Dog In Lacey Makes Journey From Animal Cruelty To Loving Home

LACEY, NJ — It's National Dog Month, and while many folks have four-legged pals to share their homes, Patch is kicking off an effort we hope you'll join: We want to help 1,000 dogs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania find their forever homes.

As part of that effort, we have been highlighting dogs that currently are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them. But today, we have a success story.

Three years ago, six adult Korean Mastiffs and two puppies were found in dire conditions in Newark. They were dehydrated and starving in the scorching heat. They had no food, water or shelter for two weeks. One of the puppies died.

All the dogs suffered congenital deformities to their eyes because of irresponsible breeding. They also sustained severe skin infections. One of the dogs was pregnant through this entire process.

Dr. Andy Wurst of Barnegat Animal Clinic gave complicated eye surgeries to six of the seven dogs. The New Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ordered Associated Humane Societies to care for four of the dogs as they pursued animal-cruelty charges.

One of those dogs was Donna. Their owner was charged, and their rights were signed over. The Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter announced Monday that a woman named Rose adopted Donna.

Donna has settled in and become part of the family.

Visit ahscares.org or call 609-693-1900 for more adoption info.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Lacey Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.