First Group of Rescued Damascus Pets Ready for Adoption

 

Sofia had earlier lost an eye to infection and needed extensive surgery.
Hoot, a three-year-old female tabby, will be offered for adoption on Nov. 18.

OHS is seeking homes tomorrow, Nov. 18, for approximately 25 cats who were among nearly 100 pets rescued from a Damascus woman earlier this month.

 

(Note: You can see all the rescued pets currently available for adoption here.)

 

The cats were part of one of the largest animal hoarding cases OHS has seen in years ( story here) A total of 95 cats and two dogs were seized from the home a Damascus woman under a search warrant served Nov. 1 on her home on SE Foster Road.

 

OHS cited the owner this week for first and second degree animal neglect. Ownership of the pets was relinquished to OHS yesterday, paving the way for tomorrow’s adoption.

 

Many Animals in Medical Care

 

OHS plans to make all the animals seized available for adoption as soon as they are healthy enough to go to new homes. So far, only about 25 of the 97 animals are ready for adoption. “These animals have some of the worst medical conditions I have seen in a hoarding case,” said Dr. Kris Otteman, OHS director of shelter medicine.

 

One cat, Sofia (pictured), needed surgery to remove the remnants of an eye lost to a severe infection. The 97 seized animals were living in unsanitary conditions, with urine and feces everywhere. The ammonia-filled air resulted in severe upper respiratory infections and dental disease.

 

Most of the cats are underweight and several of them have missing eyes as a result of infections. All of the animals are being treated at the OHS Holman Medical Center. Many are undergoing extensive dental work and treatment with antibiotics.

 

Two Dogs In Need of Homes

Investigators also found two dogs living inside the home, an older bichon that has been named Schmoodle and a large shepherd mix now known as Oswald. Schmoodle, who is blind, received much needed grooming and dental work. Oswald, who could barely walk when he was rescued, is now being treated with medications for a condition similar to arthritis. His attitude and mobility have improved dramatically as a result of the medication. Both dogs will be available for adoption tomorrow and will need special homes willing to accommodate their special needs.

 

“With hundreds of cats already on a waiting list to come to OHS, finding homes for these rescued pets will help free up space for other cats in need,” said Dr. Otteman. OHS opens at 10 am tomorrow, at which time the public can see the cats available for adoption from the Damascus rescue. OHS is located at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97211.

 

Donations Needed

 

OHS is accepting donations of cat food and financial donations to offset the costs of caring for the rescued animals.

 

Make an online donation today to help fight animal neglect.