Puppy Mill raid 3/30/2007 Update 4/20/2007: On March 30, 2007 85 dogs were removed from a breeders home in Volusia County. 77 of those dogs were poodles and Coastal Poodle Rescue was asked to help the poodles. There were nursing mothers, 1 pregnant female (who delivered 6 puppies 4 days into the event), many puppies and adult dogs of varying ages. On April 13th Volusia Animal Control returned 27 adults (and associated nursing pups) back to the breeder after improvements were made to her facility (It is our understanding the Criminal charges are still pending). CPR gained permanent custody of 36 dogs/puppies. All dogs were into foster homes by April 15th and their true recovery was beginning. CPR cannot THANK the donors, volunteers, supporters enough for their efforts. CPR was the pivotal organization but many many people helped that were not prior CPR volunteers. PetSmart Charities donated funds so kennels, x-pens and supplies could be purchased, Sally from petpriorities.com was invaluable in her experience and advice, others volunteered that were trained by different rescue groups from across Florida. People were lending us many items to help keep the dogs as comfortable as possible, food was donated, everything we needed was there within days, it was incredible. Groomers donated hours of their time, shaving down the dogs, cleaning ears, clipping nails, doing this after working all day grooming. The media was also a great help in getting the word out to the community. Of course, we couldn't have done this without a place to put the dogs while the courts worked, Kay Byrnes graciously lent us the use of her home to house the dogs during this time. All dogs were seen by a veternarian, given vaccinations and overall health report. All adult dogs were shaved down, ears cleaned/treated, de-wormed. The puppys were treated for worms, groomed. Dogs on medications that were returned to the breeder, went with medications for continuing treatment. None of the dogs appeared to have ever been on a leash, by the end of the ordeal most of the dogs were able to be taken out on a leash and walked around the property. Volunteers spent time in the x-pens just petting and socializing the animals, some were still very scared, others were happy and adjusted in no time, the reports from the foster parents are positive. This was an amazing experience that no one will forget after living through it. Thank you if you were a part of this effort. As this is written, 2 of the dogs being fostered with me are sitting at my feet chewing on chew toys, loving life and that says it all for me. You can read the letter of thanks from Volusia County by clicking here.