When people try to help too many animals in need without the right resources, the situation can quickly become overwhelming. That was the case for an elderly woman in Mississippi who was caring for nearly 50 dogs on her own — but she reached out to us for help, and thanks to teamwork with you, our incredible supporters, and our friends at the Animal Rescue Corps, these dogs have been given a new lease on life.

As we’ve seen through our Justice for Animals campaign and Hope Animal Sanctuary, which operate in Mississippi, the need for aid is endless for rescuers — our sanctuary regularly stays full with requests for help with animals who have been failed by people.

A good Samaritan who was also trying to help her community’s homeless animals had been doing so at her home for decades, in a rural area without access to services for animals. Now in her 80s, she wasn’t able to continue on her own and she reached out to Doll Stanley, our Justice for Animals Campaign Director, for help.

You can meet Jeanette, Tim, Doll, and many of the animals who were rescued in the below video: 

Stanley went with Hope Animal Sanctuary’s operations manager to assess the situation, and then reached out to Animal Rescue Corps, which is ready and able to assist with large-scale rescues. They agreed to help, dubbing the effort Operation Spring Fever, and altogether rescued 44 dogs from the property and brought them to their Rescue Operation Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. One dog, Sparkle, was brought back to Hope Animal Sanctuary.

Many were living outdoors and had health issues, but they all got the veterinary care they desperately need, while ARC is working to place them with shelters and rescues for adoption.

The woman who had cared for so many dogs, herself sacrificing to feed, water, and keep their pens and chained areas clean, finally saw them given what she had long hoped for — the care they needed and, soon, loving forever homes of their own. She also donated her pens to other local rescues to help them.

We’re thrilled with the outcome of this case, and grateful not only to the other rescuers and organizations who help each other out in the Deep South and veterinarians who provide their services, but also to our supporters whose generosity allows us to fund efforts like this and help so many animals in need.

Help us continue our lifesaving work for animals by making a donation.