On a cloudy morning last October, our Humane Agent team responded to a Norton home that was flagged for animal neglect and abandonment. When the agents arrived, they recognized the residence as one that had received complaints in the past.
With assistance from Norton Police Department, they gained access to the house where a total of five dogs were discovered inside and outside. Although the dogs appeared alert and within normal weight, their living conditions were anything but healthy. Empty food and water bowls sat on an enclosed porch littered with trash, and a filthy mattress stained with feces lay on the floor. Inside the home, dogs wandered alone around rooms covered in feces, diarrhea, and debris. The air reeked of urine and waste.
A large container of dog food, along with food scattered across the kitchen floor, suggested the dogs were being fed, but only one water bowl was found, holding a small amount of dirty, discolored liquid. No other usable water sources were available.
The conditions got worse the further the agents went. Rooms filled with garbage, animal waste, and debris. Overflowing, moldy litter boxes were present despite no cats visibly living there. Living and dead mice were found throughout the house, along with clear signs of infestation. In the basement, small dog crates, trash, and scattered food covered the floor.
With the full extent of the neglect clear, the agents removed all five dogs and secured them safely in the Humane van. A seizure notice was posted on the front door before they left.
Back at the shelter, a new life was waiting for the dogs. After receiving necessary vaccinations and medical treatments, the dogs enjoyed a good night’s rest in a clean environment, safely surrounded by love. The adoption staff knew they deserved fresh starts and bright futures. So they named the dogs after the iconic Golden Girls crew: Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and of course, Stan.
Today, every single one of them is safe, loved, and exactly where they’re meant to be. Here’s an update on our favorite sitcom-inspired sweethearts:
Dorothy: Now Fiona, her new mom and dad report: “Once she got away from the stress of the shelter, she relaxed and blossomed. We call her our Velcro pup as she’s always attached to one of us! She is such a gentle giant and we absolutely love her.”
Blanche: Now Murphy, her new mom reports: “Murphy is doing excellent. She is everything I wanted in a dog. When we aren’t playing fetch on the tennis court, we are snuggled up on the couch or in bed watching our favorite shows. She is very loving and protective. I couldn’t have asked for a better match.”
Rose: Rose’s mom says “Rose is as sweet as can be. She’s a very happy, humble girl who just loves being at home with her people and older brother, Rocko. She’s acclimated to her new home quite easily and has loved everyone she’s met. We are so happy to have her as part of our family.”
Sophia: Sophia’s new mom reports: “She has slipped right back into home life. She slept through the night, no accidents. She has let me know when she wants to go out. She even wanted to go for a walk in her new neighborhood which went well. She loves her dog bed and is even fond of stuffed toys!”
Stan: Stan faced some significant medical challenges, so he was transferred to a wonderful hospice rescue partner, Old Dogs Go to Helen. Sadly, Stan passed away after the large, inoperable mass took a turn on him quickly. However, he loved every second of being with Helen, her family, and the other old dogs they care for. Helen does an incredible job of making sure that all their dogs not only live out their days in comfort, happiness and bellies full of chicken nuggets, but that they have a peaceful death surrounded by love too.
These five came to us during a difficult chapter, but thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, rescue partners, and adopters, their stories now look a whole lot brighter!