Fifty-seven of the 69 dogs seized from Whiteford last month have been adopted. But Humane Society of Harford County leaders urge animal lovers to remember that there are still 12 of the Whiteford dogs left, and many more at the shelter who need good homes.
“People have told us that they were concerned about the dogs which would not be adopted that quickly, and they said they might come back to adopt those which were not adopted right away. We hope they come back soon,” said Tammy Zaluzney, the Harford animal shelter?s executive director.
The Humane Society began accepting adoption applications for the 69 dogs and four cats seized from the Whiteford properties of Donna Bell at the beginning of this month, and the animals began going to new homes June 4.
Cinnamon, a Chihuahua/terrier mix, lived in her own feces and was infested with fleas while under Bell?s care, according to the Harford County Sheriff?s Office. Now she?s living in the lap of luxury, her new owner said. Cinnamon went home on June 5 with Bel Air resident Carolyn Nelson, who owns Belaire Limousine Inc.
“We went up to the Humane Society to help out, with no intention of adopting a dog … and we decided to bring her home,” Nelson said. “The first night, she shook like a leaf, but the next day, she seemed to say, ?I?m still here!? ”
Since then, Cinnamon has been lavished with all kinds of toys, and she sleeps in a bed that Nelson said resembles the one Hollywood socialite Paris Hilton has for her dog. Cinnamon, estimated by Nelson?s vet to be about 7 years old, goes to work with Nelson every day, follows her everywhere, and even gets to cruise around in a limo.
Nelson said her new companion is very skinny and her coat has suffered from the conditions she lived in, but Nelson?s vet expects Cinnamon to make a full recovery.
Lulu?s story is not as promising.
“I adopted her because I was afraid no one would,” said Lutherville resident Mary Sue Rubin. Rubin, who said she was a founding member of the Montgomery County SPCA, first learned about the animals seized from Bell?s property from The Examiner.
After volunteering at the Humane Society, Rubin said she felt Lulu, a Shih Tzu mix who is blind and can barely walk, would not be adopted because of her medical condition. She took it upon herself to provide Lulu with a good home.
Rubin said she fears that Lulu will not live much longer, but she wants her new companion to be as comfortable as possible during the time she has.
