Just one month ago, six dogs lay in sweltering heat, feces, mud and urine while chained without water, food or shelter in a Delray Beach yard. One dog, named 'Sunny,' was skeletal and so close to death that she was too weak to even hold her head up and was literally stuck to the bottom of her crate. Now all six have survived and thrived in the care of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control and they're ready to be adopted into the lives they deserve.
Neighbors reported the horrid conditions at the Delray Beach home last month and PBACC responded by taking the pit bull mix dogs, ages 1-3 years old, into their custody and care. Sunny, in particular, was feared to be too close to death to be saved and weighed only 10 pounds. Even she has recovered and gained 10 pounds already on her way to her expected healthy weight of about 40 pounds.
"It's a miracle Sunny survived. She had a will to live," said Animal Care and Control Director Suzy Dannelevitz.
All six dogs are recovering nicely and are now up for adoption. Their owner, Jeremy Brinson, 29, has been ordered to pay $3,500 for their care and could face charges. Records show he has over 30 previous arrests in Florida and gave a false name, lied about the number of dogs he had, and then claimed the dogs were not his when investigators first showed up to question him.
Anti-tethering laws require that no animal is to be left tied or chained outdoors any day of the year 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of the dogs were chained in the sun out of reach of water or shade, while others were in crates also without water. One was in a plastic crate with the door pushed up against the cement wall of the home, blocking most of the possible ventilation.
The dogs, Sunny, Lucy, Bella, Chloe, Pepsi and Chopper, have spent time in the foster homes of people who work with the shelter's most needy cases. They still need care for skin conditions but are all doing well. Amazingly, they still greet people with friendliness and optimism.
You can meet and adopt the "Delray 6" at a special Meet and Greet this Thursday, September 9, from 4-6 p.m. at Palm Beach Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach or call (561) 233-1200.
Learn heat tips for your dog, click here. Read about fostering here. For another happy ending local dog story, click here.
To donate to PBC Animal Care and Control, click here. Remember that they have hundreds of dogs and cats in need of homes. Find your best friend today!
How else can you help your local shelters? Click here, and remember to ADOPT, SPAY / NEUTER, TAG / MICROCHIP AND LOVE YOUR PETS FOR LIFE!
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