Chilliwack SPCA is awash in nervous dachshunds at the moment.
The facility on Hopedale Road is housing what remains of a group of 18 standard-size dachshunds surrendered to the SPCA recently by a Chilliwack resident who was breeding them.
They're now looking to foster out the remaining 10 dogs.
Foster homes are needed to assist with socializing and teaching them what it is to be a normal pet, said Ivanna Ferris, branch manager of the Chilliwack SPCA.
In the long-term, they're looking for forever homes.
Most of the dogs were female, with many suffering dental problems, a common characteristic of these small dogs. A couple were pregnant and some were underweight.
"When they arrived, they were very fearful, and would sometimes snap at people.
"But within a matter of days, working closely with our staff and volunteers they've changed. Now they'll come to you without fear. I think they've made just a remarkable turn-around in a short time."
They still need to be house-trained and taught how to walk on leash, she said. They're all under five years old, and need to be spayed or neutered before being adopted.
"They need to be exposed, in a positive way, to normal experiences in home like children, riding in a car or going out in public," she said. "All of the normal experiences that a family pet would have are important for these nervous little dogs."
But the best type of home would be one that is fairly quiet, without toddlers, noise or too much activity.
It was a call from a concerned member of the public that led to the investigation by SPCA.
One dachshund is being fostered in Surrey, while another three of the original 18 were transferred to a Maple Ridge facility. Another four were transported to the Vancouver SPCA Tuesday, where some dental work will be performed.
Already there's a long list of appointments made by people interested in coming to see the dogs. On Tuesday, some were getting their nails clipped.
"Some of the foster homes might turn into forever homes," said Ferris. "Our goal now is to get them out of the shelter as quickly as we can."
To meet the dachshunds, call the SPCA at 604-823-6612.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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