Help the Iron Gate 16 Heal

The Iron Gate 16 are safe today thanks to the people who stepped in when they needed help most.

After the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report concerning a home in Iron Gate, a large group of dogs was removed and brought to safety at the Alleghany County Humane Society. There, they received some initial veterinary exams. We are incredibly thankful to both organizations, along with Highlands Veterinary Clinic, for taking action and beginning their road to recovery.

When 16 of the dogs arrived at AoA, it was clear how much care they would need. Their coats were severely matted, many to the point that we could barely see their eyes and ears. Some were frozen in fear or discomfort, while others were already offering tentative tail wags. All 16 were also found to have fleas and tapeworms. They have since started deworming treatment, received flea and tick preventatives, their first vaccines, and have been microchipped.

Our team then quickly got to work shaving away extensive mats and evaluating each dog individually. We are treating infections, addressing significant dental needs, running bloodwork and diagnostics, and providing the care each dog needs to heal.

For some, those first steps require extra care. One dog had matting so severe that she needed to be sedated to be safely shaved. While she was under sedation, our team collected blood and urine samples to investigate difficulty urinating. By that evening, she was awake, enjoying a much-needed meal and already a little more comfortable.

There is still a long road ahead. Each of the Iron Gate 16 will have different medical and behavioral needs, but thanks to everyone who stepped up along the way, they now have the chance to heal and move forward.

Donations will help provide the medical treatment, diagnostics, dental care, food, and ongoing support they need throughout their recovery. With your help, we can continue the work that began in Iron Gate and give all 16 the fresh start they deserve.