Newly-rescued puppies and dogs need community’s help 

Second Chance at Love Humane Society in Templeton rescued these puppies from unspeakable hardships and deplorable conditions. Donations are being sought to help restore the puppies to full health. Courtesy photo

Second Chance at Love Humane Society seeks donations towards escalating veterinary costs

– When Cheri Lucas and her team at Second Chance at Love Humane Society rescued fourteen dogs from a horrible situation in Bakersfield, they hoped to bring the group to the their shelter and quickly find them loving homes. Shortly after arriving back in Templeton, however, it became clear to Lucas that many of the dogs were very ill.

Help bring this newly-rescued puppy back to a healthy existence. Courtesy photo

Now, as she attempts to help the dogs heal, Lucas has set up a We Help Give site and is asking for the community’s help in making donations towards their veterinary costs. By creating the Save Sick Rescue Pups & Dogs campaign on the We Help Give website, she is hoping to raise $18,000 to cover expenses.

“We rescued these dogs – ten puppies and four adults – from the same dwelling,” Lucas said. “They had all endured unspeakable hardships and deplorable conditions. After having them for just a few hours, it was clear that many of them were barely hanging on to life. One by one, seven of the puppies began to come down with the deadly Parvovirus. These dogs are precious and they need our help. I just cannot do this alone and, although I have a difficult time asking for help, this time it is necessary. We are definitely in a crisis right now here at Second Chance.”

One of fourteen dogs and puppies rescued by Cheri Lucas and her team. Courtesy photo

Currently, the puppies are staying at North County Animal Hospital and are being treated for the disease under the care of Dr. Tim Bell, a veterinarian that Lucas says is “dedicated to helping us get through this.”

“Dr. Bell has helped us with so many of our dogs and I know that he is doing everything possible to ensure these puppies have the chance to live a long, healthy life,” Lucas said. “The puppies came from two separate litters; three are Mastiff mixes, and seven are Chihuahua-Terrier mixes. The four adult dogs are all different breeds.”

In addition to the puppies suffering from Parvovirus, almost all of the fourteen dogs have Giardia, Coccidia, kennel cough, lice, fleas and upper respiratory infections. When they are well, all of these dogs will also need to be spayed and/or neutered. The cost of treating the puppies and adults is currently estimated at around $1,000 per dog, not including costs for spay and neuter services.

Cheri Lucas of Second Chance at Love Humane Society with three of the newly-rescued puppies. Courtesy photo

“We desperately need your help for this medical crisis to save these sweet angels,” Lucas said. “At Second Chance at Love Humane Society, we are advocates for those without a voice. We offer hope for the sick, the abandoned and the abused, working tirelessly to heal them both physically and physiologically, and then find them loving homes – and we are committed to doing just that for these sweet puppies and dogs with the help of our friends and neighbors throughout SLO County.”

To help, go to the link: wehelpgive.com/campaigns/save-sick-rescue-pups-dogs to make a donation or send a check to Second Chance at Love Humane Society, PO Box 396, Templeton, CA 93465. For more information, visit www.SecondChanceLove.org.