Pima Animal Care Center staff rescued 40 small-breed dogs — including a Chihuahua with no front legs — from a hoarding house on Sunday, officials said.
The dogs, mainly poodle, terrier and Chihuahua mixes, are all fairly young, with most being under 4 years of age, PACC said in a news release.
The dogs' owner cooperated with the rescue operation by surrendering the dogs to PACC staff to provide medical care, grooming and to start putting up the animals for adoption.
Most are in good health but were in need of grooming because of the neglect they suffered in the home, PACC officials said.
Most of the animals will be placed up for adoption beginning at noon Thursday. A female dog with puppies and several other dogs with parasites are not up for adoption yet.
One of the dogs, named Roo, has no front legs, which PACC medical staff believed was the result of inbreeding.
The Friends of Pima Animal Care Center has started raising money to help save these dogs, including specialty care that Roo will need. Veterinarians at PACC have said there is little that can be done medically to fix Roo's condition. The group is raising money to help pay for a custom-created mobility cart, and possible surgery, for Roo.
To help, visit www.youcaring.com/roo-a-chihuhua-born-without-front-legs-641927 or call 288-1151.
