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Living the Good Life

May 07, 2008, 4:9PM MT

By Kelli Ohrtman

Puppy mill dogs are settling in to temporary digs, getting medical care in Los Angeles

What a difference a week makes. At this time last week, forty little dogs were sitting in their cages in Lancaster County, CA with a bleak future at best. Their puppies were taken from them and transported to boutique pet stores in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, bringing as much as $4,000 to the pet store owner. After their last-minute rescue by Last Chance for Animals and Best Friends, the dogs are now in a much better place.

How does one find a safe place for nearly forty dogs to go—with only few hours’ notice? In this case, Jennifer Krause, Best Friends Campaign Specialist called up her friends at Blue Dog Ranch in Burbank.

“This was definitely a surprise to them,” Jennifer said. “I’ve been working with David Roe, Blue dog’s owner, for years. When I called him, he basically said, ‘no problem’ and made it happen.” A separate quarantine area was set up to keep the puppy mill dogs and the other dogs at Blue Dog safe, and to prevent possible diseases from spreading. Jennifer said, “Blue Dog has been bending over backwards—they’ve been amazing because these little guys require constant cleaning up after and feeding and making sure they’re all okay.”

Let’s Get Fixed
The next priority is making sure all the dogs are spayed and neutered. Another big task when you’re talking about nearly forty dogs. But again, it’s all about knowing who to call. Best Friends called Mary Martin of Clinico, an organization that provides low-cost spay/neuter to cats and dogs in the Los Angeles area. Martin said “It’s an honor to help with this project; we’re thrilled to help Best Friends with these dogs from such a dire situation out in Lancaster County.” But there was just one hitch—Clinico doesn’t have a clinic at the moment. Theirs is being remodeled.

But, Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) was more than happy to offer their vet clinic in Downey, CA. In fact, SEAACA is donating quite a lot in services to these needy dogs. In addition to the veterinarian provided by Clinico, SEAACA has arranged for:

-Free spay or neuter for all thirty-six dogs
-The skills of three vets, two vet techs, two animal care technicians
-Free transport from Blue Dog to the clinic, and back again
-Vaccines, bloodwork and exams for every dog

And they’re doing it all after hours so none of their regularly scheduled surgeries are pushed aside. It’s estimated that the exams, surgeries and recovery time will be six to eight hours, plus transport time. Dan Morrison, Executive Director of SEAACA said, “When Mary called and asked if we could help, it was a simple decision. This is the work we’re charged with; assisting Best Friends or any other organization is what we do.” SEAACA and Clinico have stepped in to make the spay/neuter process as easy as possible. And who better to take care of the task ahead than a team who spays and neuters as many as 5,000 animals a year?

Back at the Ranch…
Jennifer reports that the dogs are doing very well, though they still show many signs of where they came from. She said, “Considering everything they’ve been through, these guys are very sweet with people. This is just such an entirely different environment than they’ve ever experienced, but I think they get it—I think they know we’re here to help.”

One Shih Tzu, so far identified only as #4, is becoming a fast favorite. Jennifer said, “She’s one of the sweetest dogs ever. She’s completely blind, has terrible dental disease, arthritis, bad skin, an umbilical hernia and ear infections in both ears.” Despite how uncomfortable she must feel, the little tan and white dog only wants to curl up on any available lap.

Number seven, also a Shih Tzu, “Breaks my heart,” Jennifer said. “She’s the least socialized in the group-she’s just been standing in the corner with her back to us. She seems very depressed, and she’s got blocked tear ducts like many of the dogs here do, which makes her look like she’s crying. But each time I come back to visit her, she seems a little less scared.” With time, hopefully all the dogs will learn that people can be good—not always bad.

One little Chihuahua has no problem understanding that! “She has a terrible underbite (which is actually very cute) and awful teeth, and all she wants is to lick your face. She’s all about love.”

Your Help is Needed!
Best Friends couldn’t do this work without the help of our many supporters in the fight against puppy mills and the pet trade. If you would like to help support Best Friends’ work to stop puppy mills by making a donation, please click here.

Visit our Partners on the web:
-Blue Dog Ranch: www.bluedogboarding.com
-Clinico: http://www.clinico.org
-SEAACA: www.seaaca.org

By Kelli Ohrtman: Best Friends Animal Society

Comments

Posted May 07, 2008, 10:12PM by rickmcd

Great work Jennifer, Blue Dog Ranch and everyone else involved in this rescue!

Posted May 08, 2008, 1:38PM by ruthy92

The message from all these puppy mill busts is that these dogs are loving, affectionate companions that are being tortured by these breeders.

These dogs are not objects to be shoved in a cage and bred to death.

And the farming industry and departments of agriculture need to hear that loud and clear.

Protecting these puppy mills in the name of "farming" is not acceptable to Americans.

Posted May 13, 2008, 1:16PM by laddie

This was great to see; such a coup& one more for the "good guys." Now, can anyone help me figure out where to start with 2 "shelters" in San Bernardino County. The Riverside Press Enterprise paper published an expose on the SB City Shelter yesterday, 5/12/08, regarding the horrendous conditions at that "shelter." This was instigated by a former employee & present volunteer. I, personally, know first hand about this & the County "shelter" in Devore. The No Kill shelter that I work with has snatched several little dogs that were on death row at the city "shelter"; all of whom were sick with URI & one little guy, Junior, was euthanized due to Parvo. Where to start? Where to get help? Geri

Posted May 09, 2008, 1:13PM by frankie_paws

Wow, what teamwork! Forty saved from inhumane conditions that exist for the "love of money" and the exploitation of companion animals. I am transporting 5 yorkies from a puppy mill situation on Saturday and I am delighted to be able to help them in some small way. Kudos to all those responsible for showing these deserving dogs what love and care is all about.

Posted May 10, 2008, 12:39PM by marys

This is overwhelming. "It takes a village" is certainly true, and special thanks to everyone involved in this meaningful work.

Posted May 10, 2008, 6:6PM by mimi

Kelli, thank you for walking us through how everyone came together for the welfare of these wonderful dogs. Hopefully, this model of cooperation and communication will be replicated many times over to the benefit of animals all over the country.

Posted May 09, 2008, 5:44PM by dogsrule

As a supporter of animal rescue, I had the honor of witnessing a small part of this momentous endeavour. I was able to visit some of these sweet little babies and the angels who liberated them. Their circumstances broke my heart, but, at the same time, I felt such joy for them. Thank you, thank you, Last Chance for Animals! Thank you Chris De Rose and your team of super heros for tirelessly shining the light on these greedy puppy factories and why pet stores are the wrong place to get your next family member. Thank you Cindy, Lisa, Brian, Kim and Joel , Carol Sax and Elle. Without Last Chance for Animals superhuman efforts this would never have been possible. You all deserve a rest after all the grueling hours without sleep. (But, I know you won't ever rest!) Also, thanks to the rescuers like Ellen(Animals Alliance), Elle (Strangest Angels) and Brittany Foundation for stepping up to shelter these innocent little victims of human greed. Kudos to Jen Krause at Best Friends, too, for her tireless efforts in arranging vet care and coordinating the dissemination of these little guys. Teamwork is the only way!

I hope the public does not forget that when the shelters get inundated after these puppy factories are busted, other dogs must be euthanized to make room for them. It is so important to adopt. I visit the local shelters and rescues frequently, and "pure breds" abound. I scratch my head when people are suprised to hear there are "pure bred" dogs in the shelter. I have witnessed people drop off their "pure bred" dogs in the pounds, more times, than I care to remember. Always with the same lame excuses: New baby, the dog is sick or injured(broken), no time, moving.........

Posted May 09, 2008, 3:46PM by jvest58

God Bless Best Friends and those who help support them. I am so amazed at the network of pet friendly organizations/businesses that come the their aid when needed.