‘They’re thriving here:’ BrightSide has 7 puppies, some adults among 20 dogs from La Pine rescue up for adoption
(Update: Adding comments from Redmond shelter's executive director)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- We recently told you about Deschutes County sheriff's deputies investigating and seizing 37 dogs from a La Pine woman who faces allegations the animals were neglected and abandoned in poor living conditions.
Redmond's BrightSide Animal Center currently houses 20 dogs from the La Pine rescue, seven puppies and 13 are adults. All seven of the puppies and a few of the adults are up for adoption, while the rest are slowly working to that same goal.
“They are thriving here," Taylor Campbell, BrightSide's executive director, said Friday. "They've been doing so great! As you can see. We've had them a little over a week and a half. They're very lovable. They just want a loving attention from people. So they've been doing great here."
When the dogs first arrived, neither the puppies nor adult dogs knew what toys were and had to be readjusted to life as a normal dog, the shelter said.
Along with the introduction of toys, the dogs needed to be socialized to be with other dogs and humans.
Campbell said a couple of them have "been more shy, timid to start out with. But relatively all these guys are super-sweet and easygoing, and they've adapted very quickly, which is so nice to see! And we're excited to see their next steps."
BrightSide said it has never been involved with a case of dog removal this large. Despite that, the outpouring of support from the community has made the transition easier, with food and financial donations, and volunteers to foster.
After the arrival of the dogs, BrightSide did a full exam on each dog. The adults have been taking it slow to adjust with staff, but as they get closer to adoption, they’re able to be with volunteers.
“We check on them right away," Campbell said. "We make sure they're fed, they have water, they have all the essentials, and then we do vet checks right away. You know, check their temperature, heart rates. They, you know, do a full exam, teeth -- everything, whole body check, just to make sure there's anything that we need to take care of right away.".
All the dogs arrived fully healthy, according to BrightSide, making the primary focus to adapt and socialize them with other dogs and humans so that they can find a loving home.
Once the pups are adopted, new owners should stress patience, as the dogs learn to find their footing in this new life. Campbell said to take it slow and "take it at their speed, understanding that it's going to be baby steps. And a lot of this experience is brand new for them. So really just reading their body language and making sure they know that they're loved and they're cared for.”
According to the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office, the resident of the La Pine home was cited on three felony counts of second-degree animal neglect, 29 counts of animal abandonment and 13 counts of unlicensed dog. Deputies went to her home after complaints form neighbors.
District Attorney Steve Gunnels said she was cited to appear in court on Jan. 30 and his office is reviewing the case. NewsChannel 21's policy is to not name suspects until formally charged.
