Shortly after purchasing our
new place, I was approached
by a very large Shiloh Shepherd breeder and asked if I would be interested
in helping to expand the ISSR Shiloh genepool. I felt "honored" when
I was offered several of their "breeding" quality dogs,
and made arrangements for their arrival. Afterall, I had this large
empty kennel. Although old and in need of some maintenance, our new
kennel was safe and secure with 30 large inside enclosures and outside
runs.
When those dogs arrived, I was appalled, as was my
vet. It took quite a bit of convincing for her not to report this
breeder to the authorities as the condition of the dogs was atrocious.
In the words of a very reputable European breeder "Later,
they found a good hearted breeder to place some of their dogs because
they had more dogs than the kennels could legally house. Dawn soon
found herself with emaciated, smelly, filthy dogs from this breeder.
That left them with fewer dogs, so when the Department of Agriculture
and Markets came to inspect, the number of dogs on the property was
approved and they received their kennel license."
So there it
was: Until just recently (June
2006), I had no idea that I was used
to "dump" unwanted
dogs. Shilohs that were half starved, weighing only 55-65 pounds
upon arrival, nothing but walking skeletons with skin and fur stretched
over them. You could count every rib from fifty feet away, see every
vertebrae in their spine and see their pelvis bones protruding out.
Their eyes, I will never forget the look in their eyes: sadness,
defeat, and fear. One had such a horrible foot infection, she left
bloody pawprints when walking across the cement. One had been so
badly beaten by her previous owners, then returned to her breeders
kennel where she was ignored for ten months, that she crouched in
fear in the back corner of her pen, growling a warning to not approach.
A couple, though, were surprisingly pleasant, happy to be given any
scrap of attention.
My next concern was, what am I going to do with
these dogs? I didn't have the heart to return them. Two of the girls
had never conceived and were labeled "problem
breeders". I decided right then and there than none of them
would be bred until they were completely recovered and even then,
I had my concerns. Proper nutrition and good health were key to reproduction.
First was to get them on a good premium food and to rid them of
the numerous parasites that had moved with them. The one with foot
problems was immediately rushed to the vets and treated with medicated
foot soaks and antibiotics. Next, as soon as the weather warmed,
a good bath and grooming was in order. It took months to see results.
Slowly, healthy shiny fur appeared, ribs began to disappear,
bright eyes, play bows and happy greetings were given when I approached.
Even the fearful one now runs to the gate and greets me with wags
and licks. Some of these dogs will never leave here, as they trust
only me. Others are now well adjusted dogs, looking for their forever
homes, happy with life once again.
I never intended to end up with
so many dogs to care for. But I thank God every day that he brought
me to this place where I have the room to give all of these Shilohs
the proper care they need. God has blessed the Shilohs that live
here and he has also blessed me with the ability to give them the
love they so greatly deserve.
