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Benton Franklin Humane Society
In May of 2009, 371 American Eskimo dogs were confiscated from a Benton County breeding operation. The animals were housed in small cages, pens, and even shopping carts. They were filthy, undernourished, and some were quite sick. Due to its ability to call in experts from around the country, the Humane Society of the United States (not affiliated with BFHS) was asked to assist the Benton County Sheriff's office in the collection and sheltering of the animals. The Benton County Fairgrounds became a temporary home.
Several large regional shelters in Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma and elsewhere in the West received the majority of the dogs. Initially, HSUS was reluctant to release any to Tri-City shelters for fear that they would end up back in the original puppy mill. That issue evaporated when the owner of the kennel relinquished all rights to the dogs. A few weeks after the rescue, BFHS received ten adults and ten new-born puppies. All of the adults had significant behavior problems, ranging from extreme timidity to aggressive fear reactions.
Kenai was an example of a dangerous dog. While not actively aggressive, he was difficult to handle without the risk of a bite. He was an Alpha male, not accustomed to having any other animal or human control him. Gertie, on the other hand, was very shy and fearful. She was missing all but three teeth and had several painful tumors on her abdomen, making it nearly impossible to give her any kind of affection other than stroking her head.
With the help of shelter staff and volunteers who fostered some of the dogs and socialized them, every adult dog was deemed fit for adoption. After some trial adoptions, six of the adult dogs and all but one underage puppy have been adopted. Kenai has become a great pet and a fun companion for his new family. Gertie, after an operation to remove painful but benign cysts, is happy in her new home with several other dogs, room to run, and loving owners.
What started as a terrible chapter in a long list of animal neglect and abuses has ended as another Success Story for the Benton Franklin Humane Society.
Several large regional shelters in Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma and elsewhere in the West received the majority of the dogs. Initially, HSUS was reluctant to release any to Tri-City shelters for fear that they would end up back in the original puppy mill. That issue evaporated when the owner of the kennel relinquished all rights to the dogs. A few weeks after the rescue, BFHS received ten adults and ten new-born puppies. All of the adults had significant behavior problems, ranging from extreme timidity to aggressive fear reactions.
Kenai was an example of a dangerous dog. While not actively aggressive, he was difficult to handle without the risk of a bite. He was an Alpha male, not accustomed to having any other animal or human control him. Gertie, on the other hand, was very shy and fearful. She was missing all but three teeth and had several painful tumors on her abdomen, making it nearly impossible to give her any kind of affection other than stroking her head.
With the help of shelter staff and volunteers who fostered some of the dogs and socialized them, every adult dog was deemed fit for adoption. After some trial adoptions, six of the adult dogs and all but one underage puppy have been adopted. Kenai has become a great pet and a fun companion for his new family. Gertie, after an operation to remove painful but benign cysts, is happy in her new home with several other dogs, room to run, and loving owners.
What started as a terrible chapter in a long list of animal neglect and abuses has ended as another Success Story for the Benton Franklin Humane Society.
American Eskimos
A few of the great things that have happened recently that make us glad to be volunteers, shelter workers, adoptive pet lovers, donors, and shelter supporters.
SUCCESS STORIES
Adoption
Adoption Policy
Adoption Fees
Animals to Adopt
Surrender Fees
Success Stories
Ams Pet of the Week
Adoption Policy
Adoption Fees
Animals to Adopt
Surrender Fees
Success Stories
Ams Pet of the Week
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For more details on the saga of the American Eskimos, see these articles. Note that all of the information is dated.
May 28
June 1
June 3
June 18
KNDU - June 24
Gertie - July 14
Gertie - July 15
Tri-City Herald, Nov. 22
May 28
June 1
June 3
June 18
KNDU - June 24
Gertie - July 14
Gertie - July 15
Tri-City Herald, Nov. 22
Josie (formerly Gertie) enjoying her new home.