SSHS rescue1 9Aug2018
Local News

SSHS rescues 22 dogs, 2 chickens from Harvey residence

South Suburban Humane Society officials received a call Thursday, Aug. 9, from Cook County Animal Control to rescue five abandoned dogs in Harvey. The rescue operation soon became much larger. [Update: Then the rescue got larger still. On Monday, SSHS posted an update: “One of the rescued Harvey dogs gave birth on Friday night! We rescued her just in time it seems. Mother and babies are doing well in foster care!”]

  One dog rescued from 
  the home in Harvey has 
  matted, tangled fur 
  before grooming.
(Provided 
  photos)
 

South Suburban Humane Society officials received a call Thursday, Aug. 9, from Cook County Animal Control to rescue five abandoned dogs in Harvey. 

The rescue operation soon became much larger.

SSHS staff found 22 dogs and two chickens at the unoccupied home, according to SSHS CEO  Emily Klehm.

[Update: Then the rescue got larger still. On Monday, SSHS posted an update: “One of the rescued Harvey dogs gave birth on Friday night! We rescued her just in time it seems. Mother and babies are doing well in foster care!”]

“The owner went to prison several months ago and a family member was throwing dog food in the house occasionally,” Klehm said. “None of the dogs have seen the light of day for a long time and have been living in their own filth.”

  The same dog after
  receiving grooming 
  care

 

Work began immediately to address the animals’ basic medical and dental needs. Klehm said the initial health assessment continues but she expects the dogs will need a significant amount of care and grooming.

“We are working on finding foster homes for all of them because they are in great need of socialization after so long without human contact,” she said.

SSHS supporters who want to contribute to the dogs’ care can make a donation to the SSHS Frosty Fund.

As for the chickens, they were taken to a rescue farm that SSHS works with “to live out their days happily,” Klehm said.

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