More than two dozen dogs ranging in age from 10 weeks to 5 years old that were being hoarded at a home in Pearcy will be re-homed through the Garland County Humane Society, its president said Friday.
A total of 28 dogs of different breeds, including Chihuahua, Australian shepherd and lab mixes, were found at the residence. Humane Society President Ivy Wood labeled the case as an atypical hoarding situation, due to how friendly the rescued pups were, despite the conditions.
"Usually in hoarding cases the dogs aren't as social, but the guy who owned them really loved them. He just couldn't turn a dog away," Wood said. "It's a shame that this is a common occurrence around the state of Arkansas."
She said the man started with four of his own dogs and continued taking in pups that were "dumped on his porch." Wood said the society was contacted by two neighbors who originally believed the dogs were strays when they discovered there were more than 25 dogs with one owner.
In typical hoarding situations, the dogs haven't seen a vet or received proper shots, spay or neutering, or inspections for fleas, worms or ticks, Wood said.
"It's truly a menagerie like nothing I've ever seen. He lost some puppies to parvo this year and there's no telling other ones he lost over the years," Wood said. "If those dogs weren't fixed we would have had a multitude of more puppies."
Kennel manager Kaye Gilder, who aided with the rescue, said there was no indecision about helping, even though the shelter typically remains at capacity due to the society's no-kill policy.
"Though we stay at capacity, we really try to take in the dogs that need a second chance and haven't had it," Gilder said. "Situations like this we can't resist."
The society is raising money to sponsor routine vet care for the dogs, as well as surgery for one puppy that is missing an eye and another with an injured paw. With an initial financial goal of $5,000, Wood said they are considering raising it after achieving two-thirds of the goal in the past week.
She said the Pearcy man had a hard time letting the puppies go, but he was kindhearted and was assured the society will find homes for the dogs to have a better life.
Wood said Bones Chophouse, 3920 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, will offer a lunch-to-go fundraiser in its parking lot on July 23 with all proceeds aiding the dogs.
"This community is terrific about supporting us. I've been so heart-warmed by the community's willingness to help," Wood said.
Donations can also be made through the society's Facebook page.
Local on 07/14/2018