Editor’s Note: Adrian Hirsch is the development director of Companion Animal Alliance.
On a sunny morning last week, a small herd of Maltipoos experienced the joys of romping in the grass, probably for the first time in their lives. The 23 dogs had arrived at the shelter only two days before.
Firefighters responded to a blaze on Sherbrook Avenue last Tuesday. While the home was devoid of human inhabitants, the first responders were surprised to find the home and a shed filled with terrified dogs and cats.
By the time Animal Control officers arrived, most of the cats had scattered, and firefighters had begun administering oxygen to several dogs. While two dogs and one cat perished, Animal Control officers transported the remainder to Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) shelter. Only two experienced ill effects of smoke inhalation. Still, the dogs’ were in deplorable condition.
Due to severe neglect and unsanitary living conditions, the animals’ coats were severely matted, soaked with urine and enmeshed in new and old feces. There were so many layers of dried excrement on the dogs’ feet, they almost seemed to have hooves.
“Usually when we get a large group of dogs at one time, they have been seized from an amateur dog fighting ring,” CAA Assistant Director Paula Shaw says. “Rarely do we receive this amount of neglected animals who require treatment and extensive grooming.”
Despite their precarious health, the Maltese/poodle, schnauzer and brindle Catahoula mixes greeted rescuers and shelter staff with wagging tails and hope in their eyes. CAA staff members and volunteers wasted no time evaluating the health, temperament testing and gently bathing and clipping each animal. The process took more than two days. Previously confined to filthy crates, the freshly shorn dogs are now physically unencumbered and able to run and play in CAA’s grassy enclosure.
“It’s so gratifying for the staff to see such a quick improvement in the physical and mental state of these very sweet dogs,” Shaw says. “It’s these happy memories that tide you over on the days when work gets really tough.”
The animals’ owner was arrested and charged with felony cruelty by the state of Louisiana last Wednesday. She has 30 days to post bond to fight the cruelty charges. Since there is a chance the owner can reclaim the animals, the dogs cannot be released to foster care or made available for adoption until the court case has been settled. For updates on the Sherbrook dogs, visit caabr.org.
Nonetheless, CAA has plenty adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, who are ready to find new homes including:
Creature Feature
Khloe (foster care) is a 2-year-old Maltese/Shih Tzu mix. She gets along with dogs and is scared of cats. Weighing in at about 10 pounds, she is a petite, sweet girl who prefers snuggling to just about any activity.
Newman (#50344) is a 3-month-old very playful brown tabby.
Rusty (foster care) is a 2-year-old Catahoula leopard dog. He loves to ride in the car and gets along wonderfully with big and small dogs. He is as sweet as he is beautiful. And, he isn’t just a pretty face; he is a smart boy that already knows sit and shake!
Kate (foster care) is a beautiful Persian torti mix kitten.
Etta (#48989) is a total snuggle bug. This adult black-and-white beauty wants nothing more than to sit in your lap and be petted all day long.
Wonka (foster care) is an adult male Jindo/terrier mix.
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance. Click here for more information.
