Old Dominion Humane Society Volunteers Rescue 22 Dogs in Kentucky Hoarding Case, March 20

In a hoarding case where 70 dogs were living in deplorable conditions in Lawrence County, Kentucky, Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) volunteers made the trip to rescue them on March 20. The volunteers met with a transport team halfway in Beckley, West Virginia, making the nine-hour round trip.

The hoarder originally had 70 dogs, but only 22 were left after a flood on the property tragically drowned the others. ODHS took the remainder of the dogs, which ranged in age from just more than two weeks old to eight years old. Some of the 22 dogs rescued were transported to Squishy Face Crew, a foster-focused animal rescue group in Fredericksburg.

After arriving at ODHS, the volunteers had hours of more work to do. They provided “intake” for the dogs, including vaccinations, microchipping and examinations. The dogs were fed and given water, two staples they needed desperately because very little was available to them in the hoarding situation. From there, the tired rescues were placed in kennels with comfortable blankets and treats.

The dogs were rescued from a life of living outside in deplorable conditions. With barely any food and water, they slept on dirt for beds. Throughout the winter in freezing temperatures, snow, hail and rain, the dogs existed outdoors with no attention, warmth or shelter from the weather. With the work of the volunteers, the rescued dogs will be on the road to gaining their health, given proper medication if needed and provided with love and socialization through the volunteer-run organization. Most of the dogs were immediately taken home by fosters, who’ll care for them until they’re adopted.

Anna Swann, who leads the ODHS Transportation team, pictured with one of the rescued pups.

“These are the situations that break your heart, and you want to do everything in your power to help the innocent and loving dogs,” said Anna Swann, who led the ODHS transportation team. “By taking as many of the dogs we can house at ODHS and also transporting others to Squishy Face Crew, we’re helping them get another chance at living the lives they deserve. They’ll be cared for by our fosters and ready to be adopted into forever families.”

Swann, 19, who’s been a volunteer with the organization since she was 12, said the rescues are now beginning a second chance at great lives. She said the amazing team of volunteers worked to save more dogs, and it was a work of love.

ODHS is entirely run by volunteers and has more than 300 fosters ready to nurture rescues. Once placed in their foster homes, the dogs thrive by being socialized, cared for and given the love and attention they deserve.