It’s absolutely heartbreaking to know there are dogs that don’t live their best lives.
As a proud owner of two beautiful dogs, I can’t come to terms with the fact that some pups struggle to live in inhumane conditions, far from being loved and cared for.
Sadly, this is the harsh reality for so many pooches, including 113 of them recently saved from a puppy mill in Joelton, Tennessee.
Animal control, along with the Sheriff’s Office, witnessed a shocking sight inside a residential apartment. More than a hundred severely neglected dogs were found, and their living conditions were absolutely deplorable!
Shocking Sight
It’s not uncommon for animal control officers to stumble upon illegal puppy mills. However, what they found inside one private residence in Joelton, Tennessee, was beyond shocking!
The team of rescuers discovered exactly one hundred and thirteen dogs, all small breeds, living in deplorable conditions.
The breeds included Maltese, Poodles, Havanese, Yorkies (including puppies), and many more. All of them lived on the verge of survival, “thanks to” a neglectful breeder.
“Rescuers discovered dogs and puppies living in extreme neglect. Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Havanese, Poodles, and “designer” mixes were found confined to filthy cages, pens, and makeshift enclosures throughout the house, with others loose and some in shockingly inhumane conditions,” the Tennessee rescue reported in the post.
There was urine and feces were everywhere. The living conditions were so devastatingly bad, even dangerous levels of ammonia were detected.
As a result, two of the pups lost their lives upon the rescuers’ arrival. Due to the tragic treatment, the dogs didn’t make it.
“High ammonia levels made the air inside the home dangerous, requiring rescuers to wear protective equipment. Tragically, two deceased dogs were discovered among the survivors,” the rescue added.
Some dogs found inside the residence suffered from dehydration, matting, severe infections, and parasites. Sadly, a few of them were diagnosed with parvo, a dangerous and fatal virus that attacks the immune system.
Thanks to Cheatham County animal control and the Sheriff’s Office, all of the dogs found were safely removed from the house. Those that needed urgent medical treatment were immediately transferred to animal hospitals.
The rest were taken in by animal control and Animal Rescue Corps, a non-profit organization saving animals in need.
Road To Recovery
Although some of the pups are already feeling so much better thanks to the ARC team, the organization explains that they do not adopt dogs out directly.
“As they are ready, we place the animals with pre-approved 501c3 non-profit placement partners where these animals will continue their journey to a loving home,” the rescue states.
Thanks to their partners and volunteers, all of the dogs saved from the puppy mill are receiving the much-needed care at the moment.
This includes physical treatment, social care, as well as fostering.
“At this time, the dogs and puppies are all receiving individual medical, physical, and social care with Animal Rescue Corps, powered by compassionate donors and volunteers,” ARC concluded.
When they are ready, there’s no doubt that every single one of these dogs will receive their shot at happiness. For now, all dogs are happy to finally feel loved and cared for again.
Thanks to the amazing community of rescuers in Cheatham County, Tennessee, another group of dogs is on their way to a better life!