Local

SSHS Seeks Assistance with 30 Rescued Dogs


Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The South Suburban Humane Society staff members recently witnessed a horrible scene.

On Saturday, August 30, working in conjunction with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Homewood Police, 30 dogs were seized from deplorable conditions on a quiet, tree-lined street in Homewood.

The dogs were living in their own fees and urine. According to the SSHS, the stench from the urine was so strong, fire department personnel were called to assist in the removal of the animals.

Among the 30 seized are two cataract-suffering Lhasa Apsos, two severely underweight poodles, one malnourished poodle mix puppy, 10 Chihuahuas (including one 8-week-old puppy and two pregnant females), and 15 pit bulls (six puppies, several with demodectic mange, eye problems and one pregnant female).

Every dog was covered in feces and in desperate need of nail trims. It was clear to SSHS staff that it was the first day that many of the dogs had walked in a long time.
SSHS staff worked into the early morning hours to vaccinate, flea treat and deworm each dog. The dogs are currently being housed at a boarding facility in Steger.

Dogs will move to the SSHS shelter for adoption as soon as staff members medically treat each dog.

The SSHS needs your help.

"The cost of caring for these dogs is already over $3,000 and will climb steadily.We need your support as humans who care about pets and care that 30 lives suffered the way that they did," says Bob Nixon. "Help us give them a second chance. Also, we are looking for volunteers who could give an hour or two to help us bathe, groom, transport and configure the shelter for these new additions."

Those able to help can e-mail [email protected] or call 708-218-8411. More information will be made available on the SSHS Web site at www.sshspets.org.

Specifically, the SHSS is in need of financial support and supplies.

"We can use Pedigree dry food and canned food, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels, blankets, hand sanitizer, puppy shampoo and dental chews," says Nixon.

Volunteers are also welcome.

"The addition of dogs to the shelter is going to put a tremendous work load upon our staff. We can utilize volunteers to help clean cages and walk dogs."

According to the SSHS, the tiniest Chihuahuas are in need of socialization, "They are sweet but very scared and need people who just want to come and hold a dog for a while. We are here Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m."

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