Volunteers help with rescue

• Rescued dog

Rescued dog

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Two Dickinson residents rescued six dogs from DRK Kennel in Scranton and they say the conditions the dogs were living in are deplorable.

“Today was one of the most traumatic days I have ever had,” said Nina Kadrmas in reference to the rescue trip she and Elizabeth Okerson went on Monday.

Last week, 129 dogs were rescued from a southwest North Dakota dog breeder, LuAnn Dschaak of DRK Kennels in Scranton, due to bad living conditions. Some dogs were left behind after the first rescue, but food was left for them.

“It was nasty out there,” Okerson said. “The smell was horrible and the sheer number of dogs and living conditions.”

Kadrmas said the dogs were living in grain bins where the only light was coming from a hole in the top. There were also dogs in barns trying to escape out of holes in the walls. Some were stuck in the holes and hanging because they had jumped and got caught.

Ninety six of the 129 dogs rescued last week went to Central Dakota Humane Society in Mandan and 33 went to Prairie Paws in Jamestown. A few dogs at CDHS had puppies bringing that number to 137.

Over the last few days, another 70 dogs were rescued and 56 went to CDHS and 14 went to Prairie Paws. Also, Kadrmas took six and a volunteer from in Bismarck took four.

Kadrmas was only going to take three dogs, but her plans changed immediately after seeing the conditions they were living in.

“The need was so great,” Okerson said. “There were dogs everywhere, they were shaking, scared , thinking we were going to attack them, food was just thrown on the ground and the dogs were covered in their own feces.”

Kadrmas and Okerson loaded up the dogs in Kadrmas’s vehicle and headed for home.

Kadrmas and Okerson took the dogs to the vet Monday afternoon where they were examined and given shots.

Dr. Kim Brummond, veterinarian for West Dakota Vet Clinic, diagnosed the dogs with worms, scar tissue, ear mites and tarter on their teeth.

“But otherwise they are in good condition,” Okerson said.

Though Kadrmas and Okerson have foster families for the dogs, they feel permanent homes would be best.

“These dogs need to learn that people won’t hurt them, they also need good loving homes,” Kadrmas said.

“I have always wanted the world to be a better place because I was here,” Kadrmas said. “I feel I accomplished that today.”

Those interested in adopting or fostering the animals can call CDHS at 701-667-2020; Prairie Paws at 701-320-4553 or Oreo’s at 701-483-0240.

Tags: news, dogs, rescue, scranton