We are often asked where our dogs come from, how do we find them? This is one story we wanted to share with you. We want you to learn about puppy mills and backyard breeders. We want you to know how much your support means to Norcal and the goldens we care for.

Norcal received a call from the Yolo County SPCA on August 30, 2007. The Yolo County Sheriff had just been issued a warrant in an animal neglect case. 19 dogs had been taken into custody, including 4 adult goldens and 4 two week old puppies. Three of the adults went to the kennel for vet evaluation. The Sheriff needed someone to take in and care for the mama and her pups. Angela from the Yolo County SPCA asked if Norcal would be willing to foster her and her babies while they investigated and possibly tried the case in court.

Cassie and her babies arrived in our care on August 31, 2007. Cassie’s medical issues were tended to by UC Davis Vets. She has a large sore on the top of her head and a small one on her back, just above her tail. A condition called fly-strike was evident on her shoulderblades. Fly-strike happens when there is an open wound and flies lay their eggs inside the wound. Cassie needed to have that cleaned out and stitched up, five stitches. She had drain tubes that needed to be cleaned every day for five days. Antibiotics were prescribed for 14 days.

The babies, three boys and one girl. Oh my goodness how cute they are at just under two weeks old, their eyes still closed and unable to walk. They each weighed in between 2lbs and 2lbs 9oz. Within two days they had gained between 6 and 8 ounces. Cassie is an excellent mom. We are giving her the proper food she needs to supply enough milk for her crew.

September 6, 2007 is a good day for rescue. The Sheriff’s department notified Norcal that all of the dogs seized by the warrant had been surrendered. No court battle to get custody so the dogs could go on to a new life. We were also told that the number of goldens had increased. Norcal now has the wonderful opportunity to find permanent loving homes for 6 adults and 4 puppies.

September 8, 2007 was another exciting day for rescue. The 5 adult goldens were picked up at the Yolo County SPCA and taken into the family of Norcal volunteers. Rescued today are Chance, 4 yo female; Buddy, 4 yo male; China, 2 yo female; Clara, 1 yo female and Carly 4 yo female. It is so exciting to be part of helping these sweet dogs move on to a safer, healthier, happier life.

We ask everyone to think twice about buying a puppy from someone that advertises in the newspaper. If you do answer an ad and the conditions are less than perfect – please contact your local animal control office. They will check out the conditions and make sure that the animals get a fair shake in this life. It was through a concerned person that these dogs in this situation were rescued and have a second chance.

Norcal is proud to work with animal control and anyone that finds themselves overwhelmed and unable to take care of their goldens.

We will post weekly updates on the puppies for your enjoyment – and keep you posted on the progress and health of their mom Cassie and the other 5 lucky dogs.

If you would like to support our efforts in the care of all the goldens that come to our doors – we would welcome your donations. Consider joining us at our annual Wine & Art Auction on November 3, 2007.

UPDATE:

September 17, 2007: Some good news. China, Chance, and Buddy have been adopted. The puppies are growing like weeds. All of them are 5+ lbs of bounding energy. They play and wrestle with each other, growls and play bows are the order of the day. Just as quickly they fall fast asleep. Cassie (mama) is doing well. Her stitches are out and her hair is growing back. She still has some healing to do on the top of her head, but that is coming along as well. We hope to have a home ready for her to go to that will love and adore her for the rest of her life.

Clarabelle is another story – she has some medical issues that we are working to resolve. This sweet 1 year old girl needs surgery. She has what is called an ectopic ureter, which is a birth defect. The tubes that go from the kidneys to the bladder are not attached properly so she cannot control her urine. This is treatable with surgery and possibly lifetime medication. If you would like to donate to her surgical fund – click on the link from this story and your donation will go toward helping Clarabelle and other special needs dogs.