They huddled in the corner of the shelter, close together, quiet and still. Their coats were thick with mats and dirt, and the world outside their kennel barely registered.
The Illinois volunteers passed by, drawn by their silence more than any bark or whine. The day began like any other: cleaning, feeding, checking kennels.
But something about that group of dogs made one handler pause, lean in, and listen. There was fear there, sure, but also a faint flicker of hope.
With scissors, warm water, and a plan, the team set to work. They didn’t know yet what the dogs would become, just that they needed change.
Before long, what started as a grooming session turned into a transformation that surprised everyone watching.
A Total Transformation
It was an ordinary day for officers from Cook County Forest Preserves Police Department in Illinois when they spotted something shocking at a Pond in Barrington.
It looked like several furry lumps that were huddling together, so the officers got closer to examine it better and then the realization set in.
It was actually fifteen abandoned, and severely matted dogs. The officers were stunned, so they called The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) to help.
The ARC officers examined the situation and realized that these dogs were likely here for a few days, and the theory was that they were likely just abandoned there.
At first, the rescuers assumed that it was going to be a difficult task getting to all the dogs because they might be scared, but that was just false.
They Just Accepted The Help
The dogs all just kind of accepted help from these rescuers and agreed to move into a transport vehicle.
When all fifteen of them were secured, the rescuers took one final look at the area to make sure they didn’t leave anyone behind and then they drove straight to South Suburban Humane Society.
Jeremy Manthey, who works there, told The Dodo: “Intake was pretty much all hands on deck. Honestly… it was a very bad smell.”
In order to help the pups, the rescuers let them stay in groups overnight, and all of them were given blankets to sleep on. This was a good way to make sure they all get a chance to relax.
Manthey continued by saying: “They just wanted to be close to each other. They were just going to do better together.”
When the pups woke up the next morning, the rescuers realized that all of their blankets were dirty. They were desperate for a bath and a grooming session.
They Were So Much Lighter Now
Shortly after, all of that was taken care of. It took a few hours, but all the pups received a complete makeover.
Some of them could now see clearly and they are several pounds lighter. During this process, they were also spayed, neutered and vaccinated.
Manthey said: “We had them all outside. Some of them were kind of sitting by the door, just kind of shaking, because they were nervous. But other ones were just like … ‘It’s kind of chilly outside now that my fur is gone, but I feel a lot better.’”
Another rescue stepped in to make sure at least ten of these puppies found a foster home while South Suburban Humane Society would take care of the remaining five.
The rescuers noticed that some of the dogs were more skittish, so they were unwilling to sign them up for adoption unless they were adopted in pairs.
This is good news and hopefully it will manifest sometime in the future. All of them are recovering well and they have a bright future ahead. I hope they all find wonderful homes.
