The NC Seven: Dogfighting Survivors

On June 2, nine dogs from a NC dogfighting yard were rescued by local law enforcement and the The Humane Society of the United States, who coordinated the operation. On June 9, we deployed to an undisclosed holding location to meet all of them, along with our #HelperDog, Joey, and understand each case. Unfortunately, two of the dogs appeared to be unable to be rehabilitated but the other seven cases remained hopeful and likely adoptable. We thought we might be able to take on 2-3 dogs, but in the end, we asked to take all seven cases.

Five weeks ago these seven dogs were transferred to our care, but continued to remain evidence in the case. In an unprecedented turn of events, less than three months after seizure, this week our organization signed the paperwork officially transferring them to our ownership. We are excited to finally be able to share their stories with you.

Named in honor of some of the people who saved their lives, STEPHANIE, HEATH, HAZEL, GERTIE, JAMES, CPT. ROLLINS and BUTTERCUP have been decompressing in our #OneLuckyPup rehabilitation program. They have been learning how to run without being chained, to trust not all humans will hurt them and to seek comfort in other dogs, even each other! We will begin sharing their individual stories of survival and triumph, and how you can apply to adopt one, over the next few days. In the meantime, we are working hard to raise 15K to ensure all seven can continue to receive medical care, as well as cover teh extensive costs of a train and board program for four off them, in addition to the costs of ongoing supply and care needs.

We are grateful for the local law enforcement and prosecutors in the state of NC who acted immediately when they discovered a professional organized dog fighting ring. They pursued this case and suspect swiftly, and with great force. We are also grateful for, and honored to work alongside, our newest animal welfare partners, the tireless team at The Humane Society of the United States, who brought us in to assist them on this case.

Knowledge is a powerful tool. We have learned so much about dog fighting, the ignorance surrounding these dogs and the myths that they are working against. In our learning, it is our mission to share this knowledge in our follow up posts this week. The stories of these seven dogs will change the perception of what you might think a dog fighting dog is, and in the most wonderful way.

Please follow this story on social media under #AdoptNCsevenMBC

Mr. Bones & Co. is a volunteer based animal welfare non-profit. Our main function is canine rescue via One Lucky Pup, our rescue, rehabilitation and adoption program. We accept all breeds into our program with an emphasis on pit bull rescue. OLP specializes in dogs facing extraordinary challenges. We focus on the quality of our cases, not the quantity. By keeping our program small, typically no more than fifteen dogs at a time, we put an intensive amount of attention into each dog.