Dogs surrendered by Georgetown backyard breeder ready for adoption at local SPCA

Matted coats, infected eyes and tumors were just some of the medical issues plaguing dogs from a Georgetown breeder who surrendered more than 50 dogs to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Many of these dogs, ranging in age from one year old to seniors, are now ready for adoption and eagerly awaiting new homes.

"They're all doing really well," said Dr. Sheri Wood, medical director for the Brandywine Valley SPCA. "That's the great news about it. They were able to get the care they needed."

Take Rosie, a black pug about one year old who still has a little bit of an eye infection.

She squirms on the lap of whomever is holding her and gives abundant kisses to anyone willing to scratch her head. Rosie will be up for adoption later this week, Wood said, and needs a home where her outgoing personality will be welcome.

BACKGROUND:Georgetown backyard breeder surrenders more than 50 dogs to Brandywine Valley SPCA

"She is very friendly and looking for someone to give kisses to," Wood said with a laugh. 

Despite living in kennels with about 160 other dogs, the surrendered animals are great with people and all very sweet, said Joanna Miller, director of operations for the Brandywine Valley SPCA shelter in New Castle. 

Miller, who is also a licensed veterinarian technician, went with a team of 15 SPCA staff to the breeder's home in Georgetown to offer outreach and medical care to all dogs, ranging from newborn puppies to older, non-breeding adults. Though the breeder surrendered more than 50 dogs, she still has 103 small dogs at her home, according to the SPCA.

The woman has been issued "corrective notices" for unsanitary conditions and medical issues on July 23, and the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare said it will be following up  to ensure the issues are addressed.

In the meantime, the Brandywine Valley SPCA is looking to re-home all of the dogs  sent by the breeder. Most are expected to be made available at the Georgetown and West Chester, Pennsylvania, sites.

"It was sad that these animals were in the condition that they were in, but the fact that we could unite together and really make a difference for them is really why we're here," Miller said.

In her lap Monday afternoon sat Cherri, a long-haired Chihuahua-mix who the SPCA believes is 1 to 2 years old. She's going up for adoption later this week after vets operate on a tear gland which currently protrudes from an eye.

Surgery will quickly clear up her eye up so the shy dog can find a new home.

The visit to the breeder's home and subsequent care provided by a team of 15 medical and animal personnel, including two veterinarians, cost the shelter more than $20,000. That doesn't include treatments and housing the dogs since then.

Those looking to assist the shelter can make donations online or go to the Brandywine Valley SPCA's website, bvspca.org, for more information.

This weekend also marks "Clear the Shelters" day at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, during which dogs will be up for adoption Saturday free of charge.

One of the available dogs will be Emma, a Pomeranian-mix full of smiles and energy. She will likely be available at Georgetown, said Walt Fenstermacher, director of operations for the SPCA's Delaware locations.

Worried about a breeder or abuse?

Those with a concern about a Delaware breeder or who believe animals are not being treated correctly should complain to the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

Brandywine Valley SPCA partners with the state to ensure animals taken into their custody receive quality care but does not handle the complaints themselves.

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.