When unprecedented rains flooded Visalia, California, last month, Animal Services faced a deluge of dogs.
One adult mama dog and 62 puppies between 10 weeks and four months old overwhelmed Tulare County’s crowded shelter. Desperate pleas for help fanned the rescue world. Oregon Humane Society (OHS) answered.
In alliance with ASPCA’s Animal Relocation Program, designed especially to ease crowding at burdened shelters, OHS’s Second Chance Program transported the canine companions to Oregon on April 20. Second chance has more than 60 shelter and rescue partners throughout Oregon to assist organizations facing challenges including natural disasters and overcrowding.
The dogs were welcomed at OHS’s Salem and Portland campuses where they received veterinary treatment and spay/neuter services prior to being put up for adoption.
“We are proud to assist Tulare County Animal Services following the devastating floods in their community by moving them to Oregon Humane Society,” said Karen Walsh, Senior Director, Animal Relocation, ASPCA. “These puppies now have the opportunity to be adopted into loving homes more quickly. We’re grateful to have the resources to help move these animals to safety.” Walsh also cited a greater demand for puppy adoption in Oregon.
“Puppies are very vulnerable in the shelter environment and caring for them is labor intensive,” says Chase Patterson, OHS Vice President of Shelter Operations. “By moving these puppies to OHS, they will have access to more resources and will be adopted into loving homes faster.”
Anyone considering opening their hearts and forever homes to a rescued puppy is strongly advised to consult OHS’s Puppy 101 Toolkit.