A modest cinderblock home with no power or plumbing lies on a property in Lawrence County, Alabama. Until recently, the yard around this house was overrun with dogs – all of which were in serious need of assistance, writes thedodo.

When county rescuers came last month, these dogs resembled moving statues. All of the roughly 30 canines had severe mange, giving them a plaster-like look.

“Almost every dog lacked hair.” Puppies were discovered nursing multiple maternal dogs – they went to whatever mum was nearest,” Guardians of Rescue, the group assisting the canines’ recovery and placement, stated on Facebook last week.

The dogs were infested with fleas and parasites, and they all had sarcoptic mange. Many of the dogs were too terrified to approach the individuals who were attempting to rescue them. Animal control authorities had to capture many of the dogs in order to transport them to a shelter.

“No one knows why they allowed these dogs get to this stage, but they will no longer suffer,” Guardians of Rescue president Robert Misseri told The Dodo, adding that the individuals living on the property were arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

“Several of the dogs were in such horrible condition that they unfortunately did not survive,” Guardians of Rescue stated.

The pets who did survive bore the physical and mental wounds of neglect. Even after being transported to safety, one dog was too terrified to raise his head.

Because Lawrence County lacks an animal shelter, Guardians of Rescue is assisting in the placement of the dogs so that they can be treated for their condition and, if completely healed, adopted.

One dog was rescued just in time for her puppies to be born.

“The dogs are improving due to love and medical treatment,” Misseri added.

Even after such suffering, the dogs are finally starting to hold their heads up, as if looking forward to a new life.

The canines were practically unrecognizable after several weeks of therapy and restoring their confidence in people. And many people began to form families.

“Many of the dogs have been adopted, and you can tell the difference in their skin,” Misseri remarked. “They’re doing fantastic.”

thedodo.com is the source.