A South Carolina rescue is helping some of the most traumatized dogs from a devastating hoarding case start over.
After 125 dead dogs were discovered on a Georgetown property, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Florence made room for survivors that had rarely, if ever, experienced a safe home.
What happened?
A second group of dogs from Georgetown is at Lucky Dog, marking the rescue's second intake from the hoarding case, according to The Post and Courier.
Authorities started clearing the property in mid-July, removing 107 dogs and 11 cats and transferring them to Saint Frances Animal Center.
Lucky Dog Director of Operations Stephanie Moore said the Florence shelter was already at capacity when it was asked to help.
"When this came to light that Georgetown needed our help and Saint Frances was already 300 percent over capacity, we were also full at the time, but we were fortunate that we were able to move some dogs to foster, rearrange some kennel space and make enough room to alleviate them," Moore said.
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The rescue first accepted 18 dogs from the property at 21 Duckpond Place and has added 11 more from the case. Some animals were also found near the property after having been left there.
Moore described the conditions in stark terms.
"The dogs were living inside the walls in that house," she said.
Why does it matter?
Community Outreach Coordinator for Lucky Dog Amie Jordan said the two groups of rescued dogs have adjusted very differently, underscoring how severe neglect can affect behavior. The first group became social, while the newer dogs remain more withdrawn and wary around people.
What's being done?
Lucky Dog is focused on helping the Georgetown dogs recover and move toward permanent homes.
After intake, Lucky Dog arranges sterilization for the animals, and quite a few need dental work.
The dogs are eventually expected to head to Virginia. Some from Georgetown have already landed adoptive or foster homes there.
Goose is one of them, and they plan to come down from Virginia to South Carolina rather than wait for transport.
For readers looking to help animals in their own communities, supporting local shelters, fostering, adopting, or volunteering can make a meaningful difference.
"I'm so happy that we can do this," Jordan said. "We're real privileged to get to do this."
Moore added, "To watch them experience new things and learn that it's fun and life is happy — it's very rewarding."
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