Fairy Tale Dogs: Animals rescued from hoarder home ready to live happily ever after

The forgotten dogs, more than 150 of them, were as young as puppies to as old as 12. Some were bone-thin and pregnant, others disease-ridden. One had a broken front leg that ultimately required amputation.

They were visibly dejected when rescued from a cramped Ontario hoarder house in mid-July, bound for shelters across the province.

Fifty-seven of them - from chihuahuas and dachshunds to border collies and mixed-breeds - landed at the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA.

Three months on, the group are back to full health, sociable and affectionate, ready for forever homes.

And they've picked up a fitting nickname to boot: The Fairy Tale Dogs.

All of the staff here were really touched by these dogs in particular," said Heather Ashcroft, adoption co-ordinator for the local SPCA. You meet them, you fall in love, you can't imagine they've gone through this hardship.

And with the name, we just wanted to manifest what we want for the rest of their lives, to live happily ever after."

The group of now-rambunctious and energetic canines grew to 72 after a few unexpected litters.

Ashcroft said 21 have since been adopted with the rest available on the SPCA's website, clad in cute Halloween gear. The puppies - whose mothers were only identified as being pregnant after receiving adequate nutrition - will be up for adoption next week.

The updates we're getting from adopters are just fabulous," said Ashcroft. They're telling us they've adjusted really well and been surprised at how quickly they've learned the routine, going to the washroom and not having any accidents."

That comes as a welcome surprise to shelter staff.

Ashcroft said dogs who come from neglected, unsafe homes are prone to behavioural challenges and health deficiencies.

In this case, some arrived at the SPCA with extensive, extensive" mental-health issues, she added. The majority were severely malnourished. Many underwent several dental surgeries and lost teeth. One, a little pup dubbed Caroline who's since been adopted, had a broken leg that was never tended to and required amputation.

These are dogs who aren't used to life as a typical pet," said Ashcroft.

One of the biggest challenges for them is house training - getting to know their tells and when they need to relieve themselves. These rescues, for instance, were accustomed to urinating on objects to mark their scent.

They've never been expected to hold it for more than a few hours at time," said Ashcroft, because they were in an environment where they could relieve themselves at any moment."

That environment - where dogs are crammed by the dozens in unkempt homes without proper veterinary care - is an unfortunate reality in Ontario.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon," said Ashcroft, who could not disclose the location of where this bunch was rescued. We took over 160 greyhounds a few years ago from a similar housing situation. It's in their best interest to have them removed."

That's where the SPCA factors in, acting as a bridge between an animal's neglected past and their bright, loving future.

Look no further than the Fairy Tale Dogs for proof.

They are just the sweetest little, small breed dogs," said Ashcroft. They love interaction and attention and just want to be with people. We're really touched to see that after the situation they've been through."

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com