Last July, three residents in Houston, Texas, witnessed a deeply upsetting scene: a group of small dogs – Shih Tzus and Pekingese – running in panic through the streets of their neighbourhood. One of the women managed to catch two of the dogs, while animal control services rescued four more the following day.
An investigation quickly revealed that the animals had come from a hoarding situation. Overwhelmed by the number of pets, their owner had chosen to dump them on the streets instead of finding them new homes.
An urgent rescue mission
Faced with this sudden influx, the charity CAMO Rescue stepped in to help. Its founder, Holly Dool, had already taken in other dogs from the very same hoarding case in another part of the city, bringing the total number of rescues in her care to 10.
"They were all very matted, very shy, and under-socialised," said Holly. The dogs now need time to rest, as well as medical treatment and behavioural rehabilitation.
Finding the perfect homes
Once they have fully recovered, the dogs will be put up for adoption. To help them settle into family life, the rescue centre will prioritise homes that already have a well-balanced dog to act as a reassuring companion.
The charity is also using this opportunity to appeal for support, as they are stretched to their limits at the moment. The shelter, which was built to house 75 dogs, is now caring for 110 on-site, with another 225 in foster homes.