Housed in filthy, overcrowded, wire-bottom cages, their coats so over-grown and matted they couldn’t see or walk, more than 90 Yorkshire terriers lived their entire lives with little social interaction and no veterinary care.

They needed help. Friday the 13th turned out to be their lucky day!

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force drove more than 500 miles and spent more than 19 hours rescuing these pitiful dogs from a substandard puppy mill in Greene County.

When they arrived in St. Louis, our triage team of veterinarians, animals care staff and groomers went to work. We found dental disease; open wounds; ear, skin and bone infections; malnutrition and dehydration.  Nearly 50 lbs. of disgusting, noxious, matted hair was shaved from these dogs. Each was given a clean, warm, comfy place to sleep with plenty of food and water, perhaps for the first time in their lives.

Now they need your help to help us care for them.

They need vaccinations, several weeks of medications and continuing grooming. Several may need amputation of severely infected legs. Many will need to spend time in foster homes.

Please help them so they will have a second chance for the forever homes they deserve.