Bless! Fergie the shih tzu who survived being one of 96 dogs crammed into squalid breeding den recovers to have gorgeous litter of five puppies
- Fergie was rescued from a breeding den described to have the ‘worst conditions you could possibly imagine’
- The dog had been used as a ‘breeding machine’ by her owner, but suffered from severe malnutrition and fleas
- The Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth, Devon took in 23 of the 96 dogs rescued from the filthy home
- Many of the dogs were covered in faeces as well as suffering from ammonia burns but are now recovering well
A shih tzu dog has defied all odds and given birth to a healthy litter of puppies after being rescued from a squalid breeding den – home to the ‘worst conditions you could possibly imagine’.
Fergie the shih tzu was one of 96 dogs found by horrified RSPCA officers to be living in appalling conditions in a an extremely overcrowded house.
The dog, who had been used as a ‘breeding machine’ by her owner, was heavily pregnant but suffered from severe malnutrition with matted fur covered in fleas.
Now, Fergie has given birth to five puppies at the animal shelter Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth, Devon.
A shih tzu dog has defied all odds and given birth to a healthy litter of puppies after being rescued from a squalid breeding den – home to the ‘worst conditions you could possibly imagine’
Fergie the shih tzu was one of 96 dogs found by horrified RSPCA officers to be living in appalling conditions in a an extremely overcrowded house. Pictured: Fergie when she first arrived at the animal shelter
Now, Fergie has given birth to five puppies at the animal shelter Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth, Devon
The seven-year-old mum is still recovering – a month on from the huge rescue mission.
Claire Sparkes, manager at Gables Cats and Dogs Home, said: ‘When Fergie arrived with us she was very depressed and scared.
‘She was in a terrible state. She was covered in fleas and dreadlocked in her own mess.
‘She was very thin. Her spine was showing but she had a big belly so it was obvious she was pregnant.
‘Fergie has probably had hundreds of puppies in her lifetime. She was basically just being used as a breeding machine.
‘We were worried what state the puppies would be in because her poor nutrition could have been passed on to them but so far they are doing well.
The dog, who had been used as a ‘breeding machine’ by her owner, was heavily pregnant but suffered from severe malnutrition with matted fur covered in fleas
The seven-year-old mum is still recovering – a month on from the huge rescue mission
The tiny puppies are doing well: ‘They are feeding from mum so they get that natural behaviour of suckling, but because she is so malnutritioned we have been supplement feeding with bottles too’
‘They are feeding from mum so they get that natural behaviour of suckling, but because she is so malnutritioned we have been supplement feeding with bottles too.’
The shih tzu puppies will not be rehomed until they are about 12 weeks old but there is no shortage of new owners for them.
The animal shelter took in 23 of the 96 dogs rescued from the filthy house in Torquay, Devon, last month.
Many of the dogs were covered in their own faeces as well as suffering from ammonia burns.
Ms Sparkes said the house where they were found had some of the worst conditions she had ever seen.
They gave the dogs flea and worm treatments before starting the difficult task of removing their matted fur.
All of the rescue dogs are recovering well from their ordeal and are enjoying simple activities like running around outside for the first time in their lives.
Ms Sparkes said: ‘It was the worst conditions you could possibly imagine – fleas jumping everywhere and the smell of ammonia took your breath away and burnt your eyes.
‘Their hair was just dreadlocked. They all had to be shaved right down to the skin because the matts were so tight and made it difficult for them to move.
‘When we first got them I think they were just shell-shocked. Some were more terrified than others, a lot of the adults will take longer to recover because they are so scared and traumatised.
All of the rescue dogs are being looked after and are recovering well from their ordeal and are enjoying simple activities like running around outside for the first time in their lives
The rescue centre set up a Just Giving page to raise £5,000 to help towards the dogs’ vet bills and care, with donations flooding in from supporters who wanted to help
‘They’ve never been outside before so when they first saw grass they were so excited and just ran round in circles chasing each other.
‘It was shocking and sad to see them but now they are safe and can have a better life it is so rewarding. When you hear from families how well the dogs are doing in their new homes it is just the best feeling.’
The rescue centre set up a Just Giving page to raise £5,000 to help towards the dogs’ vet bills and care, with donations flooding in from supporters who wanted to help.
Claire added: ‘I’d just like to remind people of the importance of checking where they get puppies from. If they have asked to see the parents or where the dogs are living, breeders like this wouldn’t be able to keep going. Doing your research is so important.’
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