The Cherryland Humane Society shared a lengthy update Monday on the status of 160-plus dogs that were recently seized from an East Bay Township home, saying the animals have been nicknamed the "Disney Dogs" and are receiving veterinary and socialization care to prepare them for future adoption.

Multiple agencies responded to the seizure case, including the Cherryland Humane Society (CHS), Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, and the animal control departments of Clare, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Otsego, Roscommon, and Wexford counties. The owner of the blighted home on Supply Road where the dogs were discovered, Raymond Roy Feagles, has been arrested and is facing a felony charge of animal abandonment and cruelty. In addition to dozens of junk automobiles, officials discovered over 160 dogs on the property, the majority of which were located inside a 1,150 square-foot home. The dogs outside had no protection from the elements, and animals throughout the property lacked adequate water and food, with many infected with fleas and disease. Thirty-two dead dogs were found on the property, and five dogs had to be euthanized due to their condition.

"Over the past two weeks, we have had over 100 volunteers help us care for these animals, with volunteers coming in each and every day to help us clean, care for dogs, and process donated supplies," CHS wrote. The organization noted that "several veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and professional groomers volunteered their time to medically and physically support these pooches. Thank you to Dr. Pam Greenwald, Dr. Diane Gildersleeve, Dr. Mindy Cooper, Dr. Kayla Brunner, Dr. David Durham, Dr. Alexandra Mittner and Ryann Vanderheide LVT as well as LVTs from Bay Area, and Northern Michigan Veterinary Hospital." 

"At this time our amazing medical team has vaccinated every dog for rabies, Bordetella, and DHPP as well as flea/tick treated, dewormed, and heartworm tested," CHS wrote. "Every pooch has received a medical exam, daily check-ins for special care babies, and loads of snuggles. Special thank you to Cathy Bissell and the Bissell Pet Foundation, and HSUS for immediately reaching out to us and providing grants for our medical needs." Backcountry Dog Salon and Petite Pooch Salon have also assisted with shaving, grooming, and bathing the dogs.

CHS thanked community members who have dropped off donations and meals for staff and volunteers. "Our amazing team has left us speechless," the organization added. "Words can not describe the amount of hard work, compassion, and selflessness it takes to care for 160-plus dogs in addition to our current residents. Although each day is full of good, it is overwhelming and heartbreaking to see the suffering. Every single person who has entered our building to help care for these dogs can physically and mentally feel the hurt. It's difficult keeping it all together. Sometimes it feels impossible, so we have a good cry and then jump right back in. It's all too much at times, but the love we are receiving, the support from our community, and the look in these dogs' eyes, knowing that they are safe and cared for makes each day a gift. It's not about us, it's about these dogs that have endured this situation."

CHS said the organization was calling the animals the "Disney Dogs," writing: "These dogs are simply amazing. From where they came from to now, it brings you to tears how resilient and forgiving dogs are. 160-plus dogs entered into our care cold, injured, terrified, covered in feces and fleas, dehydrated with overgrown nails, some with skin concerns, others with dental disease or other unattended health issues. We will spare you the details, but it was much worse than any of us could have imagined. After several days of decompression these dogs are finally relaxing, settling into their routine, accepting affection, and beginning to play. It fills our hearts to watch their confidence grow, their personalities start to develop, and to accept love without hesitation."

As the dogs begin to be cleared for adoption, shelters and rescues including Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Charlevoix Humane Society, and Ostesgo County Animal Control will be taking some of the pups for placement. Individuals interested in adopting one of the dogs can contact those agencies directly. Once the Disney Dogs who remain at CHS are available for adoption, the organization will be reaching out to individuals who have expressed interest in adopting them and updating the CHS website on available pooches. The animals are not yet ready for adoption, with CHS noting: "We can’t wait to place these amazing dogs into loving homes, but please be patient!"

"As you can imagine, placing 100-plus dogs takes time," CHS added. "We will do our best to communicate with our community about the status of the Disney Dogs. Our CHS team and the Disney Dogs have endured so much, but we are beyond proud of the work we’ve accomplished in two short weeks. With the love from all of our donors, the hard work from our volunteers, and the support of our community, we know we have and will continue to improve the lives of these dogs. We are so thankful and proud to serve these animals."

Photo credit: Cherryland Humane Society