A national animal rescue organization has removed about 60 dogs from an East Texas group after it was forced to close.
Animal Rescue Corps said it received a request for help from directors of Dude’s Second Chance Rescue, which was operating out of a former bikini bar at the intersection of FM 726 and FM 1968 near Lake O’ the Pines.
The dogs were “in immediate need of rescue when the property went into foreclosure and the organization, with founders facing health issues, decided to shut down,” according to a statement from Animal Rescue Corps.
Marla Stogner, Kourtney Stogner, Melissa Gunby, Katy Pugh, Terry Pugh, Cody Williams, Willie Stogner and Den Gorvin pose for a portrait outside Dude’s Second Chance Animal Rescue Sept. 8. (Jordan Green/News-Journal Photo)
Dude’s Second Chance Rescue began operating in summer 2023.
“The group … was quickly overwhelmed by the number of homeless animals in their community,” according to Animal Rescue Corps. “Full with other cases, (Animal Rescue Corps) initially responded with two prior deployments to rescue 21 dogs and sending care supplies to help with interim care of the animals, including pet food and an air conditioning unit.”
On their third trip, Animal Rescue Corps staff found 39 dogs inside and outside the facility in pens, cages and kennels.
“Some tarp-covered wire cages outside held up to five dogs while inside dogs were exposed to high ammonia levels and kept in dirty makeshift kennels with urine-soaked straw,” according to the national organization.
“Today’s rescue operation, aptly named Operation Lost Hope, highlights that launching an animal rescue is not just about immediate need; it’s also about building a foundation for a sustainable future where every rescued animal receives quality care and a loving home,” said Executive Director Tim Woodward.
All of the dogs at Dude’s Second Chance Rescue were transported to Animal Rescue Corps’ facility in Gallatin, Tennessee.
“Each dog rescued in Operation Lost Hope is receiving a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatments before they will be matched and transported to trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations in high-adoption areas that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes,” according to the organization.
Since 2010, Animal Rescue Corps has provided large-scale animal rescue for communities that lack resources to address abuse.
For information or to donate, go to animalrescuecorps.org .
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