In October of 2008, the Almost Heaven Kennel in Emmaus, PA was raided by the Philadelphia SPCA which recovered a number of animals needing medical attention. The Brandywine Gordon Setter Club Rescue was able to place “Hank/Jeremiah” and “Rosie” after some substantial financial commitments. Both dogs are doing exceptionally well and are, as Rosie’s parents described her “a bright happy soul”.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2009 the Pennsylvania State Department of Agriculture shut down the Almost Heaven Kennel, rescuing 211 dogs and immediately transporting them to the State Farm Complex in Harrisburg. In Harrisburg at the temporary shelter, they received physical exams and immediate medical attention. Amongst the 211 dogs which included poodles, poodle mixes, Dobermans, Great Danes, etc, were once again 2 Gordon Setters. We were the ONLY breed rescue that was able to be there by Thursday to obtain their rescues before the temporary shelter was shut down and the remaining dogs were divided among local humane societies.
“Daisy” and “Lily” arrived at Brandywine Rescue with a shopping list of health issues to attend to. “Daisy” became famous as the front page coverstory photo in the local Allentown Paper, The Morning Call, and was in several of the news videos taken of the seizure. Both dogs have exceptional temperaments and were easy to house for the 4 weeks they stayed with us. “Daisy”, the younger female, had a very bad skin infection, as well as a mammary mass, hernia and wasn’t spayed. So after a few weeks of antibiotics she was able to have her surgery and has recovered well. “Lily” seems to be about 8 or more years old had some other health issues. When we obtained her she appeared bloated and was constantly panting and uncomfortable. Our instant thought, considering where she came from, was that she was pregnant. An ultrasound the day we picked her up revealed a possible large liver and bladder issues. Along with a skin infection also, she was placed on antibiotics. After several weeks she improved. She was determined to be spayed. After a recheck ultrasound and bladder tumor antigen test she was diagnosed with non cancerous bladder polyps. Both these girls along with the 2 other previous dogs recovered from the puppy mill cost over $4,200 in medical care.
“Daisy” and “Lily” received overwhelming concern among the local Gordon Setter owners in this area due to the photo in the newspaper. I received immediate phone calls before even having the dogs in our custody and was so happy to report they had homes within 26 hours of obtaining them. So, after several weeks of medical care, bathing, antibiotics and surgery they were introduced to their new owners and their new homes. Both girls are doing exceptionally well and are giving their owners such great joy and pleasure.
Almost Heaven has been closed and the owner is not able to ever open again in the state of Pennsylvania. The battle may have been won, but you can never be sure where they will show up again. These 4 dogs have certainly shown us how care, love and compassion are truly what Gordon Setters thrive and how forgiving they are of circumstances they were unable to control. We were so very lucky to have had such an incredible experience with them. Please continue to support Rescue and know that these dogs and their new owners appreciate all of our efforts.
-Denise Sweeney, Chairperson, Brandywine Gordon Setter Club Rescue
