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Two hundred dogs confiscated by the state of Missouri are now in safe hands and off the remote property in the Ozark hills they once lived on.

After a three-day operation, a Best Friends six-person team finished its work in helping round up the dogs so they could be sent to animal rescue groups.

Knowing that the dogs are safely away from the unlicensed breeding farm, which was allegedly set afire by the owner, is a relief for Rich Crook, leader of Best Friends’ rescue effort. “It feels good to see them gone from there,” he says.

When the team arrived early on their third and final morning (February 28), the scene was in stark contrast to the two previous days.

“The day before, they were a little skittish,” Crook says. “This morning, the remaining dogs were totally chilled out. When we put them on the trailer for transport, we broke up bales of hay for their crates. They watched us and were happy to get inside – and out of there.”

Afterward, the team traveled to Midwest PAWs Pointer and Weimaraner Rescue in Kansas City, where a good number of the dogs had been taken and from where they’ll be adopted out to homes. The canines, Crook reports, “looked great.”

“We got to see them even more relaxed,” he says. “They were warm. They were being coddled. They had a backyard to run and do their business in. That was good to see.”

Once there, they learned that all the male dogs who had left the breeding farm the day before had already been neutered. Around 20 other dogs, including those injured in the fire, along with a dozen or so of the tiniest puppies, were still recovering at a local veterinary hospital.

Another group of dogs, mostly springer spaniels, went to English Springer Spaniel Rescue America, where, according to its website, seven puppies from the Missouri breeding farm have been born to a springer spaniel named Angel. The mom and pups are now together in a foster home.

Crook says between eight and ten dogs are left on the property. The dogs will be caught one by one by neighbors and handed over to the Missouri State Department of Agriculture, and then they will be sent to rescue groups.

“There were very few left,” Crook says. “I thought we would see quite a few dogs hanging around the property, but we caught the majority of them.”

Follow the story:
Part 1: River Valley rescue
Part 2: River Valley rescue: Wrangling

Written by Cathy Scott
Photos by Gary Kalpakoff

As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.

June 24, 2009 : 10:09 AM ET
posted by: katana

Unfortunately the state of Missouri never came to pick up the last 7 remaining dogs like Elizabeth Wainright (MO State Animal Health Officer) promised. 1 GSP male was hit by a car and killed, another GSP male was also hit while feeding on the other dead dogs carcass. He had to be shot due to a massive spiral fracture that took his left arm completely off. After Century Bank of the Ozarks foreclosed on the property nobody could get on site to feed them. Vice President Corey Hillhouse said he would take care of the matter but never did a thing. So they have been attacking cattle across the county. A GSP female has also recently been hit and killed. 1 black & white springer female was caught and is being cared for. There are 2 GSP females and 1 mixed breed male still roaming looking for food. Matt Rold, State of MO Animal Health Officer refused to take any action when I contacted him about the last remaining 7. What a shame.

March 8, 2009 : 12:28 AM ET
posted by: Laura Umphenour

I moved to So. Missouri from Kansas City. I cannot believe all the animals that are left to fend for themselves in the State of Missouri and especially here in the Ozark area. Today a group of 50-60 of us Protested at PetLand in Springfield. I want to encourage many of your readers to participate in the National Protest against Petland scheduled for March 14th. They are one of the biggest instigators in keeping these puppy mills alive. Encourage all to Adopt Not Shop! I don't know what is instigating all the BUST'S in Missouri....BUT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! CLEAN HOUSE! Thank you so much

March 7, 2009 : 8:59 PM ET
posted by: mb3924

THANK ALL OF YOU for your time and effort in the ongoing battle against puppy mills. I feel so angry and frustrated that this issue is minimally addressed by the law. I would find it helpful if this site would have a "Law and Order" section that discussed the legal outcomes of the mill operators. Was this person arrested for arson? Was he jailed,fined? Will he be banned from ever operating a breeding mill again? Also, I take exception to the comments posted against the Humane Society. Their efforts to investigate and rescue are heroic. The video of their recent rescue of yorkies from a mill was heartbreaking and heartwarming. I also applaud their legislative efforts, especially in regards to factory farms. It will take the support of ALL of the rescue organizations to change the law, change attitudes and awaken people from apathy.

March 7, 2009 : 3:40 PM ET
posted by: strayone

Too bad some are left to be take by the MO Dept of Agriculture. They need to go after the hundreds of LICENSED breeders in MO and put them out of business. Nothing ever happens to them. Animals are abused and tortured there everyday. Dr. Ebers is worthless. He protects the puppy millers not the puppies. They do nothing to protect animals in MO. They will probably end up with the Humane Society of MO, one of the largest kill shelters in the St.Louis area. Humane they are not. If anything is wrong with any one them, from eye infections to behavioral problems, they will put them down. They don't like to waste their money on the animals. More important to keep their offices looking nice. Too bad they are left to the department of agriculture, it is a sure death sentence. Thanks you for saving the ones you could.

March 7, 2009 : 5:53 AM ET
posted by: cvfa

Don't you just love positive and happy stories - they bring a feeling of hope for the future - something so tragic can have such a happy ending ! Well done everyone and yes I agree - I think he should keep that little darling too - what is it we say ' THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM AT THE INN ' !!! -:) Sending a kiss on the nose for each precious darling :)

March 6, 2009 : 7:44 PM ET
posted by: jamspuck

I fell in love with these puppies the second I saw them in the article, I am wondering when they might become adoptable???? I would love one!!

March 6, 2009 : 6:21 PM ET
posted by: croe

Looks like Rich and the puppy both wore out at the same time. I know you must have been busting your butt to help...that's just your style, but you sure look comfy there together. Keep up the great work and give my best to all.

Carrie Roe, Pburg

March 4, 2009 : 12:45 AM ET
posted by: cwiley

As the mamma to two adopted German Shorthaired Pointers here in Las Vegas, it just brought tears to my eyes to see all of those lovely, sweet GSP's left to fend for themselves. Since adopting my Velvet and Cinnamon, I have really developed a great love for this breed. They are some of the smartest (sometimes too much), most playful, loveable dogs I have ever had. Blessings on those rescuers!

March 3, 2009 : 1:25 PM ET
posted by: rmlamasney25

Oh yes, I'd love to read that Rich adopted the little pup with the white eyebrows. They seemed to bond instantly. Great job and hugs to all involved in helping these sweet dogs.

March 3, 2009 : 10:08 AM ET
posted by: mwdonnelly

I adopted a rescued Puppy Mill breeder--a miniature dachshund named Jasmine. Thank you for your great work...for all you do for unwanted, abandoned and abused animals.

It's been a wonderful experience giving Jasmine the life she deserves, and I know that the dogs you rescued are going to have wonderful lives with their new families.

My blog, and Jasmine's story, is here:

http://jasminethedachshund.wordpress.com

March 3, 2009 : 7:47 AM ET
posted by: 4theluvofthem

I have been following this story from the beginning. What all of you have done for these pups is so wonderful it brings me to tears. God Bless all of you at BF for all the wonderful work you do and all the sacrifices you make to help the animals. You are truly a wonderful group of people and should be highly commended for all you do.

March 3, 2009 : 5:56 AM ET
posted by: doggymama4

Love those photos and the story proves the resiliance of animals. I agree they look like they belong together, great story.

March 2, 2009 : 10:52 PM ET
posted by: SUNNEE

Does anybody know what the dogs life was like BEFORE the raid on the place. Were they left to run loose at all times or housed in kennels or outside with dog houses or no shelter at all. Was there another reason for the raid besides lack of licensing for instance unsanitary conditions neglect etc. With the lax kennel permits in those areas why didn't this person just buy a license. Other kennels seem to have more than 200 dogs and are still in business (unfortunately). There seems to be more to all this than meets the eye. Again they are such beautiful animals. I wish the absolute best for them.

March 2, 2009 : 9:12 PM ET
posted by: xman

There will probably be a couple dogs still hanging around outside the perimeters of the property and may not be seen for weeks or months. Please ask the neighbors to continue to put out food so they can be caught eventually so they won't turn wild and possibly start breeding out there.

March 2, 2009 : 7:31 PM ET
posted by: squeakie42

You are all, simply, my everyday heroes. No "thanks" is ever enough. I suspect your biggest thanks is seeing those pups safe and happy.

March 2, 2009 : 6:39 PM ET
posted by: wycheck fan

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for stepping in to help these poor dogs. Love the photos - you can tell that the dogs are so relieved that someone's helping them get out of there.

March 2, 2009 : 6:30 PM ET
posted by: Rita2828

thank all of you who took part in rescuing all of those wonderful dogs, So so sad. I wish i could be there giving lots of hugs and kisses to them all. Thank you best friends for making this all happen. YOU ARE THE VERY BEST.

Rita From Brooklyn

March 2, 2009 : 4:02 PM ET
posted by: babs1171

What a great ending to a terrible story. Love the photo! That is one pooped rescuer and one happily ever after rescued pup! I agree they belong together!

March 2, 2009 : 3:33 PM ET
posted by: carrie_fosters

I'm with you, lmiller. That pup's little grunting noises were so sweet and obviously Rich could hardly put him down.

March 2, 2009 : 3:00 PM ET
posted by: lmiller

I think he needs to take that puppy. They bonded from day one, kindred spirits.