Entered: 04/14/2020
Status: Adopted
Age: 10; born 09/10/2013
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 55 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, blind due to PRA
Temperament: Good with adults, fine with children 8 years and older, good with other dogs, lives with two cats but they have not interacted
Original: “Now in the evenings, he likes to sit on the couch with his foster mom and rip up a new toy; he really enjoys shredding his toys.”
“In April of 2020, as COVID lockdowns were beginning, the Warwick Valley Humane Society contacted MAESSR regarding 11 dogs that they had seized from an irresponsible breeding situation in Orange County, New York. The shelter was trying to limit the number of dogs in its care due to the pandemic, and they asked if MAESSR would be able to find foster homes for these dogs until the case went to trial. Of course, MAESSR said yes, and the trek began to get those dogs out of the shelter in New York and into foster homes all up and down the east coast. Because MAESSR volunteers are amazing at what they do, this was a seamless process, and the dogs were quickly settled.
“Because of the pandemic, the courts were very backed up, and the trial did not begin until January 2022. There were hearings and appeals, and more appeals, and after what seemed like forever, on April 22, 2023 Lauretta and Daniel Duthie of Laurdan Kennels were convicted of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance in violation of the State Agriculture and Markets law. They were fined $1,000 and were required to register on the Orange County Animal Abuse Registry (https://www.orangecountygov.com/934/Animal-Abuser-Registry), prohibiting them from owning animals for the next 15 years. It wasn’t until March 8, 2024, that they registered, and the dogs were turned over to MAESSR at that time.
“Due to years of neglectful veterinary care and poor breeding practices, virtually all the dogs needed treatment for medical conditions, including dental disease, mammary tumors, deafness, blindness, untreated ear infections and allergies, among other things. Each dog needed grooming, vaccinations, and most of all the love and attention they desperately wanted. Where indicated, surgeries were performed for the tumor removals, dental cleaning and extractions. The total cost to provide needed veterinarian care for the 11 dogs exceeded $100,000, which MAESSR shouldered and to date has not been reimbursed by the owners, as was intended during their prosecution.
“Of the 11 dogs that were seized in 2020, these seven, Tara, Eliza, Bennett, Gracie, Nelson, Electra, and Harrison remain in MAESSR care thriving in their foster homes and preparing to be adopted now that the case is closed. Star, Cameron, Hunter, and Winston crossed the bridge, but spent their last days knowing love and compassion from their foster families.
“We cannot change the world for all the dogs, but we can change the world for the dogs that come into MAESSR’s care. We are honored to have been called upon to help and fortunate to have the means to provide what these babies needed.” – Debbie Lipcsey, MAESSR President
Harrison or “Harry” as he is affectionately called came to his MAESSR foster family after being rescued by Animal Control in New York. He was partially blind due to PRA, but has since lost the rest of his eyesight. He may only see shadows or images up very close.
When he arrived in foster care, it was evident that Harry had endured a lot. He was altered due to prostate problems and he had to have several teeth removed. Unfortunately, it took him a long time to adjust to his new home and food.
Harry enjoys short walks around the block. He had to learn to walk on a leash but he does it well now. He never pulls and, in fact, he usually has to be pulled as he is not interested in long walks. He mostly spends his time on his dog bed. He is very attached to his foster mom and follows her all around the house.
Harry likes to be touched but only on his terms. If he is scared or doesn’t want affection, his go-to is to nip. It seems to be the way he likes to say, “No thank you.”
Harry is a picky eater. His foster mom started making his food since he lost many teeth and it took a long time to find a dry food he enjoys. He does love a good treat but is picky about them too! He does not counter-surf or dig in the trash.
Completely housetrained, Harry has never needed crating because he was such a good boy. He enjoys sleeping on his dog bed beside his foster mom each night.
Harry does not enjoy car rides or going to the vet. Although he has never nipped at the vet or the vet techs, he is clearly frightened about being there. Harry’s foster mom does his grooming and he sits patiently while she grooms him. He does not like his feet touched or his nails trimmed.
When Harry first came to his foster home and could see slightly, he enjoyed tennis balls. Now in the evenings, he likes to sit on the couch with his foster mom and rip up a new toy; he really enjoys shredding his toys.
Harry is loved and very comfortable in his forever foster home where he will stay for the rest of his life.