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OGDEN — While three of the 154 dogs rescued from a hoarding situation have passed, veterinarians at shelters that have taken many of them in remain positive about their recovery.
"We were actually pleasantly surprised," Dr. Libby Gutting, a resource center veterinarian with The Humane Society of Utah said. "We had a few with defects that they were born with that we had to treat. But otherwise, I think it was this more getting them groomed, getting that urine smell off of them."
The Humane Society took in 46 of the rescued dogs. Gutting said one puppy did not survive, likely from the stress of multiple moves. Another dog had a heart defect, and the decision was made to put her down. A third dog that was in foster care died Wednesday, just days after getting spayed. Two dogs taken in by Blackfoot Animal Shelter & Rescue were pregnant while having uterus infections. Those pregnancies were aborted. Still, the vast majority of the dogs are recovering well.
"I think more of the issue is psychological for them than medical at this point," Gutting said. "These dogs are going to need a lot more love and patience than your typical dog."
Gutting said the dogs are not housebroken and are generally not used to human contact. However, with time, many are adjusting to their new homes.
"What is really nice to see is how happy these dogs are making their adopters," she said. "I actually saw one yesterday, and they are so happy with her."
