Problem Solvers: Central Oregon steps up as 14 dogs are seized in Lake County, with over 100 more likely to come

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Dog hoarding is growing in rural areas of Southern Oregon's Lake County, as 14 dogs were seized just this month, and 100 more are likely on the way.

The concerning issue has caught the attention of several Central Oregonians, who have stepped in to help.

"Oh, my God! It - it just - it just broke my heart."

When Elena Chadwick saw images of starving dogs in a rural area of Southern Oregon, she felt more than just sadness. She felt a call to action.

"She sent me pictures, and of course I started crying."

Chadwick, who works with the Sunriver Veterinary Clinic, drove hundreds of miles to help round up the 14 dogs and get them the care they need.

She connected with Kathy and Becky, a mother-daughter duo who help run the Humane Society of North Lake County. "This last guy was a veteran and he was actually feeding his food to the dogs," Kathy said, adding that the trailer he lived in was "just kind of a shack - no water, no power, no sanitation."

With help from the local sheriff's office, they seized the dogs and brought five of them to Central Oregon for adoption.

Needing close care in a warm home, one of the pups is already off the market.

"She was very skittish. We had to use a catch pole to get her. I can still see her ribs and her spine sticking out quite clearly," Chadwick says as she pets her new puppy.

"Right now, her name is Snickers Fun Size Candy Bar," she says with a smile. "And we're hoping we get a little meat on those bones - and we can upgrade her to Snickers Full Size Candy Bar!"

While Snickers has her forever home, four of her family members are still up for adoption, with many shelters already at capacity. Jeannette Moore, who owns the newly opened Sunrover Dog Daycare, stepped in to help.

Though these pups are on their way to a better life, the issue of dog hoarding in rural Oregon is not going away, according to Kathy and Becky, "We have five situations involving 100 dogs out here right now. A lot of animals get dumped out here. We're finding even more and more, with the economy."

Though there's a long road ahead, they're happy for the help from the High Desert: "It's overwhelming. It's so it's amazing. It's totally awesome. It, I just can't, I can't even - it makes me happy!"

If you are interested in adopting any of these puppies, contact the Sunrover Dog Daycare in Sunriver.

If you aren't able to adopt, here are some other ways to help:

• Donate directly to the Humane Society of North Lake County, whether it's food, supplies or cash.
• Donate to Sunriver Veterinary Clinic's Angel Fund
• Donate food, water and supplies to Sunrover Dog Daycare

The Humane Society of Central Oregon often works with North Lake County. Here are ways to support them as well.