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Rehab helps abused dogs become man’s best friend

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By Everdeen Mason, Staff Writer 10:59 PM Saturday, April 9, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — The dogs saved from One More Chance Rescue and Adoption in February have lasting trauma from living in deplorable conditions.

The dogs were kept in pens filled with feces, spoiled food and rats at the facility at 8393 Lower Valley Park before the Clark County Humane Society rescued them and the shelter was declared a public health nuisance.

The Humane Society has begun a slow process to rehabilitate many of the dogs so they can be adopted.

“Every dog was behavior tested (by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and then we go through and evaluate them almost three times a week to see if they (can) get out of their shells,” said Jimmy Straley, director of the Humane Society.

When the dogs were kept at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, volunteers would take time to sit with the dogs and let them explore. Most of the dogs have been adopted or moved, and only about 20 remain at the Humane Society at 5201 Urbana Road.

“We just tried to get them more familiar with people,” Straley said. “A lot of these dogs have never been touched or have felt the love from a human hand.”

One such dog is Casey, a five- or six-year-old mutt whose photograph allowed the Humane Society to obtain the search warrant needed to reveal One More Chance’s condition. The dog was kept in an outdoor pen filled with feces and rats, and appears to have fought with other dogs. She is missing half an ear, a toe and has numerous scars.

“We’re working on her in isolation and only particular volunteers that have dog experience can touch or work with her,” said Krissi Hawke, humane society shelter coordinator. After two months, Casey is still afraid of most people.

“I’m taking this dog to court,” Hawke said of the impending charges to be filed against One More Chance Owner Jeff Burgess. “I will have her trained by then.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371.

»Most dogs have found homes as owner faces charges Article on A6

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