[TheForge] Need some help... WAY OT

[Andrew Vida]

Hi Folks.

This is way OT, but I'm in a bit of a bind and could use some real help 
with saving some lives.

Do you know any good folks who may be looking to give a dog or cat a 
home?  My neighbors abandoned their house and left 5 dogs and about 8 
cats to die.  One cat I already buried.  I saved one from imminent 
starvation and it looks like a friend will be taking her.  Vet thought 
she was 6 weeks old until she did the dental exam.  She is about 8 
MONTHS old and weighed 12 OUNCES.  I have been feeding her for about a 
week or so and she has gained vast weight.  Maybe up to 3 pounds now, so 
that is no longer a concern.

The dogs are the problem.  They had a shihtzu that has now lost an eye.  
His name is Pugsley and we will be giving him a home.  There is a basset 
mix, all white, VERY sweet, house-trained, and 12 years old.  
Traumatized, of course, as are the rest in the wake of having been 
abandoned.

There are two chihuahuas, a male named Fazi, the other I don't know, a 
female - can likely find out her name.  Also very sweet dogs, but very 
hurt by all this.  After a week of feeding everyone, the girl finally 
comes to me.  Fazi still doesn't but will lick the end of my fingers 
now, whereas 3 days ago would not come within 15-20 feet - very wary.  
They should be a pair, but not required.  I suspect they are 
house-broken, but am not 100% sure because I have not been able to get 
hold of them to put them in the house for a day or so to find out.

The last is a young mix, looks part coon-hound.  Also very good 
disposition, house broken as well, about 1 1/2 years old.

There are about 6-8 cats.  We took one for our friend, I buried one that 
had died in a cage, of all things with a rabbit.  Two are going to a 
neighbor, at least for now, and the rest need to escape the needle.

County humane is coming Monday to investigate.  I am going to try my 
best to get some of these guys placed before they show up.  I feel badly 
for them and would give all a home here, but we cannot afford to feed 
that many and the house is just too small for such a number of dogs.

If you know anyone or if they would know anyone, please forward my 
number 304-965-3855.  I would be willing to drive 250 miles to deliver 
to good people or find another means of getting them where they need to 
go.  These dogs show some stress, but three of them have spent three 
nights in our house and have calmed a lot.  Two of those, the basset and 
coon-mix took off and are back "home".  It is all they know.  I have yet 
to apprehend Fazi, though feel I am close to accomplisihing that goal.

Neighbor's wife is the one who abandoned them like that and the human 
officer said she will have some serious 'splaining to do.

I apologize for coming to you with this, but I'm in a corner and need to 
ask for some help.  These are all good souls and need to be taken proper 
care of.  If you know anyone at all, please let them know.

Thanks, and a very happy new year to you all.

We're in Charleston WV.

Feel free to share this as widely as you might.  Monday comes quickly.

     -Andy