The Sylmar 11
A Chihuahua Rescue

On Monday, October 6^th, a Bill Foundation volunteer discovered a very bad situation in a foreclosed home in Sylmar, California – eleven neglected Chihuahuas. These poor souls were living in a small plywood structure filled with trash and excrement with no food or water, some had even begun to fight with each other. None of them were spayed or neutered the main reason the situation became so out of hand so quickly. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the volunteer contacted Bill Foundation who immediately knew that a coordinated effort needed to take place. After securing help from independent rescuers, volunteers, Best Friends LA, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Kris Kelly of the Kris Kelly Foundation, the Chihuahuas were rescued from the horrid conditions.

Bill Foundation volunteer, Mercedes, who had made the discovery, transported the 11 Chihuahuas from the home to Animal Medical Center in West Los Angeles so they could receive care and temporary boarding. Independent rescuers, Tiffanie and Kim (also a Bill Foundation volunteer and adopter) as well as Kris Kelly and AMC staff were waiting. They carefully took each little dog out for one on one time, and to also photograph, groom and document their situation. 

Since their rescue, all 11 have settled in nicely and will make wonderful companions. Of course they will all be spayed or neutered as soon as they are healthy enough for the surgery. Robin Harmon from Best Friends LA will be sending 4 on the "Pup My Ride" transport to the Salt Lake City Humane Society, a Best Friends affiliate. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kaneb, Utah will be taking the 4 neediest cases - these are the Chihuahuas that were the most fearful and traumatized and will need the most long term care and rehabilitation. Independent rescuer Tiffanie also took on one of the female Chihuahuas and will find her a loving home here in the Los Angeles area. As for the last two Chihuahuas, Kimmy and Mercedes,  will be available for adoption through the Bill Foundation here in Los Angeles. 

This was a situation that could have been avoided if all these dogs had been spayed and neutered. Not only does spaying and neutering your pets make for happier and healthier pets but it is also the #1 humane way to decrease the number of unwanted animals in our city and county shelters. As of October 1, 2008 it is now mandatory that all companion dogs and cats in Los Angeles are spayed or neutered or still fines can occur. 

We at the Bill Foundation are very proud to have lead this great rescue effort and are so thankful for our friends in the rescue community who banded together and changed the lives of these wonderful 11 Chihuahuas from Sylmar. 

If you are interested in learning more about Kimmy and Mercedes please take a look at their Petfinder posting by clicking on their names or come meet them at the next adoption fair!