Fergie the shih tzu who survived a squalid breeding den with 96 other dogs has a litter of five puppies
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 imagine”.
Fergie the shih tzu was one of 96 dogs found by horrified RSPCA officers living in appalling conditions in a hugely overcrowded home.
The dog, who had been used as a ‘breeding machine’ by her owner, was heavily pregnant but was severely malnourished with matted fur covered in fleas.
Now Fergie has given birth to five puppies at Gables Cats and Dogs Home animal shelter 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 can imagine’
Fergie the shih tzu was one of 96 dogs found by horrified RSPCA officers living in appalling conditions in a hugely overcrowded home. Pictured: Fergie on her arrival at the animal shelter
Now Fergie has given birth to five puppies at Gables Cats and Dogs Home animal shelter in Plymouth, Devon
The seven-year-old mum is still recovering – a month after the huge rescue mission.
Claire Sparkes, manager of 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 had dreadlocks in her own brothel.
‘She was very skinny. Her spine was visible but she had a big belly so it was obvious she was pregnant.
“Fergie probably had hundreds of puppies in her lifetime. It was simply used as a breeding machine.
“We were worried about the condition the puppies would be in as his 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 was severely malnourished with matted fur covered in fleas
The seven-year-old mum is still recovering – a month after the huge rescue mission
The tiny puppies are doing well: “They are feeding on mum, so they have this natural nursing behavior, but because she is so undernourished, we have also given food supplements with bottles”
“They feed on mum so they get that natural breastfeeding behavior, but because she’s so malnourished, we also provided supplemental feeding with bottles.”
Shih Tzu puppies won’t be rehomed until they’re about 12 weeks old, but there’s no shortage of new owners for them.
The animal shelter took in 23 of the 96 dogs rescued from the filthy home in Torquay, Devon, last month.
Many dogs were covered in their own feces and suffered 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 they began the difficult task of removing their matted fur.
Shih Tzu puppies won’t be rehomed until they’re around 12 weeks old, but there’s no shortage of new owners for them.
The animal shelter took in 23 of the 96 dogs rescued from the filthy home in Torquay, Devon, last month
Many dogs were covered in their own feces and suffered from ammonia burns. Pictured: Fergie
All rescue dogs are recovering well from their ordeal and enjoying simple activities like running outside for the first time in their lives.
Ms Sparkes said: ‘It was the worst conditions you could imagine – fleas jumping everywhere and the smell of ammonia took your breath away and burned your eyes.
“Their hair was just dreadlocks. They all had to be shaved to the skin because the pigtails were so tight and it was difficult for them to move.
“When we first got them, I think they were just in shock. Some were more terrified than others, many adults will take longer to recover because they are so scared and traumatized.
All rescue dogs are taken care of and are recovering well from their ordeal and enjoying simple activities like running outside for the first time in their lives
The rescue center set up a Just Giving page to raise £5,000 to help pay the dogs’ bills and vet care, with donations pouring in from supporters who wanted to help.
“They had never been out before so when they first saw grass they were so excited and just ran around chasing each other.
“It was shocking and sad to see them, but now they are safe and can have a better life, it’s so rewarding. When you hear from families how well the dogs are doing in their new homes, it’s simply the best feeling.
The rescue center set up a Just Giving page to raise £5,000 to help pay the dogs’ bills and vet care, with donations pouring in from supporters who wanted to help.
Claire added: “I would just like to remind people of the importance of checking where their puppies are from.” If they asked to see the parents or where the dogs live, breeders like this couldn’t go on. Doing your research is so important.
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