Hundreds Of Dogs Saved From Deplorable Conditions

DACULA, GA — Hundreds of dogs were rescued over the weekend when several pet organizations coordinated efforts in Montgomery and Candler counties, saving dogs from a suspected German Sheppard puppy mill owner.

Dacula's Canine Pet Rescue was among the organizations that organized volunteers to travel to south Georgia where an estimated 250-300 dogs rescued between both locations.

The property owner has reportedly been arrested.

"Conditions were worse than we ever could have imagined," said Carla Brown, founder of Canine Pet Rescue, a Gwinnett County nonprofit. Brown is also a Gwinnett County State Court Judge. "Many of the dogs will need to be shaved and bathed four or five times."

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Brown said a few were in decent enough shape to be adopted as early as this weekend, but, she emphasized, only to the right home.

"Many of these dogs have never been on a leash," she said. "They will freak out on a leash. Volunteers had to carry most of them.

"The community has been amazing in this effort," Brown continued. "They donated so many crates to use we had to say, 'that's enough.' It says a lot about our community to have such a great response."

One volunteer, Wendy Darling, from the Atlanta Humane Society, described her experience during the rescue.

"I’m a volunteer at Atlanta Humane Society and over the course of 5+ hours helped clean up the five dogs at one of their two locations," she said in a Canine Pet Rescue Facebook post. "They were in deplorable condition, a couple of them really sickening to see. They look and smell better after their first-ever baths but will need several more and lots of brushing. Meanwhile, among the five there were several health problems, including major hair loss, tumors (hopfully benign), severe skin irritation, a fresh puncture wound, dirty ears — and they’re all underweight. We at least didn’t run into any fleas or ticks, and I believe all or most of them tested negative for heart worm. They’re sweet dogs, a couple pretty friendly, but all of them are so confused right now and a couple are rather terrified, it’s all too much for them. They will be getting lots of love.

"Thank you to everyone for helping deal with this terrible situation, whether it’s hands-on, giving supplies, donating money, offering transport, fostering, or spreading word of this," said Darling.

Here is an after picture of one of the dogs, who’s been named Fiona.

Fiona

Some of the dogs will be taken into the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Jail Dogs Program. Many, however, will need massive health care before being available for adoption. As a result, volunteers said monetary donations are an urgent need right now.

If you order from Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com and designate Canine Pet Rescue as the charity to get the donation.

Items can also be dropped off at the Gwinnett County Jail or at The Bondsman in Lawrenceville, at 584 Buford Drive.

Food: Salmon and sweet potato are needed because it’s low allergen and these dogs will need the fish. If you have a Costco membership, it’s called Natures Domain and is in the blue bag. No Costco membership, no problem! Blue Buffalo Wilderness is also a great one.

Supplements: Fish oil and Glucosamine. Fish oil can be pills 1000-1200 mg or liquid. Glucosamine- Glycoflex Plus by Vetriscience. We are being specific about supplements and food because we expect health issues and immunity compromises.

Martingale collars: a specific type for German Sheppards. Small, medium and large are needed.

Toy: Kongs, antlers, black rubber balls and jolly balls.

Leashes. Dual handle leashes are greatly appreciated! Paws Lifestyles heavy duty two handled leashes are $13.95 each on Amazon. Any heavy canvas or leather leash with a metal clip will work.
We need money. We will have to buy heart worm meds and flea/tick meds, spay and neuter, and so many other things, so if you don’t want to donate goods, please give money at: caninepetrescue.networkforgood.com

Finally, fosters and adopters are needed. If you are already approved as a foster or adopter for Canine Pet Rescue, you can pick up a dog now.

SEE ALSO:
Gorgeous Dogs Available Through Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program
Dead, Sick Puppies Found In GA Pet Stores: Humane Society Report

Photos and video courtesy Canine Pet Rescue