In late January, Oregon Humane Society partnered with The Dalles Police Department on a case of suspected animal neglect. Nine Dogue de Bordeaux dogs were living in unsanitary conditions and lacking the minimum standard of care, including access to food and water.
The dogs were seized and transported to OHS’ Behavior & Rescue Center where they’ve been residing while the case works through the court system.
Many of the dogs were fearful, shutdown, and suffering from injury and illness. For five months, OHS has been providing extensive medical and behavioral care to help them overcome their traumatic past. Staff and volunteers have spent countless hours teaching them to trust, play, and enjoy the companionship of humans.
A Quiet Place to Recover
This case is a perfect example of why OHS built the Behavior & Rescue Center — these dogs were able to live in a quiet space away from the main shelter while their case works through the courts. Holding dogs for this long in the main shelter would have also had a negative impact on OHS’ ability to help other dogs in need.
Now, the dogs are thriving and five of them are ready to go home. Check out their adoption profile here.
Since these dogs are not in public viewing areas, potential adopters will be asked to fill out an online adoption questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with an adoption counselor. During this meeting, OHS staff will discuss the unique needs of this breed and dogs who have experienced neglect. The dogs will stay at the Behavior & Rescue Center to provide continuity and routine until they meet with prospective adopters and go home.
How You Can Help Today
Helping these dogs for this long would not have been possible without the Behavior & Rescue Center, the expertise of our staff and volunteers, and the generosity of donors like you. The life-saving programs at OHS are not funded by tax dollars — we rely on your support to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
Costs for this case alone have exceeded $50,000.
Sadly, there are always other victims of neglect who need our help. In fact, just last week OHS received 30 cats and two birds from Washington County Animal Services from a suspected neglect case. We are currently assessing the specialized needs of the cats and birds so that we can provide them with the care they need to move forward, but we can’t do this work without your help.
This Dogue de Bordeaux case is still in progress, so there is limited information we can share. However, OHS is grateful for the hard work and dedication of The Dalles Police Department and The Dalles Police Department’s Animal Control Officer to help these dogs begin a new life.
We are excited for these dogs to begin a new chapter in a loving home.
