Dogs rescued from freezing Sturbridge park

Emaciated, infected, and way too skinny; a mama and papa dog and three puppies were dumped at Westville Lake in Sturbridge, and rescued on the coldest night of the year!

Great job Second Chance Animal Shelter and the good samaritan that saved these dogs!  Here is the video report from channel 5 WCVB.

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/central-massachusetts/Dogs-abandoned-in-bitter-cold-in-Sturbridge-park/-/11983998/24112028/-/pf3cpgz/-/index.html

You can help out, go to Second Chance Animal Shelter's web site and make a donation.

Or, here at the gofundme page for these specific animals.

Do you know someone who has found themselves in a situation like this, where they've gotten in way over their heads with either too many dogs, the inability to afford medical care for their pets, or both?  There are options, many in fact.

Right here in Massachusetts is one of the only organizations of its kind, Fairy DogParents, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose only goal is to prevent the surrender of dogs to Massachusetts shelters if the family cannot afford to feed or medically care for their pet pooch.  This unique organization was founded by Marlo Manning in tribute to her dog, Ladybug.  Manning wanted to do something different to remember her dog, who passed away several years ago.  The organization has since gone on to be featured on NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams, and Manning was nominated as a CNN Hero in 2012.  I am pleased to be a volunteer for "FDP" (I contribute to their blog, and work at their booth sometimes at local events).  I have had the pleasure of spending time with Marlo Manning and her seemingly inexhaustible energy!  If you can't afford to care for your dog, FDP is there to help.  Just fill out an application and see if you qualify.

In addition, many area shelters and veterinarians offer low-cost, subsidized and even FREE health care. From inexpensive vaccination clinics and spay/neuter services, to nail trims and dental care, you can almost always find a bargain.  These folks want to help families keep their pets.

Finally, if you feel you have to surrender your pet, do so the right way... contact a shelter.  There is usually a small donation or fee requested, but if you ask friends and family to pitch in, you'd be surprised how easy it would be to collect the necessary money.  Dumping and abandoning pets is illegal, and just plain wrong.  Just don't do it!

So, guess what.... once their medical issues are resolved, all five of the dogs found in Sturbridge already have adoptive homes lined up!  Yay!  Here's a picture of one of the dogs, and a video of all five of them romping around, and some more pictures "just in" from Channel 5.  What could have turned out to be a tragedy, ended up having a happy ending.

More pictures, here:  http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/central-massachusetts/photos-neglected-dogs-found-in-bitter-cold/-/11983998/24113200/-/pfx621z/-/index.html