At a time when our shelter is already full, the calls just keep coming, and our rescue team has been mobilizing quickly and repeatedly when animals need us most.
In the span of just three days, our Animal Welfare & Response Team traveled to opposite ends of the state to assist authorities in removing 59 animals from two heartbreaking situations.
In southwest Iowa, 2.5 hours away, our team responded to a call to help remove dozens of small dogs living in filthy conditions in a house and camper. As our team carried each of the 56 dogs to safety, the stench of where they’d been living clung to them. All were crawling with fleas, including a mama and two nursing puppies. Some had eye and dental issues, and one poor dog had multiple injuries, likely from being bullied by other dogs in the crowded living space. These dogs are now under the care of our Miracle Medical Team.
Less than 48 hours later, our rescue team was on the road again, this time responding to an emergency call 2.5 hours away in southeast Iowa. When we arrived, we were shocked to find three absolutely skeletal horses, their ribs and hip bones pressed against their skin in the blistering heat. They had no food, and their only access to water was across a mud pit they sank into when they tried to cross. We couldn’t believe they were even still standing.
With horses so weak and thin, travel is a risk, but they urgently needed expert vet care, so we knew we had to try. After carefully loading them on our rescue trailer, our team rushed them to the equine veterinary hospital at ISU, stopping four times to make sure they were still on their feet. They’re now receiving 24/7 intensive care at ISU to try to save their lives.
Heartbreaking situations like these are a reminder of how much your compassion makes a difference. The only way we can continue to respond to pets in crisis – and give second chances to all the animals that come through our doors – is with the help of friends like you.
Your support today will help provide the extensive care animals like these need to heal, and your monthly gift will help ensure we have the resources and readiness to continue this critical rescue work.
Every gift you give is a lifeline for animals in their most vulnerable moments. Please give now to help these new arrivals and ensure we’re prepared to answer the next call, which could come at any time.
P.S.: When you give today or join our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive updates on these animals.
