Personnel from YOUR Humane Society SPCA swung into action recently after receiving a desperate plea for help from a family who was experiencing serious medical issues and could no longer care for their dogs.
The family had attempted to contact local shelters and rescues but there were all full and couldn’t help them with their 17 dogs.
Kennel Manager Carol Legrand, who is responsible for animal intakes, said YOUR Humane Society SPCA also was full but that didn’t stop them from responding.
“This was a dire situation for the animals and the family who was experiencing serious medical crises,” she said. “They knew they needed to surrender them to us immediately being they could not care for them adequately.”
Legrand said the shelter’s team of staff and volunteers immediately went into “rescue mode” and returned with 17 dogs, 12 of which were puppies and seven were orphans.
“They were flea infested and filthy, with the pups seeming quite weak, likely anemic from a parasite load and poor nutrition,” she said. “Our team began with baths all around, then hand-plucked all those last resilient fleas while drying everyone off, then served up some great meals.
“All the dogs and puppies were wiped out from their adventure-filled day and soon fell asleep knowing their lives just got a whole lot better!”
But Legrand said 17 more lives saved will require help from the community. The dogs’ medical care (de-worming, spaying/neutering, vaccinations), food, sheltering and more will be needed and “puppy season” has barely started.
Those who wish to donate to help these animals and others can mail donations to YOUR Humane Society SPCA at P.O. Box 67, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 or donate securely online at hsspca.org/donate.
YOUR Humane Society SPCA, formerly known as the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County Inc., is a non-profit, no-kill organization helping animals in need throughout their Florida communities. Donations directly help to cover the cost of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals.
Learn more about YOUR Humane Society SPCA at hsspca.org, call (352) 793-9117, visit Facebook by clicking HERE or visit the facility at 994 CR 529A in Lake Panasoffkee. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kennel pet viewing hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.
