In the days since workers in hazmat suits removed about three dozen filthy, scared dogs from a dilapidated Glencoe home, the surviving animals are showing signs of improvement while being prepared for possible adoption.
When they were retrieved from the home earlier this month, the dogs — covered in feces and many suffering physical ailments, though apparently not malnourished — shook and cowered in their cages. Now they’ve become more playful and comfortable around people, their caregivers said.
“It’s so beautiful to see that,” said Kelly Moyer of Tails of Hope, a Highland Park shelter that is caring for many of the dogs.
The animals have been given superhero names like Batman, The Incredible Hulk and Flash.
Yet some of the canines have struggled more than others. One had a skin infection so severe that its leg had to be amputated. Another might lose its eye because of serious damage, said Sara Grogman, owner and veterinarian at Glencoe Animal Hospital, where most of the dogs also received care. They were shaved and cleaned, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and, in some cases, dewormed.
Five of the dogs had to be euthanized because they were too sick or aggressive, Grogman said. As of Friday, 16 dogs remained at the clinic and were being transferred to the shelter as they healed.
Caregivers have said the dogs appear to be cocker spaniel-Lhasa apso mixes from 1 to 5 years old. Shelter workers are house training the dogs.
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Jeanne Harper, the woman who lived in the Greenwood Avenue home from which the animals were taken, was charged with cruel treatment to companion animals and failure to meet animal owner’s duties, both misdemeanors, Glencoe Public Safety Deputy Chief Alan Kebby said.
Police found the dogs when they went to the home for a well-being check after a neighbor called the state aging department, authorities said.
State records show Harper, who is due to appear in court in June on the charges, is an attorney with an active license to practice law in Illinois. She could not be reached for comment.
Since the dogs were removed, the home has been fenced off, and trees were seen being removed from the property. Glencoe building and zoning administrator John Houde said the home is to be torn down on an emergency basis because of its deteriorating condition.
Some neighbors have said they were not aware of the conditions inside the home or the number of dogs living there.
Moyer said the dogs likely didn’t bark much because of their poor health.
“They were just trying to survive,” she said.
Moyer said volunteers have stepped up to help care for and interact with the dogs, and an online fundraiser has generated about $30,000 toward their care.
Tails of Hope, at 1628 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park, plans an adoption event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday that will include some of the rescued dogs for whom the shelter is hoping to provide adoptive or foster homes.
Berger is a freelance reporter.