs, many volunteers who had been with the rescue since the beginning left to return to their real lives. Friendships recently made will be lost, but who knows -- maybe we will meet again.

Tomorrow will be more cleaning up and tearing down ... but we will have time for treats, playing, walks and some fun with the remaining dogs.

En route to freedom and love

Submitted by EARS volunteer Tereza Marks of Bonita Springs, Florida

UAN volunteers carry a crate to the truck

Yesterday more than 40 dogs and 3 cats left the temporary shelter in Dothan, Alabama to find their forever homes. The Montgomery Humane Society took the dogs to their facility. They came early in the morning and EARS volunteers worked with their staff and HSUS to get the animals crated and on the truck. A local rescue group, Wiregrass Humane Society, took three of the cats for adoption. 

UAN Emergency Services Manager
says goodbye to Stubby

Many of the EARS volunteers were emotional about seeing some of their favorite animals go.  Stubby, a volunteer favorite, is a yellow Lab who paced around her cage holding her "baby" in her mouth. She was named Stubby because, although she appeared to be a purebred yellow Lab, she had a stubby tail more like that of an Australian Shepherd. When Stubby was loaded into her crate,  she went with her toy and a note saying "please let her keep her toy." Montgomery Humane Society staff assured us that she would be allowed to do so. Amanda, a UAN volunteer from Athens, Georgia said she had to put up an emotional block when Stubby went because she reminded her so much of a yellow Lab she used to have who carried a blanket in her mouth just like Stubby carries her toy.

A bulldog who was previously tied
up outside awaits his ride
to Montgomery Humane Society. 

Carol, EARS volunteer from Tampa, Florida also saw one of her favorites go today: Hunk, a Catahoula leopard dog mix.  She said she felt so much pride that she was able to help a dog like him go from a horrible life to a new, happy one. This was her first deployment with UAN and she said she would deploy again whenever she is asked. Although she has lots of disaster response experience, she said she was really impressed with the way the shelter was run and her fellow volunteers. Carol thinks everyone should help in a response like this because not ony did she feel grateful that she was able to help, but she also learned a lot about herself.

One volunteer said something that touched me: "These dogs will eventually know freedom for the first time in their lives." Although the journey may be scary to them -- going from chain to crate in a temporary shelter to crate on a truck and finally to a shelter for adoption -- these dogs are now only one step away from their forever homes. Today, 70 more dogs will be on their way to shelters throughout Florida -- and to freedom and love.

Love at first sight at the temporary shelter

In between feeding, watering, cleaning and watering, the UAN volunteers at the temporary shelter in Dothan, Alabama still have time to fall in love -- with the rescued dogs and cats under their care, that is!

UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies talked to a few volunteers about the animals who have touched their hearts this week.

Wendy Leonard of Perry, Georgia

Wendy Leonard says she is always drawn to bully breeds. Eight years ago she was asked to foster an eight- week-old pit puppy who was abandoned in a hotel room. Today, that puppy is now asleep on her couch. Here at the temporary shelter, Wendy's love of pit bulls continues. This little girl was just giddy with delight when Wendy went into her kennel to spend time with her. Little pittie tail wags hitting the side of the kennel ring out through the shelter whenever Wendy walks by her cage. I think she sees Wendy as her new best friend, but we know Wendy is really her guardian angel.

Julie Rathbun of Mobile, Alabama

Julie Rathbun was trying not to fall for anyone. When I asked if she had a favorite she said “no." Then about 10 minutes later she came to me, somewhat sheepishly and said, “Okay, there is this one pretty girl….” I asked Julie what caught her attention and she said it was the dog's beautiful and sweet face. She handles herself like a true lady and even prances when she walks. “She’s just a fascinating dog," Julie said.

Dee Dee Parker of
Olive Branch, Mississippi

Dee Dee Parker used to raise and show collies, so she will always have a soft spot for them. Even though this guy is probably a mix – matted and dirty – Dee Dee still sees what a great dog he is going to become. And then  that face, who wouldn’t fall for that face? Dee Dee's only concern is that her grandkids will see this picture and she’ll get in trouble for not bringing him home.

Cute puppy pics from the temporary shelter

We just received some photos from Dothan, Alabama, where UAN volunteers are caring for 198 dogs and 31 cats rescued from an overrun private animal shelter on February 28. The owner of the shelter relinquished custody of the animals to the local sheriff's department, and they will be transferred to rescue groups and shelters for adoption in the coming days. In the meantime, UAN's volunteers are making sure the animals are comfortable and content in their temporary digs at the local fairgrounds.

Thanks to EARS volunteer Tereza Marks for these photos!

UAN volunteers prepare to take a dog for a walk. The
"double leash" method is safer and prevents escapes.

UAN volunteers make sure all dogs have 

water throughout the day.

EARS volunteer Julie Rathbun gives a little love to a dog.

A row of crates in the temporary shelter.

A litter of puttie puppies was among the rescued animals.

You can't have too many puppy pictures!

Volunteer Tereza Marks and a sweet little pit mix.

Exercise and socialization helps prepare the dogs for 

adoption into permanent homes.

This girl is a little shy but very sweet. Volunteers say 

her whine sounds like she is talking.

This gal walks around her kennel all day with her toy. 

She will, however, give you the toy if you ask!

• Read more about this case at uan.org.
• Support our work: Donate to our Disaster Relief Fund.

An amazing group of survivors

Submitted by EARS volunteer Debbie Ferguson of Kildeer, Illinois

Hello from Hilliard, Ohio where UAN volunteers are helping the ASPCA and the Clark County Humane Society shelter and care for more than 350 dogs seized from a private sheltering operation on February 22. Our temporary shelter is set up at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, where the dogs are being housed in individual kennels within horse stalls. They are primarily large adult mixed breeds but we do have a few small and mid-sized dogs in the bunch as well. 

A dog at the seizure site.
Photo: Mike Bizelli/ASPCA

The majority of the dogs are very frightened and skittish, hiding in the backs of their kennels and cringing as people approach them. But we are already starting to notice many of them relaxing more as time goes on and they get used to (and begin to enjoy) human contact. Most have visible signs of the neglectful conditions they have been living in: dirty, feces-covered matted hair, old scars and untreated injuries, bad teeth, mange, open sores and even untreated broken bones. Many are suffering from diseases and medical conditions that have gone untreated for long periods of time. Several older dogs are blind or have cataracts.

Two dogs await rescue at the seizure site.
Photo: Mike Bizelli/ASPCA

As at most UAN deployments, the volunteers are quickly becoming attached to their favorites. The large black Lab with cataracts is a big Teddy bear, the older dog with the broken legs that were never treated is a complete cuddler, and the three very pregnant dogs are nothing but loving to all who come near them. A tiny little spaniel with a terrible skin condition has stolen my heart, as has her neighbor, a collie/shepherd youngster with a smile for everyone who will likely be one of the first dogs to find a new forever family.

We do have some new additions already as two dogs have had puppies since arriving at the shelter. The new moms couldn’t be any different; one is protective of her pups while the other is proud of her brood and wants to share them with everyone who comes near. 

EARS volunteers look over a dog's
paperwork at the temporary shelter.
Photo: Debbie Ferguson

All in all, it was a good day here in Ohio for those of us UAN volunteers lucky enough to participate in the care and socialization of this amazing group of survivors. We have a nice routine going and the UAN shelter Team Leaders -- Jeanne DeGrauwe, Lauren Payne, Diane Buhl and Donna Lagomarsino -- did a wonderful job leading a constant influx of new local volunteers while maintaining a safe environment for both the people and the dogs. We look forward to having another new group of UAN volunteers join us tomorrow to carry on the good work of caring for, sheltering and socializing our new friends. As always, I am proud to be associated with such a great group of people!

Rescued animals are "bursting with personality"

It’s been a long couple of days in Alabama for the UAN volunteers tending to 198 dogs and 31 cats rescued from Dirty Sally’s Pet Pals on Monday. Many of the dogs were found chained to trees around the property and the cats were living in a dirty pen exposed to the elements. Because very little food was available, some dogs were eating leaves, acorns and even rocks.

A dog with mange.

UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies gave us an update about the condition of the dogs yesterday. “We’re seeing a lot of symptoms typical of neglect -- severe mange, the worst I have ever seen, emaciation, eye issues and some neurological problems,” she said.

About 20 percent of the dogs have mange that has gone untreated for so long their feet are swollen and painful and their skin is scabby and itchy.

The picture of contentment.

To say they are in a better place now is an understatement.

UAN’s Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers are now spoiling these once-neglected animals inside the warmth of a temporary shelter. They are giving the dogs blankets and making “hammocks” for the cats. Volunteers are cleaning kennels, keeping food and water bowls full, and helping veterinarians conduct full exams.

One of 31 rescued cats.

The dogs are responding with smiles and tail wags, the cats with grateful purrs and relaxed slumber.

“These are some of the friendliest, sweetest dogs I have ever met,” Janell said. “I have never seen such a content shelter. The dogs are so appreciative, so glad they are not living outside on a chain in the dirt anymore. Most of the cats were sleeping upside-down within minutes of getting their hammocks.”

Have blanket, will nap.

When volunteers made the rounds with blankets yesterday, the dogs didn’t need any prompting. They sprawled out on their new luxurious comforts and quickly fell asleep.

“The dogs are sitting in their kennels looking peaceful and content and are not phased by the activity around them,” Janell said. “The pictures we have of the dogs now are an extreme difference from the environment they came from.”

Most of the dogs are adults and large -- mixed breeds, pure-bred Labrador retrievers, pit bulls, bull dogs. You name it, they’ve got it at the temporary shelter. And, Janell said, “They have won us over already.”

This dog brought her toy "baby" to the
shelter from the rescue site.

One Lab was carrying a stuffed toy in her mouth at the rescue site. She was so reluctant to put it down that responders brought it to the temporary shelter. She can still be seen most hours with her “baby” in her mouth.  A litter of six pit bull puppies has also melted hearts.

“At this point all of them are our ‘favorites,’” Janell said. “These dogs are bursting with personality and charm.”

A litter of pit bull puppies.

When UAN is busy, animals are happy

A popular adage says, "When it rains it pours," and it is certainly raining cats and dogs for United Animal Nations (UAN). But when UAN is busy, that means neglected animals are on their way to a better life. 

A litter of pit bull puppies was among the
198 dogs and 31 cats rescued in Alabama

Our Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers are caring for almost 600 animals removed from two overcrowded and unsafe private shelters in Ohio and Alabama.

On February 28, 12 EARS volunteers began caring for 198 dogs and 31 cats removed from dirty and unsafe conditions at Dirty Sally’s Pet Pals, a nonprofit in Gordon, Alabama claiming to offer animals for adoption.

Two of the dogs rescued from Dirty Sally's
Pet Pals. Photo: Kathy Milani/HSUS

The animals at Dirty Sally’s Pet Pals were housed in feces-ridden outdoor pens, inside dilapidated trailers and chained to trees throughout the property. Cats were living in a dirty pen with little protection from the cold and rain. A veterinarian determined that many of the dogs suffered from medical ailments such as skin infections, untreated wounds and other serious ailments.

UAN Emergency Services Manager Janell Matthies report that most of the dogs are happy and friendly despite enduring years of neglect. They have been taking plenty of naps between a steady routine of feeding, cleaning and vet exams.

Watch this video of rescued dog Rosie who has transformed from a terrified dog on a chain to a loving, playful pet-in-waiting:

A pup rescued in Ohio falls asleep in the
arms of a UAN volunteer

Meanwhile, in Franklin County, Ohio, another team of EARS volunteers is tending to 350 dogs freed from a similar case of neglect -- overcrowded and filthy conditions at a private animal sheltering operation known as One More Chance Rescue and Adoption in Springfield, Ohio.

The dogs were forced to live in their own waste, alongside rats and other vermin. Many were in critical condition and varying stages of illness. One More Chance Rescue and Adoption has been declared a public health nuisance and animal cruelty charges are still pending in this case.

A dog huddles outside before the rescue.
Photo: Mike Bizelli/ASPCA

EARS volunteer Norma Rodriguez of Bellflower, California says the dogs are matted and underweight, but friendly and curious about the EARS volunteers who are feeding them and cleaning their kennels. Last night one Labrador mix gave birth to eight puppies --all of them healthy and ready to start their lives in a better place than their mother was rescued from.

"They were born in a warm, clean environment, and their Momma is really proud of them, showing them off to everyone who passes by," Norma said.

Read more about the Ohio response in our press release.

Please visit the UAN Web site to learn more about animal hoarding, a psychological condition in which people collect more animals than they can provide proper food, shelter, sanitation and veterinary care for.

You can also support UAN’s work to provide temporary sheltering for animals rescued from large-scale cruelty situations by donating to our Disaster Relief Fund.