by Christy Solo – Editor
According to Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton Eagle Point resident Jana Dene Tepper has surrendered the rights to all her remaining dogs as part of a plea deal in the “Crystal Drive Dog Case.” See original story here.
What happens to the dogs now? We have stayed in contact with Michele Kasten the President, Co-Founder, Midwest Schipperke Rescue and following is a (p)update.
As previously reported Sweet Pea, the pregnant dog surrendered immediately to MSR and her six puppies are in foster care.
MSR will now be receiving 39 young and adult dogs and one dam with six puppies released via Jan. 29 court decision. Jackson County Animal Shelter is keeping, and will be placing, five males who have already been neutered.
The Schipperke Rescue has already placed some dogs from the newly released group and is working on finding forever homes for all the dogs.
Corki, a female who had to have emergency spay surgery prior to her release has been adopted and is doing well in her new home.
Remy, an adult neutered male went to his new home Jan. 31.
There were nine 10-week old puppies released, they have been successfully treated for various diseases and parasites and are either in new homes or waiting for their new families to pick them up. One of the boys even found a home with the volunteer who fostered all the puppies.
Initially MSR tried to find homes in California, Oregon and Washington for the dogs released immediately. With 39 more dogs to place in Schipperke savvy homes, they will expand the area from which they will accept applications. Two of the pups have already found a home in Alaska.
MSR has multiple approved homes and per Kasten they are in the process of “sorting out which family is best for each dog.”
In the meantime, the dogs will be moved from the Jackson County Shelter to a facility owned by Dogs for Better Lives so the JC shelter can continue to care for their other animals without all the extra pups.
While the dogs had a rough start in life, they are fortunate that an experienced breed rescue group has stepped up to handle the placement process.
Why are breed specific rescue organizations important?
Most, if not all, American Kennel Club breeds have one or more breed-specific rescue organizations. Breed rescue organizations are run by volunteers who are experienced with their particular breed. They have a large network of experts ready to foster and place dogs. Not only are they perfectly equipped to find the best forever home matches, but they also have extensive knowledge of health and training issues of their breed.
Looking at our example of the Schipperke; at a maximum height of 13 inches and with a “fluffy” look due to their dense double coat, they give the appearance of being plushies or little lap dogs. They are not.
While they are affectionate, Schipperkes are a working breed. The AKC describes them as “small dogs built for hard work” as well as “robust and long lived.” They were originally bred as ratters and watchdogs and have powerful jaws, necks and forequarters. These are dogs that need socialization.
A Schipperke will need a lot of exercise – on leash or in a fenced yard – as ratters they have a high prey drive and will sprint off after a squirrel before an owner can even process what’s happening. Per the AKC they “absolutely need to be trained to come when called as early as possible.”
As watchdogs, Schipperkes can also turn into barkers if not trained otherwise. They are also independent dogs and can be challenging to train. A Schipperke owner needs to be patient and persistent.
We’re sure that with all their expertise Midwest Schipperke Rescue will find the perfect patient and persistent home for each of the rescued dogs.
