This past July, three Texas women stopped short when they noticed a group of small dogs — Shih Tzus and Pekingese — running wild through their neighborhood.
One of the women managed to catch two of the pups, but the rest sprinted away. The concerned neighbors
contacted local animal control groups and shelters. The next day, a shelter managed to catch four more of the dogs.
It soon became clear what was going on — the pups were likely victims of a hoarding case, and instead of rehoming them, their former guardian had dumped them on the street.
Overwhelmed shelter staff contacted CAMO Rescue and asked if they might help. Rescue founder Holly Dool was familiar with the situation, as CAMO had already taken in a few dogs from the same hoarding case who’d been dumped in another part of town. Dool agreed to house more dogs, bringing the total number of Shih Tzus and Pekingese in her care to 10.
The rescuer could tell the pups would need time to decompress and recover.
“They were all very matted,” Dool told The Dodo. “They are very timid and under-socialized.”
Once they’re ready, these pups will be available for adoption. Staff members will ensure they are placed in homes with a well-rounded dog sibling so they have a friend to rely on and a role model for how to be a good pet.
Dool is glad to help the dogs, but she wishes the animal-dumping crisis would subside, especially as intakes reach all-time highs.
“We have more dogs in the rescue than we have ever had before,” Dool said. “Our facility was built to house about 75 dogs, and we have over 110 dogs there now and over 225 dogs in foster homes. We are having to do more with less!”
The rescuer hopes this story encourages community members to support small rescue groups in their areas, either through volunteering or donating. If everyone does their part, rescuers won’t have to feel so alone, and dogs like these will always find the safety they need.
