“We walked away each day defeated, but we came back anyway. Because they needed us.”
By now, you’ve likely heard about the heartbreaking case in Milton, NY. This summer, 55 dogs were seized from a local breeder — 54 Golden Retrievers and 1 little Chihuahua.
The living conditions were devastating. The dogs were matted with feces and urine, many too frightened to move. Some hid beneath others and fell asleep from exhaustion. Others trembled at the slightest touch.
H.O.P.E. Animal Rescue was one of the many rescues that stepped in to help—offering hands, hearts, and homes. Our volunteers spent hours grooming, bathing, and simply sitting with these dogs—showing them, perhaps for the first time, what compassion feels like.
The dogs came in three heartbreaking waves:
- 11 young dogs (ages 4 months–2 years
- 16 adults
- 29 more—including nursing moms, tiny puppies, and an assumed bonded pair of seniors
Each took anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes just to clean. Each left a mark on our hearts.
We want to tell you about the six dogs we were able to bring into our foster program. And if you’re reading this as a foster or adopter—one of them may be curled up in your home right now.
Murphy and Bodhi
Our first rescues were two young boys—Murphy, about 5 months old, and his older brother Bodhi, a 7-month-old.
Murphy was shy but trusting, and within minutes, a volunteer offered to foster him. That opened the door for Bodhi—who, at first, hid in a corner and faced the wall, trembling.
Murphy walked over, curled up next to his brother, and fell asleep. Moments later, Bodhi settled down beside him, and we went to work.
After two hours of careful grooming and a late-night bath, they were home and safe.
After a few months in foster—where the adventures and new friends were abundant—Murphy found unconditional love and happiness in the home of a wonderful family who’s been a long-time supporter of HOPE and our mission.
Bodhi—a familiar face around downtown Saratoga during his time in foster care—has found his perfect place, surrounded by laughter, comfort, and the kind of happiness he always deserved. Today, he helps to fill a loving family of five (with his sidekick, Lucy, of course) with more joy than they ever imagined.
❄️ Snow
The very next day, we returned to the shelter—and met Snow, a 5-month-old pup who melted our hearts.
Too frightened to accept even a treat, she cowered in the corner until our volunteers took a chance, gently holding her and whispering reassurance.
In her foster home, she blossomed—suddenly spunky, social, and full of joy. She joined Bodhi, who happened to be recovering in the same home, and her confidence became his courage. Before long, the two were best friends, quickly learning what true love from a human could feel like.
Today, Snow lives on the outskirts of town, doting on her young human siblings and proudly keeping watch over their flock of chickens.
Within just about a week, Bodhi was placed in foster-to-adopt. It was a rush of relief and celebration—but then came the quiet moment after. We looked back at that first group and realized there were still more dogs waiting in the shelter, still hoping for their chance. And we had to ask ourselves, “Who’s left?”
Remy: AKA Milo
Bodhi’s littermate. Terrified and misunderstood, he’d been placed on “observation” after a fearful nip toward a volunteer—a response rooted in panic, not aggression. He was the only dog still unspoken for, as many of our incredible rescue partners from Peppertree, Catskill Canine, and Rottie Mountain Rescue had already filled their available foster homes.
We went to the shelter and took our time grooming him—two hours of patience and care. He was confused and nervous, and terrified of the car ride to his foster home.
When we opened the gate to the yard, Remy saw his siblings Snow and Bodhi—but he didn’t run to them. He clung to our volunteer’s leg, unsure of what to do. However, with time, love, and patience, he began to find comfort in the household’s older dogs.
About a month later, he was introduced to his new best friend and furever brother, Dash. Today, he’s known as Milo, as is living his best life with Dash by his side. Every day is a good day for these sweet boys.
💛 A Pause to Ask for Help
Before we introduce our last two dogs, we want to pause and ask for something important.
Each dog we rescue needs:
- Full vet workups
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Microchips and vaccines
- Medicated baths and follow-ups
- Food, crate training, potty training
- Behavioral support
For puppies, the entry cost is often $400+, not including complications like infections, parasites, or fear-based behaviors.
H.O.P.E. is a small nonprofit, run almost entirely by volunteers. We rely on monetary donations, wish list supplies, and foster homes to keep doing this work.
You can help today by:
- Donating to our Medical Fund
- Becoming a foster home
- Purchasing items from our wish lists
- Spreading the word about these dogs
If you missed your chance to adopt one of the Goldens but still want to help—you absolutely can. We can’t do it without you.
👵 “Laverne & Shirley”
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Finally, let’s talk about the unexpected twist in this story.
We didn’t have the foster space available when the second group of 16 dogs arrived, but our team still showed up—grooming and comforting many as they awaited placement with other rescues.
Then came the final and largest group: 28 dogs, including over a dozen very young puppies and several nursing mothers—we had one spot open up and a unique opportunity to help.
It’s important to share that none of the puppies from this case were made available for adoption in New York State. They, along with their nursing moms, were transferred to an out-of-state Golden-specific rescue that has the time, resources, and space to care for them properly. Our local shelters and rescues were beyond capacity, and we’re incredibly grateful that these puppies are in good hands.
As for HOPE, we were able to welcome one final pair into our care: who we will call Laverne and Shirley —a presumably bonded senior duo, a female Golden Retriever and a female Chihuahua.
From the moment we met them, it was clear they were different—friendly, trusting, and well-adjusted. Yet still, they bore signs of neglect: urine-soaked coats, matted fur, ear infections, and dental disease.
Through time, patience, and love, they healed. And when their foster families looked into their eyes, they couldn’t let them go.
Shirley and Laverne have since found their forever home—right here within our HOPE family of fosters—where they’ll live out their golden years as ambassadors of love and resilience.
In Closing: Six dogs. Six lives that will never go back to what they came from.
These stories remind us why we do what we do—even when it’s hard.
To every volunteer, foster, donor, and supporter—thank you. You made this possible.
Let’s keep going. There’s more work to do.
Because love is stronger than neglect.
With endless gratitude,
The H.O.P.E. Animal Rescue Team