From Beasts To Beauties: 2 Shih Tzus Dumped Like Garbage, Transformed By RivCo Animal Services

THOUSAND PALMS, CA -- Two dogs that were covered in filth and dumped in a remote location in the Coachella Valley, where they were rescued by a good Samaritan, will soon be available for adoption, county animal services
officials said today.

The purebred Shih Tzus, both estimated to be about 5 years old, were found Monday, said John Welsh of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

A passerby saw someone dumping what looked like garbage, but noticed movement and stopped to investigate.
The dogs were taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, where veterinarians began grooming and cleaning the canines, which Welsh said had been treated in "an uncomfortable, neglectful -- if not truly cruel -- manner.''

Rachel Schafer-Young, veterinary technician at the shelter, said the animals were almost unrecognizable.

"These two dogs illustrated the worst matted condition I've seen in my almost 10 years working for the county. It almost seemed like they were suffocating in their own fur,'' she said.

The dogs were thoroughly cleaned and tended by veterinary staff on Monday, but need further treatment for their bloodshot eyes, according to Welsh. As soon as the dogs are medically cleared, a special adoption event will
be scheduled, he said.

--City News Service/Photos courtesy of Riverside County Animal Services.