Dog Rescue Mission: Pom Pom

On Sunday; July 15, 2018, our family at the PRO-PET-OTIC Foundation (An independent, 100% foster-based animal rescue based out of Ferndale, MI) headed to the Traverse City area to rescue between 15-20 Pomeranians from a hoarding situation. Our primary contact for this mission had told us that there were 32 Pomeranians in the home that were all healthy, in great shape and fully vaccinated, but the dogs were not fixed. So when it came to finances, we thought that we could swing it. So our team rented a large, fully air conditioned van for the day to take on the job that we called: Dog Rescue Mission: Pom Pom According to our contact, this was going to be somewhat of an easy job with very little obstacles. We were told that the woman was going to surrender 15-20 heathy pups between the ages of 1 to 13 years old. So we mentally and financially prepared ourselves knowing that they all needed to be fixed and that a few were definitely going to need some dental work. But man was our contact wrong... They all needed help. A lot of help! Once we approached our destination, we saw a 1,100 sq ft home on about 8 acres of land. After driving almost 5 hours, we finally pulled into the driveway to hear loud barking and smell the nasty stench of whatever was coming from inside the house. The woman came out to greet us and said that she planning to surrender 10-13 dogs. For the first time in my life, I actually bit my lip and proceeded to head inside the home with two of my volunteers ( I can't thank these 2 enough). The home was trashed and completely reaked of urine and fecies. Within minutes, we were all 3 eaten alive due to the flea infestation. Most importantly these poor dogs (about 32) were all physically in rough shape! - One dog coughing so hard and slowly dying of congestive heart failure. - Another elderly dog barely able to walk dragging her back legs. - Many had ripped off the hair off their backs due to the flea infestation. - Two new born puppies in a box with holes on a couch with their mom and another new born baby with its mom on the nasty floor behind the tv with another mom. - Meanwhile, all of the other dogs were matted, covered in dog urine and fecies, and were all infested with fleas and maggots. For a second, I couldn't believe what was right infront of my eyes and thought I was on a TV show or maybe even being punked! My eyes teared up and my heart was broken. It was so bad, that even one of my volunteers that has worked in a shelter before couldn't make more than two trips in and out of the house. This wasn't just a hoarder house... This was a f*cking PUPPY MILL! Every time I went to pick up a dog that was 6 years old or youger, the woman told me that we couldn't take that pup and the dog wasn't on the list that she was surrendering. She just wanted us to clean up her mess of dogs that were no longer breedable! So once we finally got 8 of the 13 dogs that were on the list loaded into the truck. My natural instincts kicked in. So while this woman was chasing the additional 5 older dogs that could no longer be bred around the house. I just started to grab every dog insight that wasn't under the age of 4 week or a nursing mother. My volunteers thought I was crazy, but in all honesty... I didn't care anymore! ***On a sidenote, in these types of situations I'll usually educate and consult someone why it's not only in their best interest, but also the pets best interest as well. Yelling, threats, or talking down to someone should be the last alternative because in all honesty it will just end in chaos and the message will just be lost.*** The owner finally caught on to what I was doing as I was grabbing the last 3-4 dogs out of house to hand to my volunteers at the door. She completely freaked out. Apparently I do take after my mother, because not only did I stand my ground, but I stood up for these poor defenseless animals. I could no longer just keep my mouth shut and I just completely just let her have it and told her how I really felt. I just simply stated the facts to her. I told her what the consequences were. I let her know that a landgrant on her land only went so far and some of these animals needed severe medical attention. I told her that I know she loves them, but if she really did then she'd let me take these younger pups that were between 4 months old to 6 years old and give them an opportunity to live a long, healthy life. I told her how that they could be in loving homes with incredible families that will be able to give them the love, proper care, and attention that they deserve. Where these families will treat these little furballs like their own children. Homes that have large backyards with other dogs, some with kids, and some where they will be the center of their universe. For a while, she was so worried about selling them online. I'm not exactly sure what I said after that, but whatever it was got her to cave in. There is enough negative stuff online each and everyday. And I personally can't stand it!  But I refused to sit here and post pictures of the house, the horrible condition of some of these pups, and the chaos the went along with this entire trip. On a positive note, at the end of the day we walked out of there with 24 dogs between the ages of 4 months-15 years old. Two of them are no longer suffering and in pain. Twenty-two of the Pomeranians now have a second shot at life. After 4 days and 46 hours of grooming these furballs they look absolutely stunning! They are all now being placed into foster homes within the Metro Detroit area as we speak. We can't thank the 20 new foster families who opened up their hearts and homes enough and we are beyond excited that they have come on board to join our family within the PRO-PET-OTIC Foundation. That being said, I know that many of you want to help. And for the first time since this rescue was created we are asking for your help to fund the medical expenses for all 22 Pomeranians. The costs can range from $6,500 & up. Every dollar counts! If you want to help, but financially can't- please feel free to share this post. Thanks For Lending A Helping Paw,  Michael & the PRO-PET-OTIC Foundation Family