Local Rescue Saves More Than a Dozen Dogs from Deplorable Puppy Mill Conditions

In a heartwarming yet heartbreaking rescue mission, Operation Saves, a Toledo-based animal rescue, has taken in more than a dozen dogs saved from a puppy mill. The conditions these dogs endured were described as appalling, but thanks to the dedication and compassion of rescuers, they are now on their way to a better life.

A Mission That Grew

What began as a plan to rescue two dogs quickly escalated into a life-saving mission for 16 dogs. Katrina Pope-Young, co-founder of Operation Saves, knew she couldn’t leave the others behind. “We knew we had to help. We couldn’t leave them. So, we made the three-hour trek back with 16 dogs,” she shared. The team, with unwavering dedication, worked tirelessly to transport the neglected dogs to safety.

The Harsh Reality of Puppy Mills

Many of the dogs came from grim conditions, confined in overcrowded cages for years. “Most of these dogs live in tiny cages that are like chicken coops with four or five dogs per kennel, it’s really sad,” Pope-Young explained. “They are bred back to back to back and when they can no longer be bred, then they are discarded.”

Upon arrival, rescuers found the dogs covered in urine and feces, with some suffering from open sores and severe neglect. For volunteers like Shelbie Darah, the initial sight was overwhelming. “When the Jeep pulled up, you had to swallow your tears and go hands-on,” Darah said. “Operation Saves is a small group with a big heart.”

The Road to Recovery

Despite their tragic past, the dogs are already making progress. Volunteers are working around the clock to ensure the dogs feel safe, many experiencing human affection for the first time. “You want to hold and hug them and it’s sad because you get dogs who have never been held before,” Darah added.

Operation Saves, like many other rescues, is constantly at capacity. “We went from seeing 15-20 dogs a month to right now, we’ve taken in 30 dogs in the last 25 days, and that is a lot for a small non-profit,” Pope-Young explained. “I think we need to start calling for action for those mills and large-scale backyard breeders. The rescuers can’t keep up.”

The Power of Community

While Operation Saves took in the majority of the dogs, three other Toledo-area rescues stepped in to take eight of the rescued dogs, demonstrating the strength of community-driven rescue efforts. Pope-Young noted that in the past two years, her organization alone has rescued around 200 puppy mill dogs, highlighting the ongoing crisis of mass breeding operations.

How You Can Help

Rescues like Operation Saves rely heavily on donations, fosters, and community support. If you want to help these rescued dogs on their journey to recovery and adoption, consider donating, volunteering, or fostering. Every bit of help makes a difference in saving lives.

For more information on how to support Operation Saves and their life-changing work, visit their website or follow them on social media for updates on the rescued dogs’ progress.

Together, we can put an end to the suffering caused by puppy mills and ensure that every dog gets the chance to experience love, safety, and care.

Source: Action News 13