Guardian Membership

While you may not be there physically, when we’re called in to rescue animals from harrowing cruelty, you’re with us every step of the way. From rescuing the animals to providing medical and specialized behavioral care, all the way to finding loving homes, constant support from Guardians like you make our jobs possible. Just one year ago, you helped us rescue hundreds of innocent animals from cruel conditions. 

In early September 2022, we provided much-needed assistance with the care of hundreds of dogs, primarily Caucasian Shepherds in Pahrump, Nevada. Some of the dogs were found suffering from emaciation, infected wounds and abscesses, missing limbs, matted coats, advanced dental disease and ear infections. Many were also extremely fearful, and none knew how to walk on a leash.

In addition to daily care, we assisted with evidence collection and crime scene processing, legal assistance, forensic exams and provided medical and behavioral support for the large-breed dogs. From September 1 to November 15, 256 responders—up to 40 a day—worked more than 17,000 hours on the case. 

Once the dogs were healthy enough to relocate, we organized a historic transport to move some of the dogs to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Ohio, to receive expert care, treatment and enrichment to prepare them for adoption.

Because the dogs were so large—some approximately three feet tall and weighing over 100 pounds—they were too big for standard-sized dog crates and could not fit in a smaller cargo plane. So, we had to get creative. We utilized dog crate risers to modify the largest available flight-approved dog crates. The use of these larger crates and the number and size of these giant dogs also required the use of a chartered 747 cargo plane—to our knowledge, the first flight of this type in animal welfare.

Once at the CRC, these dogs continued to receive medical and behavioral care. The dogs showing signs of extreme fear were transferred to the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, North Carolina, where they received  expert behavioral support.

Marcus, a dog from the case at the BRC before he was adopted. 

Mashy, one of a litter of puppies from the case dubbed the “potato dogs,” has since found a loving home with Karen B. and her husband, Blair. Karen spotted Mashy, now Quinn, on the news and immediately fell in love with him. She takes the 80 lb. pup with her to her bookkeeping and accounting jobs where he loves meeting customers and other dogs. At home he hangs out with the family’s dogs, cats and goats. 

Mashy, now Quinn, in his adoptive home. 

Curly Fry, one of Quinn’s littermates is also living his best life in his adoptive home with his new name—Cowboy. 

Curly Fry, now Cowboy, in his adoptive home.

Though it has been a year, and many of these rescued dogs have already found homes, there are still many from this case waiting for their turn at happily ever after. 

Ollivander and Charon are waiting patiently for their pawfect person at the BRC as well as Beowulf, who is located at the CRC. You can end their year-long wait by adopting one of them today!

Above, Ollivander (left) and Charon (right). Below, Beowulf.

It is with your support that we are able to make monumental rescues like this possible. We’re hard at work rescuing and rehabilitating more animals that need us every day, and they have people like you to thank for helping them get a second chance at life. Thank you!

Want to get your boots on the ground and help animals like these? Well, you're in luck because we are in need of volunteer responders! Sign up today and get started!