During the Memorial Day activities in Farmington, the Marion County Dog Activities Group (McDAG) discovered the news of these puppies desperately fighting for their lives. "With so many in need at the shelter it is often difficult to find the dedicated resources needed in cases like these," said Devores. Still covered in dried afterbirth, suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration, Kammi Hefner and Diana Powers (both of Fairmont) from McDAG gladly adopted the two remaining puppies (at this point two puppies had expired and two others were being cared for by staff members from the shelter).

After several lengthy consultations with Drs. George and Cindy Seiler of Paw Prints Veterinary (of Morgantown) it was decided to start both puppies on antibiotics and a special diet. One pup was named Christopher (in honor of Christopher Reeves and his struggle to survive his recent tragedy) and the gray one was named Barney. Neither puppy would accept a substitute mother, so bottle feeding was started and continued for every three hours, day and night, until June 16. "It was touch and go so many times, we thought for sure we’d loose them, especially the brown one. He was so sick and weak for so long." said Powers.

Once it was felt the puppies would survive their initiation into this cruel world, Hefner contacted Sheriff Watkins. "Watkins was appalled when I talked with him about this incident and said he would thoroughly investigate the situation if we could provide any leads." Mr. Freeman, from the Marion County Prosecutors Office, also provided Hefner copies of the laws pertaining to cruelty to animals. Hefner confessed, "I was disappointed to learn that it is only a misdemeanor to cruelly mistreat or abandon an animal." Hefner began contacting animal organizations to secure donations to offer reward for the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for this hideous act. Eventually, The Humane Society of the United States responded "This office was horrified to learn the details regarding the dumping of the puppies in your county last May." Furthermore, they contributed another $250 towards the reward offer.

Now that more than a year has gone by, Christopher resides with Hefner’s sister Karrie (of Shippensburg, PA) who claims "This puppy was sent to me by heaven’s angels." Unfortunately, Barney (who resembles a Miniature Schnauzer) is still in need of a tender loving home where he can always be loved and never reminded of his dreadful beginnings.

Hefner says, "Even if we can only make a stand and let people of West Virginia know that there are citizens out here who will not tolerate this kind of treatment toward animals, I think Christopher’s and Barney’s suffering will have at least had a purpose."

Please contact McDAG at 825-6105 if you would be willing to give Barney a good home or if you have any information regarding this "puppy dumping" incident please contact Sheriff Watkins at 367-5300 or Shelia Devors at 366-5391.