Rescued puppy that was near death ready for adoption
MENANDS — Months after more than 100 animals were seized from an unregistered rescue operation due to reported neglect, a puppy retrieved near death from the site is ready for a new home, according to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.
Forty-seven dogs, 52 cats and three ferrets were taken from Empawthy Animal Rescue Inc. Jan. 17 in Colonie after the animals were found stacked in crates, confined within their waste and, in some cases, unable to access food and water, Mohawk Hudson said. Another 15 cats and a rabbit were reportedly found dead in a freezer.
The puppy found emaciated and unresponsive there, later named Sprite, is now ready for a new home, according to Mohawk Hudson.
Two of Empawthy’s rescue operators eventually surrendered 95 animals and were each charged with 102 counts of misdemeanor overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. Mohawk Hudson said another animal was later surrendered. One of Empawthy’s operators
previously said the organization agreed to take a shipment of animals from a closing shelter in Texas to send to foster homes but did not receive the help they thought they would once the animals arrived.
The two rescue operators
were last in Colonie Town Court March 20, court officials said. A call to the Albany County Public Defender’s office was not immediately returned Tuesday.
In January, images shared by Mohawk Hudson
showed Sprite — then an emaciated and nearly hairless puppy — attached to a breathing tube and receiving medical care. The puppy was rushed to a veterinary hospital, according to Mohawk Hudson. Less than a month later, she was
reported running around in her foster home.
“This little fighter amazed us all with her will to survive! We named her Sprite and eventually placed her in a wonderful foster home,” a Mohawk Hudson Facebook post stated Monday. “Now she’s looking for a home to call her own.”
Of the 96 animals taken in by Mohawk Hudson, 72 have been adopted, including a litter of puppies, spokeswoman Marguerite Pearson said. Eighteen remain in various stages of care with the organization. Six died or were euthanized due to illness. Six animals that were not forfeited have either been held as evidence or returned to their prior owners, Pearson said.
Those looking to adopt Sprite must apply by filling out an online form at bit.ly/3xds5xc by Friday. Mohawk Hudson will respond to prospective adoptees by Wednesday, April 24, about meeting Sprite.
Sprite is rambunctious, nervous about new experiences and “doesn’t know quite how to be a dog,” the Facebook post said. The organization noted the nearly six-month-old puppy is still recovering, and it’s not known what medical care might be needed. Sprite is food-motivated, knows some commands and may do well with “a patient dog friend her size or larger to show her the ropes.”