Earlier this year, our Investigations & Rescue team received a call about 31 animals suffering from horrible neglect. It was a hoarding case in a single-family home. As we often see with hoarding cases, the situation had gotten out of hand and the owner had nowhere else to turn. Sadly, the animals had been suffering for months or more and were in terrible shape. They had severe flea infestations, upper respiratory infections with bloody nasal discharge, open sores, infections of the skin/ears/eyes, dental disease, and were underweight and dehydrated. We knew their suffering could not go on.
Our team responded on-scene to bring the animals to safety as quickly as possible and get them the medical care they desperately needed. We brought 19 cats and three dogs back to our sanctuary in extremely poor condition. Nine other cats were taken in by two partner rescue organizations (Friends of the Animals Foundation and Motley Zoo). We got to work quickly to begin treating the animals and making them comfortable. They got to enjoy clean air, water, and food for the first time in months. The dogs were very scared and withdrawn, so we worked carefully to get them feeling safe around humans again.
Sophie, the oldest of the three dogs, started vomiting and having other medical issues very quickly after arriving. We rushed her to surgery at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital where she had a large tumor on her spleen removed. The surgeon confirmed that it would have ruptured and killed her had we not acted quickly. We are grateful we could save her life. Our sanctuary provides a unique place for animals to heal from trauma like this. They receive round-the-clock medical care to ensure a full recovery. Your generosity makes this possible.
For a rescue like this, it involves weeks of extensive care that includes treating skin and intestinal parasites, management of nutritional issues, wound care, grooming, spay or neuter surgeries, dental work, and behavioral rehabilitation. This work is difficult and costly, but these survivors count on us.
The animals have all made incredible progress at our sanctuary and are now happy, healthy, and thriving! Sophie and all of the cats have been adopted. Gus and Lala are ready and patiently waiting for their forever home, learn more about adopting them here.
