More than 70 dogs rescued after being abandoned at a home in Ceres

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- It was a typical Friday for Sharon Lohman, the founder of New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, until she noticed a call to action.

"I received an email from Stanislaus County Animal Service. They put something out that there was a need for 30-50 chihuahuas rescued," said Lohman.

Lohman said the person living in this rental home abandoned the dogs and didn't do a good job caring for them, leaving them to live in poor conditions.

"As you can see, the teeth are rotted back here," said one volunteer.

The medical expenses are expected to be sky-high.

New Beginnings then started posting on social media, asking the community for help. That's when they received another call, asking to rescue more dogs in a different home.

This time with newborn puppies, bringing the total need to over 70 chihuahuas.

"You know, my heart broke seeing these faces and how terrified they were. We had to do something," said Lohman.

New Beginnings, along with two other nonprofit rescues, have taken in about 39 of the 70 dogs as of Monday.

The organization said the chihuahuas are scared because it appears they've never experienced a genuine human connection.

But thankfully, volunteers and fosters like Katie Burns are stepping up to help.

"I think it's amazing. This is what we need. Community is so important, and it's so important for those who need help," said Burns.

New Beginnings says the home's owner is expected to file a formal complaint with the Ceres Police Department against the responsible person.

Action News did reach out to the police department; we have yet to hear back.

If you would like to help, New Beginnings says the biggest support is monetary. If you'd like to donate, click here. If you'd like to help with New Beginnings' wish list, click here.

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