Impact September 2015: 33 Shih Tzus Rescued by Cleveland APL Humane Investigations Team in April

This past April, the lives of 33 Shih Tzu dogs and puppies changed forever when an anonymous tip came in to our Humane Investigations team about the poor dogs who were in need of help. The caller let our team know of their concerns about the dogs’ health and safety and off our heroic Humane Officers went to help these innocent animals.

When they arrived, what they found was absolutely horrifying. The 33 dogs were living in deplorable conditions, were clearly neglected and suffering, some in desperate need of medical attention, all in desperate need of grooming. They were being kept as breeding dogs in a home in a suburb of Cleveland. Some of the dogs were so matted that you couldn’t see their faces. Others were carrying around several pounds of mats on their bodies. Almost all of the Shih Tzus hadn’t wagged their tails in ages due to the mats that were weighing them down.
Upon arriving at the Cleveland APL, the dogs were immediately assessed in a triage area that was set up in our Community Room at the shelter.
A wonderful volunteer groomer, Tricia Barstow of Pretty Paws Grooming, kindly offered to groom each and every dog. Their “before” and “after” photos speak to the significance of the care and grooming that was provided to them after arriving at the APL.
Thanks to our generous supporters and members of our community, our veterinary team was able to provide these amazing dogs with the love, care and medical treatment that they so desperately needed. Unfortunately, due to the severity of one dog’s condition, she did not make it. However 32 of the 33 dogs that were rescued from the horrific situation are doing well now, and most have already been adopted into loving families. That is all thanks to the support of our community, and of course our incredible staff and volunteers.