Post by @acowolcott

This call came in with minimal information, as they often do. The report stated that animals had been heard barking and crying from the back of the property for several days. The owner had reportedly been taken away and hadn’t returned, and no one was sure what was actually happening. My job was simply to check on the animals and make sure they weren’t in distress. When I arrived, I found three small dogs loose on the property. All three had noticeable hair loss and itchy, irritated skin, and definitely could put on a couple pounds. No one answered the door when I attempted contact. I could hear more barking coming from the back, so I knew I had to find a way to check on them and, at the very least, make sure they had access to water. What I found was heartbreaking. The dogs were living in deplorable conditions, surrounded by their own feces. The only water available was filthy, filled with dirt and algae. One of the dogs appeared to be completely trapped with no way in or out. At that point, with no one at the property to provide care, no access to water in over 90 degree weather, and the inhumane conditions they were being kept in, I made the decision to seize the animals. It was late in the day, there were more dogs than my truck could safely accommodate, and I couldn’t get the last dog out on my own. So I called for backup and luckily, Officer @Troy Lombas came to everyone’s rescue. Lol But I’m sharing this for more than just this one case. This is the reality for so many animals here in the Central Valley. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: it is not fair for animals to suffer because their owners are struggling. Life circumstances can change. People can lose their homes, their jobs, their stability, or simply find themselves unable to care for their pets anymore. But the animals should not be the ones paying the price. This should not be normal. But unfortunately, it is here. These calls just keep coming. There are resources available. There are shelters, rescues, low-cost veterinary services, food resources, and organizations willing to help. Sometimes asking for help is the most responsible thing you can do for your animals. Please care enough about them to ask for help before it gets to this point. They depend on you. #fyp #rescue #animalcontrol #animalrescue #adayinmylife