May 8, 2010: Fifteen of the Chihuahuas rescued last month from Weston (see story below) will be available for adoption beginning Saturday, May 8.
The dogs range in age from nine months to eleven years old; the puppies are still too young for adoption.
The public is invited to meet the dogs starting at 10:00 am at the OHS shelter at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland. Adoption fees range from $85 to $150 and include many extras (every dog is spayed/neutered, vaccinated and provided with an identifying microchip).
OHS is looking for special homes for these dogs--owners who understand how to deal with traumatized dogs. These dogs are not house trained, nor should they go to a home with small children.
April 19, 2010: An eight-person team from the Oregon Humane Society rescued 22 dogs from a residence in eastern Oregon on Saturday, where the animals were living in a small single family house choked with garbage, feces and urine.
The residents of the house were under investigation by Oregon Child Protective Services when local authorities asked for assistance in removing the animals from some of the worst conditions rescuers had seen.
Dressed in hazardous materials protective suits and using respirators, the OHS rescuers scoured through the debris-filled house to remove 21 Chihuahuas, including eight puppies. A border collie mix who was chained to the front porch of the house was also removed after the residents voluntarily relinquished ownership of all the animals.
"The stench was almost overwhelming, even with a respirator” said OHS employee Amy Degiovanni, who lead the rescue efforts. “I’ve never seen so much filth and trash inside a house. I am so glad our team was able to remove these dogs and get them to our shelter.”
Located in Weston, northeast of Pendleton, the house is about a four-hour trip from the OHS shelter in Portland.
The dogs will be examined by the medical team at the OHS animal hospital and made available for adoption as soon as possible -- perhaps this week. The dogs did not appear to be suffering from serious illnesses or injuries.
Authorities in Weston requested the assistance of OHS in removing all dogs from the property and finding them new homes. The district attorney's office is considering animal neglect charge against the owners.
"We're thankful for the help the Oregon Humane Society provided us," said Weston Police Officer Joshua Henningsen. "We did not have the resources to handle a situation involving so many dogs, nor did any other humane society we contacted."
OHS rescues hundreds of animals each from neglect and abuse across Oregon, without receiving any funding from government agencies.
“Thanks to our supporters, OHS can be there for animals like those in Weston when the need us most,” said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. “Life for these pets just too a dramatic turn for the better.”
Monetary Donations Needed
OHS relies entirely on private donations to to rescue neglected and abused animals.
