TRI-CITIES, Wash. – Mikey’s Chance rescue was called out to Toppenish after a litter of six puppies was discovered in a plastic tote. According to Andrea Moreno, the Executive Director of Mikey’s Chance, the lid was taped shut, and there were no holes in the bin for the animals to breathe.
Moreno said the puppies have parvo, and as of Monday afternoon, the puppies are still alive.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Parvo is a disease that attacks a dog’s white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract. In puppies, it can damage the heart muscle and be deadly if not treated immediately.
Moreno said she hoped 2024 would be different. She said since the beginning of January this year, she’s rescued 18 dogs.
“We’re seeing litters like this of sometimes six or 11,” Moreno said. “You know it’s the whole litter being turned down. It’s weather like this, and in weather like this, it doesn’t take long for them to freeze to death.”
She said one of her fosters, Kate, is medically equipped to handle dogs with parvo.
“Kate’s pretty much up with them every 12 hours trying to get food in them,” she said. “They get medication every 12 hours.”
Moreno said unfortunately, cases like this happen often, and she’s not surprised anymore by the way people decide to treat these animals that aren’t wanted.
“It just seems to be happening so much,” said Moreno. “People are overwhelmed when they have litters of puppies.”
Moreno said in her years of rescuing and fostering, she’s never seen so many pets in need. She said when she started at Mikey’s Chance 15 years ago, it had around 30 animals. Now, they have 300.
Lieutenant Mike Clark of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said when they get a call about a possible abandoned dog, 99% of the time, they won’t find out who did it.
However, there are times when they do know.
“There are situations and it’s strictly on a case by case basis, based off the circumstances,” Lt. Clark said. “They could be facing animal neglect or something to that effect and based on what kind of condition the animal is in.”
According to Clark, charges are based on how severe the case is. You could face jail time and fines.
Mikey’s Chance is always in need of fosters and donations.
