Fundraising appeal to help 13 Shih Tzus rescued from South Lincolnshire home by Jerry Green Dog Rescue workers

Animal welfare workers were called in to rescue 13 dogs from a home in the south Lincolnshire area.

Staff at Jerry Green Dog Rescue were asked to help with 13 Shih Tzus by social services last month.

The previous owner had become exceptionally unwell and was going into care so could no longer look after the dogs.

Workers from the Algarkirk sanctuary found 10 dogs and three puppies not only covered in urine and faeces but also in a ‘shut down state’. Their ages ranged from eight weeks to six years-old.

And staff were concerned about potential health concerns with three dogs. Dog welfare assistant Delphi McWilliam said two vans were needed to transport the dogs from the home on September 30.

Delphi said: “All the dogs were petrified and were hidden in different places in the home. They were very scared and most were shut down. Sometimes it is fight or flight with dogs but a lot of these were trembling.

“Normally in this situation we would give dogs time to decompress in the kennel but we had to get them clean. We had a conveyor belt of Shih Tzus for washing and then we wrapped them up to keep them warm.”

After they had been cleaned up, the team then examined the dogs, which were all found with scabs. Three were taken to the vets as workers had fears that they could have an infection due to their bloated bellies and saggy teets.

Delphi said: “Most of it was cosmetic but one does require being spayed more urgently than the others.”

The dogs have been named Nutmeg, Willow, Ivy, Juniper, Sage, Boo, Olive, Cookie, Chestnut, Bon Bon, Candy, Floss and Marshmallow.

They have been split up among the other Jerry Green centres in order to receive the care they need. However, the south Lincolnshire team is continuing to care for the mum and three puppies.

Delphi said that the dogs have been transformed and are now enjoying walks.

She said: “They are like different dogs. Mum has come out of her shell .

“It started off with them being very scared as they were really shut down. Some were shaking in the corner or pressing themselves into the floor as they were not really eating.

“As they had not been fed regularly they were very hungry and made friends with us by getting treats.”

Delphi added: “It has been really rewarding. The best part of the job is seeing the dogs going from being shut down and coming out of their shells and seeing their individual characters.”.

To support a fundraising appeal for the dogs, go to: www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk

The team have also recently cared for five Dogue de Bordeaux puppies which arrived severely malnourished and suffering from acute worm infestation.

Thankfully there was a happy ending for these dogs who were rehomed.