posted
on Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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News
Our Animal Welfare & Response Team works tirelessly, partnering with law enforcement and other agencies across the state to respond when animals need us most. So when we received an urgent call for help with a situation involving dozens of dogs at a commercial breeder two hours away, we immediately began the hours of preparation needed for a rescue of that magnitude.
On the property in Washington County, our team found 49 dogs and puppies living in unsanitary conditions in multiple buildings. Even more shocking, 17 deceased dogs, mostly puppies, were also found in various places around the property.
A state-certified veterinarian at the scene determined all the surviving dogs and puppies needed to be removed for their own well-being, and that was our cue to begin moving the dogs to safety. One by one, we placed the dogs in clean kennels in our rescue trailer and helped load some that were headed to a partnering shelter – from mama dogs who’d had litters upon litters of puppies, to tiny pups whose lives were just beginning.
In one particularly heartbreaking moment, we discovered a sick mama dog kenneled alone in cold room that was so dark we had to use our phone lights to see. We were told that all the pups in her most recent litter had died. Our hearts hurt for her as she walked quietly into the daylight to our rescue vehicle.
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Back at the shelter, our Miracle Medical Team immediately began examining the dogs and worked into the evening to make sure every last one was settled and comfortable. During her exam the sick mama dog rested her head gently on one of her rescuer’s knees. Another dog lay in our medical director’s lap, stretching out her legs and soaking in the kindness.
Vulnerable animals like these dogs will always be counting on us, and we never know when the next call for help will come. The ARL is the only animal shelter in Iowa that has a dedicated rescue team capable of assisting with large-scale rescues in all four corners of the state. But our team can only keep doing this lifesaving work with your support.
When you give today to support rescue efforts like these or choose to give monthly, you’ll ensure our rescue team can continue being there for innocent animals in Iowa, no matter the distance or how many animals are suffering.
Please give your most generous gift today. Animals like these dogs need you now.
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P.S.: When you donate now or join our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive exclusive updates on these dogs.