Merced County community comes together to care for over 80 neglected chihuahuas

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Rescuers have now saved 80 chihuahuas from one of two homes in Ceres, where they say hoarding created deplorable conditions.

Friday, Founder and President of New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, Sharon Lohman, received an email asking for help finding homes for 30-50 chihuahuas.

New Beginnings took to social media to ask the community for its help, but it only resulted in finding more animals in need of rescuing. By Tuesday, Lohman became aware of around 100 dogs trapped in hoarding situations in two separate Ceres residences, 80 of them in just one home.

"They're terrified. They have no idea. All they think is that you are going to hurt them," said Lohman, who has been working directly with the rescues since they were discovered.

Lohman said nearly all of the dogs have decayed teeth, which can impact their ability to eat. To compensate, New Beginnings partnered with Valley Animal Hospital in Merced to provide the dogs with much-needed care.

The veterinarians treating them said the dental work alone could cost up to $3,000 per dog, let alone any infections or other health issues they fear the chihuahuas may have.

A pet owner at the animal hospital approached Action News to ask about the story on Tuesday. After hearing the details, she was so moved that she immediately pulled out cash and handed it to the receptionist.

Meanwhile, New Beginnings said around 30 families stepped up to foster the dogs after hearing about what they had been through.

"They're just not in good shape, and they're so traumatized," said foster Katie Burns. "We haven't had a dog for a couple of years, but these dogs need a place."

Lohman said the community's response has reinstated her faith in people after seeing the horrors that so many animals have been through this year.

"It's just heartbreaking because we give our lives to help these animals, and then we see people who see them as property and as a problem, and they just get rid of them," she said. "To see these people come with smiles on their faces and who want to be a part of something good, it shows you that there are both sides of humanity."

If you want to help support medical care for these dogs or find them permanent homes, Lohman said you can call the Valley Animal Hospital in Merced to donate to New Beginnings' medical account. You can also donate directly to New Beginnings here, or shop for their Amazon wishlist.