Seized pups gaining weight, confidence
SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. -- Things are looking up for most of the hundreds of dogs seized from a suspected puppy mill in Mount Vernon.
Since the dogs were taken from Marjorie and Richard Sundberg's kennel last month, they've come a long way.
Deputies found a number of dogs without access to food or water. Many dogs were heavily matted and standing in their own feces on wire cages or a cement floor. Animal control officers said a handful of the dogs may be suffering from a disease called coccidia.
In just a few weeks, many of these animals have gained weight and confidence. Groomers have shaved the dogs' matted hair.Vets have removed rotten teeth and checked for parasites. More than 250 dogs have been taken in by foster families.
"He was thin and malnourished, now he's a holy terror," said Joan Crane of her foster dog.
On Monday rescuers at Saving Pets One At A Time, or S.P.O.T., called in foster families to weigh, vaccinate and update the charts of the rescued dogs.
At least 12 dogs have died, including an entire litter.
Foster mom Melissa McPhaden said the chihuahua in her care initially resembled an image out of the Guinness Book of Records.
"She was so nervous to walk because her toenails curled under her paws. So it was painful for her to even walk," she said. "Now she's just running around."
S.P.O.T. Rescuers say vet bills are approaching $18,000. The seized dogs have undergone eye surgery, Cesarean sections and jaw reconstructions.
The kennel owners who own the dogs are expected back in court in eleven days.
The animals are considered as evidence in the case and are not available for adoption.
Since the dogs were taken from Marjorie and Richard Sundberg's kennel last month, they've come a long way.
Deputies found a number of dogs without access to food or water. Many dogs were heavily matted and standing in their own feces on wire cages or a cement floor. Animal control officers said a handful of the dogs may be suffering from a disease called coccidia.
In just a few weeks, many of these animals have gained weight and confidence. Groomers have shaved the dogs' matted hair.Vets have removed rotten teeth and checked for parasites. More than 250 dogs have been taken in by foster families.
"He was thin and malnourished, now he's a holy terror," said Joan Crane of her foster dog.
On Monday rescuers at Saving Pets One At A Time, or S.P.O.T., called in foster families to weigh, vaccinate and update the charts of the rescued dogs.
At least 12 dogs have died, including an entire litter.
Foster mom Melissa McPhaden said the chihuahua in her care initially resembled an image out of the Guinness Book of Records.
"She was so nervous to walk because her toenails curled under her paws. So it was painful for her to even walk," she said. "Now she's just running around."
S.P.O.T. Rescuers say vet bills are approaching $18,000. The seized dogs have undergone eye surgery, Cesarean sections and jaw reconstructions.
The kennel owners who own the dogs are expected back in court in eleven days.
The animals are considered as evidence in the case and are not available for adoption.