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Dogs Rescued From Lithia Garage Quickly Adopted

Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN

The dogs put up for adoption Friday were rescued from a Lithia garage in December.

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By SHERRI ACKERMAN

sackerman@tampatrib.com

Published: February 27, 2009

TAMPA - Within four hours Friday, all but one of 28 dogs rescued from a Lithia "dungeon" were adopted at Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Only Henry remains. The cream-colored Standard Poodle nearly died from the abuse inflicted by his former owners.

"He's the best of the bunch," professed Marti Ryan, spokeswoman for animal services, which took custody of Henry and 86 other animals last year. They were rescued from a closed detached garage filled with sawdust, feces and decaying carcasses.

Fifty-three of the animals, including 25 cared for by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, became available for adoption on Friday. By day's end, the humane society had adopted out two of five cats and 13 dogs, Ryan said. The rest went to rescue and foster-care agencies.

Most of the dogs in the garage were small breeds, including Shih Tzu and Havanese. All of the animals were severely dehydrated, starved and deprived of light for months.

Henry weighed just 36 pounds and couldn't walk, so Cpl. Loretta Magee carried him to safety. What fur he had was dun-colored and matted.

Now the fluffy pooch is a healthy 56 pounds and spends his days prancing audaciously about the animal service grounds.

"He's spectacular," Ryan said. "A very gentle spirit, very caring."

He does need some housebreaking training, she said. He can be adopted now, but needs to be neutered and have his eyes checked before he goes home with his "forever family."

Hillsborough County residents got first pick of the animal service dogs for the first 24 hours, as policy, but that didn't stop folks from Sarasota to Spring Hill from taking a chance. Although they left empty-handed this time, Ryan suggests they return to the county fairgrounds April 25 for the Spring Pet Expo, which will feature varied breeds for adoption.

For information, call (813) 744-5660 or go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices

Reporter Sherri Ackerman can be reached at (813) 259-7144.

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