It all started simply enough. A rumor that someone was in need of assistance has now become a call to arms for rescues in Washington and Oregon to help save up to 40 dogs and 15 cats which were discovered on a hoarders property in rural Pierce County.
On Wednesday, Ozzy Bear, a heavily matted nearly blind, Austrailian Shepherd senior was discovered living in filth and debris strewn across 5 acres of farmland south of Tacoma, Washington. Ozzy Bear was covered with feces and urine and with such a distinctive aroma of hoarding that he could literally be smelled 10 ft away. Released to a local rescue Ozzy has now become the poster dog for this rescue operation.
Ozzy was taken to Valhalla Canine Rescue who contacted the authorities to report his neglected condition. Valhalla was told that local Animal Control officers were aware of the situation and had instructed the owner to find rescues to have the animals removed from the property. Valhalla Canine Rescue, with the assistance of local animal advocates, began devising a plan to do just that. They are now seeking assistance from other rescues and the general public to help save ALL the animals before our Northwest weather turns nasty. They all know the clock is ticking, and finding help for these animals has become paramount to their survival.
Valhalla Canine Rescue, South Pacific County Humane Society, Salty Dog Rescue, Oregon Dog Rescue, and Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County have already agreed to take one or more dogs into their programs. Others are considering what they can offer, but more rescues are immediately needed for the dogs that remain on the property. Besides dogs, there are also reported to be 15 cats in need of rescue groups to step forward. The actual number of cats is unknown at the time of this writing, but rescuers were told 15 are living in a building referred to as the "cattery".
Canine and Feline rescues, foster homes, supplies, and volunteers are all desperately needed. Rescue coordinators are also seeking assistance from grooming and/or bathing facilities to help the animals.
Donations to help cover medical and other expenses for these animals would also be greatly appreciated. Valhalla Canine Rescue is accepting donations for the medical expenses of the hoarder animals and especially for Ozzy Bear, who will need extensive medical care due to untreated injuries, medical conditions, and overall neglect. Ozzy's road to recovery will be a long one. You can make secure donations through paypal at: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YWWQ4F2QM796
Also donations can be made directly to Firgrove Veterinary Hospital in Puyallup. They have generously offered to provide discount services to help the Graham hoarder animals. You can phone in donations by calling 253-848-1563 and mentioning Valhalla Rescue Hoarder Animals.
In the end, steps will be taken and Animal Control will monitor this property to ensure that this situation never happens again. But, for right now, animals are in need. Please consider helping
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