Court photos of some of the 18 pitbulls seized from an alleged dogfighting ring near Tilbury in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Dog tales)Court photos of some of the 18 pitbulls seized from an alleged dogfighting ring near Tilbury in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Dog tales)
Chatham

Troubled Dogs Need Sponsors For Rehab In Florida

You now have a chance to sponsor the 18 pitbulls seized from an alleged dog fighting ring near Tilbury in 2015 to help them rehab.

Dog Tales, a dog rescue and sanctuary north of Toronto, says it will cost to get the dogs rehabilitated and trained at Dogs Playing For Life sanctuary near Jacksonville, Florida.

The OSPCA wanted to put the dogs down because they were too aggressive but Dog Tales managed to save 18 of the 21.

Clare Forndran, Dog Tales media director, hopes they can eventually be domesticated and adopted.

"We wanted to provide a way that people could stay connected to the dogs and follow their progress. So, what we created is an opportunity for animal lovers and advocates to sponsor one of these dogs, says Forndran.

Forndran says sponsors will get monthly updates on the rehab process of their individual dog and a recent photo.

The pitbulls will be transported to Florida on a modified school bus in about two weeks after they all get spayed and neutered.

Court photos of some of the 18 pitbulls seized from an alleged dogfighting ring near Tilbury in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Dog tales) Court photos of some of the 18 pitbulls seized from an alleged dogfighting ring near Tilbury in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Dog tales)

Forndran says it's hard to say how long the rehab process will take and what it'll take to get all the pitbulls adopted.

"A sponsorship helps us to provide the specialized training and enrichment that these dogs need to move forward along with veterinary care and food and treats and toys and all of that," Forndran says.

Forndran says her team is all smiles this week knowing they were instrumental in saving the pitbulls.

"Oh, it's an incredible feeling and it's a long time coming. There have been a lot of ups and downs in this journey and there were points where we worried we wouldn't be able to save these dogs. Everyone on our team right now is just on cloud nine," says Forndran.

Dogs Playing For Life officials say they're working hard to prepare the property for the dogs.

They also say they're anxious to meet and work with the dogs and are dedicated to providing each dog with individualized enrichment and training to help them in every way but add a timeline to get them rehabilitated is unknown because all dogs are individuals.

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