TACOMA, Wash. — Nine dogs were discovered earlier this week in "tragic" conditions after their owner had been dead for nearly two weeks.
According to The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, the dogs were discovered at a "trash-filled home" in Tahuya, which is west of Tacoma across Puget Sound in Mason County.
The shepherd mix dogs, which ranged from 5 to 10 years old, were found close to the owner in the house's upstairs bedroom.
The inside of the property was "in a state of disarray" due to the accumulated trash, according to the release. No signs of accessible food or water for the dogs were present, and officials said one dog was found with a bucket stuck on its head.
"It was a heartbreaking scene, wading through a sea of trash to get these dogs out and get them care as soon as possible,” said Katherine Johnson, executive director at the Humane Society of Mason County.
All nine dogs were discovered in Mason County and eventually brought to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.
"We get animals that need us every single day but this situation was one we needed to step in and help," said Ashley Taulbee, the chief philanthropy officer for the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
“We knew we needed help due to our limited space and all nine of the dogs needed immediate veterinary care,” said Johnson in the release. “Thanks to our partnership with the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we can provide these dogs with the care and attention they desperately need."
The dogs arrived with feces caked onto their fur and paws and were suffering from ear infections and dental disease. One dog named Mocha arrived with "severe and infected wounds" around its neck after its head was stuck inside a plastic container, which the organization said required immediate abscess drainage.
Mocha is doing much better after emergency veterinary care. She receives antibiotics and fluids daily to help her heal.
Some of the dogs found are already ready for adoption. You can see them posted here.
Funds are needed to keep helping dogs like this group of shepherd mixes. Funding for veterinary services will help more animals. Donations for both humane society organizations are needed and appreciated. For more information, click here.
The Humane Society of Mason County is currently working on building an animal shelter to help dogs like the ones found at the home in Mason County. They currently do not have an animal shelter to house animals. They rely on foster programs and other humane societies for help.
"In January of 2015, the Humane Society of Mason County purchased 5 acres of property with plans to eventually build office space and an animal shelter. The property is between Belfair and Allyn, on North Mason School Road behind the High School and practice field," their website states.
The Humane Society of Mason County is accepting donations for many services, including building their brand-new shelter. For ways to give, click here.