WHS officials "overwhelmed" with calls, emails, messages after 12 Samoyeds rescued in Wisconsin



MILWAUKEE -- Officials with the Wisconsin Humane Society have provided an update on 12 "Samoyed" dogs rescued from a home in Burnett County.

The dogs were rescued Wednesday, May 4th at the request of the Burnett County Health & Human Services and Sheriff's Departments.



Overwhelmed by trying to care for too many dogs, the owner surrendered 12 of the dogs to WHS -- and they were then en route to Milwaukee -- to be cared for at the Wisconsin Humane Society.

The dogs arrived at the Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus on Wednesday evening and were given clean, warm beds to unwind in after a long day of travel.



In the coming days, they'll receive thorough medical exams, behavior assessments, spay/neuter surgeries, much needed bathing, grooming, microchips and vaccinations.

WHS officials said the dogs were assessed on Thursday morning, and WHS officials have decided to keep the dogs at the shelter at least through the weekend, so that they can have time to adjust and settle in.



"This dirt and urine is just saturated into their coats from likely living in crates for such a long time," said Angela Speed with WHS.

"I was beginning to wonder whether I'd be able to get them white again," said Christine Taticek, dog groomer.



But Taticek has done this kind of work before. The grooming would be a long process -- anywhere from two-and-a-half hours to three hours per dog.



WHS officials said there is a lot of interest from folks who would like to adopt these dogs.



"They're very, very smart, independent, curious by nature. Quite a few of them are fearful because they've been so under-socialized. We've received adopter profiles for these guys from Canada already (Thursday) morning," Speed said.

In fact, there has been so much interest, WHS officials said it would take a bit to find the perfect home for these pups.



"I can't remember the last time we had that many people inquire about 12 dogs," said Speed.

WHS officials said due to the sheer amount of phone calls, emails and messages received, officials were struggling to get back to everyone while still providing the dogs with the care and attention they need.



12 "Samoyed" dogs rescued from home in Burnett County to be cared for at WHS in Milwaukee (PHOTO: Wisconsin Humane Society)



Officials have provided a link to FAQs regarding these dogs, and ask that you check out the FAQs before contacting WHS at this time.

The page includes information on how to adopt, timeline of availability, out-of-state adoptions, and more.

The dogs will be adopted out just like any other WHS animal -- first come, first served, as long as it's a good fit.