When Kitsap Humane Society Animal Control Officers arrived on the scene of an uninhabited home in the Chico-area, they were immediately met with the smell of feces and urine emanating from the home. Once inside the home, the officers quickly realized that the situation was far worse than they could have imagined.

In total, 26 small breed dogs, five rabbits, four cats, and one guinea pig were rescued from deplorable conditions. Many of the dogs were kept in filthy cages, while others were free to run loose in the home. Two dogs were found locked in a laundry room where they had no access to sunlight. Throughout the house, feces covered the floor, trash littered every surface, and rats ran amuck while officers canvassed the home assessing the situation.

The owner of the home lives in another county but was allegedly visiting the home every other day to give the dogs food and water. “It’s the most horrific hoarding case I’ve seen in all my 8 years at the shelter,” said KHS Animal Control Supervisor Chase Connolly, adding that animal cruelty or neglect charges are being reviewed.

Upon arrival at Kitsap Humane Society, the dogs were assessed by the vet team, behavioral team, and other shelter staff. Not only will these dogs need immediate grooming, as many are severely matted and covered in feces, but most will need extensive dental cleanings and extractions along with treatment for hair loss and skin infections.

Kitsap Humane Society is receiving support from local businesses, including the Groomery in Port Orchard and Silverdale Pet Grooming, who have donated grooming services to get these dogs the care they need as quickly as possible.

These dogs have survived terrible living conditions and are going to need a lot of TLC before they are ready for new homes. Even once their immediate medical needs are addressed, they will certainly need a lot of patience and love while they adjust to home life.

Many of the dogs are currently fearful and nervous around people, though several remain curious and interested in receiving attention despite all they have been through. They are not house trained, have likely never worn collars or been walked on leash, and likely have never left the home they were living in prior to arriving at the shelter. Interested adopters should be prepared to provide months of training and rehabilitation, along with continued patience and gentle care while these pups adjust to their new surroundings. “These dogs have been denied the basic socialization and care that all dogs deserve, but they are survivors, and you can see how much they just want to be loved. We are confident that in dedicated adoptive homes, over time they will blossom into wonderful little family members” said Director of Animal Welfare Sarah Moody-Cook.

Fortunately, the five rabbits and one guinea pig rescued from the property appear to be in generally good health. While they are a bit nervous, they are able to be handled and only required mild grooming.

The four cats arrived with some hair loss but no major medical concerns. They are extremely fearful of people and not able to be handled much at this time, so they are being housed in a quiet area of the shelter to give them time to settle in and feel safe before they will be made available for adoption.

If you are interested in helping these pets, please donate now to help ensure that Kitsap Humane Society can provide the urgent and extensive care these frightened pets will need to heal, recover, and thrive.

Many of these dogs will likely need foster care before they are ready for new homes. Please help by signing u p to become a foster parent!

Lastly, if you are interested in adopting one of these pets and would like to receive updates as to when they will be available for adoption, please email customerservice@kitsap-humane.org to be added to our email list for this case. Unfortunately, our customer service team is not able to answer many questions about these pets at this time, but we will send updates as we have them.