WASHINGTON — It’s that time of the year when everyone is dashing around making last minute preparations for the holidays, even as guests begin to arrive.
At one local animal shelter, the staff is in overdrive. They’re taking part in one of their biggest rescues ever after a puppy mill operation in western Arkansas was shut down.
Dr. Gary Weitzman, executive director at the Washington Animal Rescue League, says it’s normal for WARL to pitch in and take animals seized from out of state puppy mills.
“So when we got the call from the {American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals}, we said ‘yup, we’ll open the doors,'” Weitzman says.
But then ASPCA asked if he could take 100.
“We always try to say yes. Fortunately, they’re small dogs,” he says.
As staffers stock up on food and supplies and shuffle the kennel assignments, Weitzman says “it’s like a setting up an inn and emergency services work” all rolled into one.
The puppy mill was called Happy Times Kennels, but it was anything but that for the dogs, according to Weitzman.
He says that as many as 175 dogs were found living in “absolutely squalid conditions.” Some were dead and many others were sick.
The mission is to take in the dogs, assess them and provide medical attention. Next, the focus will shift to preparing them for adoption.
“They’ve never been pets before, and they have to learn how to be dogs,” Weitzman says.
It could be weeks before the dogs are ready go home with a new owner.
WARL provides support for prospective adopters such as tips on behavior and training, in addition to advice on health care.
Weitzman says adopting should be a deliberate decision, not something done on impulse.
Below is video of the WARL staff checking in the rescued dogs:
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