Late last week, a resident from Conewango Township reached out to the Adams County SPCA in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania asking for help with her dogs. For many years, the woman had bred and sold Dachshunds, but over the past few years had developed health issues precluding her from properly caring for the dogs.
She made the difficult decision to reach out and ask for help. We understand asking for help isn’t easy and we recognize her for taking that step.
When we arrived, we discovered 29 Dachshunds.
The dogs had been living in wire cages with straw and wood chips lining their enclosures. Sixteen of the dogs had been confined to the basement where it was hot, dark and loud; an overwhelming odor of dog excrement and urine permeated the entire area.
Overall, the dogs appeared to be in fair health, but many had overgrown nails, significant dental disease, matted coats and urine scald from spending so much time lying on soiled bedding.
Sadly these dogs had not been allowed outside for nearly three years.
When a rescuer opened one of the cages, the frightened dog pressed himself far back into the corner, stretched his nose towards the opening and as he squeezed his eyes shut from fear, he trembled uncontrollably.
This little dog’s entire world had been the basement where he had forgotten what the sun felt like on his face or how the grass felt beneath his feet. And that was all he had known for three years.
When I finally reached him, he was still shaking. I gently picked him up and held him against my chest. Within seconds, the trembling stopped. He tucked his little head beneath my arm and simply stayed there. He didn’t struggle. He didn’t try to bite. It was almost as if, despite being terrified, he somehow knew we were there to help.
All 29 of the dogs will begin new chapters in their lives. They will never live this way again.
Now just a few days later, on June 29, the Adams County SPCA has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for these little dogs. The dogs are reported to be doing well, but healing takes time.
Many of the dogs are still learning to trust people. What a shock, although obviously very pleasant for these dogs who have spent years in cages, to experience sounds, attention and delicious foods. Some are even venturing outdoors although the pace is slow, allowing the dogs to adjust at their own pace.
There have been hundreds of adoption inquiries as well as foster offers, but for now their progress is most important and takes priority. The rescue has received nearly 700 adoption applications. Because of the overwhelming response, they are no longer accepting applications for these Dachshunds.
Due to the number of dogs taken in, the Adams County SPCA will be closed until further notice. They only have 22 dog kennels and are now caring for a total of 45 dogs. Right now, every available minute is being spent caring for these animals.
If you would like to help, we are currently in need of:
• Puppy toys (new or gently used)
• Flat sheets (no fitted sheets)
• Bleach
• Dawn dish soap
• Disinfectant wipes
• Gift cards to Walmart, Amazon, or Chewy
• Monetary donations to help cover the cost of Veterinarian care, https://www.adamscountyspca.org/donate-1
At this time, we are well stocked on other supplies such as dog food, towels and blankets. If our needs change, we will post another update.
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