Five dogs are recovering at Suncoast Animal League after a shocking case of neglect.

  • Rescuers spent 8 hours grooming the 5 dogs
  • Dogs are safe, but still have a figth ahead
  • Visit their website for more information

Rick Chaboudy, executive director of Suncoast Animal League, says it’s one of the worst cases he’s seen in his 30 years on the job.

The lhasa apsos were so badly matted, rescuers say you could hardly recognize they were dogs. They were forced to sit in their own feces in cages for possibly years.

“These guys haven’t had a breath of fresh air in maybe forever. They’re starting their life over again,” Chaboudy said.

Chaboudy and his team, with the help of Island Dog Outfitters, spent eight hours grooming and shaving down the dogs until they were resting comfortably.

But the dogs still have a fight ahead of them.

They had to get used to walking again because they haven’t done so in so long.

“As they go to walk, they lift their legs way up in the air much higher than they would in a normal situation. Then they aren’t sure where to put them on the ground,” said Chaboudy.

Chaboudy spent time with Sissy, the worst of the five, to try and get her to take one step. Currently, she doesn’t have the strength or balance to walk.

The shelter isn’t sure who abused the dogs, but they hope to find out and help police with an animal cruelty case. The goal now is to erase the horror and give them the love they deserve.

“Their life, although it was probably pure hell for the past however many years, is going to get a whole lot better. That’s what these guys will end up remembering. The good times,” said Chaboudy.

Volunteers are helping the dogs acclimate by walking them, bathing them, and even giving them cuddles.

They will eventually need foster homes as well as forever homes.

If you want any information on these or other dogs at Suncoast, visit their website.