8 rescued Chihuahuas to go up for adoption

By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
OLLY WARDLE, SHELTER director at Angels for Animals, does not want her job to last.
"We're an educational organization first," she said. "Our goal is to educate on responsible pet ownership so that someday we will no longer have to be here.
"Our goal is to put ourselves out of business."
In the meantime, though, Wardle and the Canfield area nonprofit shelter continue to care for rescued and stray dogs and cats. The latest rescue, a group of eight Chihuahuas and one Pomeranian, will be eligible for adoption Saturday.
May go fast
Wardle said she expects the Chihuahuas to go fast once made available because of their small stature, weighing about 4 to 7 pounds at full growth.
"Small dogs are very easily cared for by elderly people; they aren't going to knock them down, but yet they'll bark at strangers," she said. "Small breeds are especially good for people who have size limits because of condos and apartments."
The dogs, ranging from 2 to 4 years of age, were recovered from a puppy mill in Pike County, where health officials found 22 dogs and 70 cats in a filthy environment. The breeding operation was being run by an 80-year-old woman, Jeremie Beekman, dog warden for Pike County, said. The woman was evicted from her property, and the dogs were taken to Pike County Dog Pound.
Dog volunteer Regan Bailey was on hand when the dogs were transferred to Angels for Animals.
"They all had fleas, huge nails and were terrified of us," she said. "Everyday they get better. That's all it takes -- being sweet to them, taking care of them -- and they appreciate it."
Some didn't survive
Some of the 22 dogs did not survive, and two puppies will be put in foster homes before being made available for adoption.
Angels for Animals, consisting mostly of volunteer employees, successfully transferred 855 dogs and approximately 2,600 cats into permanent homes last year.
Adopting a dog costs $90 to cover medical care, vaccines and spay or neutering expenses. The shelter is located at 4750 state Route 165. Call (330) 549-1111.
"People tend to think dogs that were rescued or stray aren't good pets, that they won't bond with you," Bailey said. "They make the best pets because they're eternally grateful."
mbixenstine@vindy.com