Rescued Chatham County dogs ready for new homes

A Chatham County woman charged with animal cruelty appeared in court Friday for a bond hearing.

Alicia Dawn Culberson faces 10 counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 dogs were seized from her property earlier this year.

Dozens of dogs taken from deplorable conditions are now up for adoption.

Following a search warrant executed on Oakley Church Road, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, along with Animal Rescue Corps and BISSELL Pet Foundation, rescued a total of 214 dogs. Eighty-five dogs and puppies are ready to find loving, forever homes.

Michael Cunningham, the shelter director with the Animal Rescue Corps [ARC], was on the ground for the rescue. Cunningham says the dogs have different needs than the typical shelter dog.

“They're adult dogs and they have never touched the ground,” he said. “They have never seen the sky.

“They don't know what wind is. They don't know what grass is. They don't know what shiny floors are."

ARC provided temporary shelter and vet care for the dogs, and has spent at least $100,000 on their care.

Holly Springs-based nonprofit Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation has taken 11 of the 85 dogs. The pups have spent two weeks in foster care, socializing with people and dogs.

“I expect that we’re probably going to spend $10,000 to get these dogs ready to go,” said Pawfect Match spokesperson Debbie Sandlin.

Rebecca Edwards has fostered a dog named Stormie for two weeks.

“The first couple of days that I had her she would not come out of her crate,” Edwards said of Stormie. “She was really not eating. It was just such a new environment for her."

Sandlin said adopters should know it can take a long time for dogs to settle into their new life.

"The most important thing they have to have is patience, understanding and commitment,” Sandlin said.

While the dogs have had a rough start to life, getting them out of a bad situation is just the beginning.

“For these animals, every day just gets better and better,” Cunningham said.

Pawfect Match relies on donations and volunteers. Visit the nonprofit’s website or call 919-345-8899 to learn how you can help.