Pope Memorial Humane Society — Cocheco Valley (PMHS‑CV), a Dover shelter, is asking for community support after an emergency surrender brought five deeply frightened Great Pyrenees into its care during what has become one of the shelter’s busiest weeks of the year.
With additional animals expected this weekend, the shelter will welcome more than 40 animals in just seven days.
The five dogs arrived Thursday afternoon after a local Animal Control Officer contacted the shelter about someone who needed to surrender several large dogs immediately. PMHS‑CV agreed to take every dog in need. Within hours, two adult Great Pyrenees, a 10‑month‑old female, and two 5‑month‑old female puppies were transported to the shelter — all so terrified and shut down that staff had to carry them inside.
According to information provided to the shelter, three of the dogs had lived entirely outdoors, sharing a single doghouse, while the two youngest puppies had been confined to a whelping box since birth. None had received veterinary care, and all were unfamiliar with people, leashes, and basic handling.
Once inside, the dogs retreated to the corners of their kennels, turning their faces away from staff. They initially refused food and water, and even treats and peanut butter could not coax them forward.
Shelter staff are now working slowly and gently to help the dogs acclimate, offering quiet companionship and allowing them to adjust at their own pace. Each dog will undergo a full medical examination, and the team is assessing both medical and behavioral needs. For the youngest puppies, staff will evaluate how prolonged confinement may have affected their development and whether specialized long‑term care will be required.
The emergency intake comes during an already demanding week. Six other dogs had been surrendered through urgent situations, with two more expected Friday. On Saturday, the shelter will receive 17 kittens from overcrowded facilities where they were at risk of euthanasia. Combined with other intakes, PMHS‑CV will surpass 40 animals in one week.
Each animal requires safe housing, food, clean bedding, veterinary care, and—often—spay or neuter surgery. The five Great Pyrenees will need patient, individualized support as they learn to feel safe around people.
To help manage the surge, PMHS‑CV is asking the community to support the shelter in three ways:
Donate: Contributions fund medical exams, surgery, daily care, and behavioral support.
Foster: New Hampshire residents willing to provide patient, temporary homes are encouraged to contact the shelter.
Adopt: Choosing an available animal frees space and resources for another in need.
Despite their difficult start, staff have already seen small signs of progress: within 24 hours, the two youngest puppies began wagging their tails.
PMHS‑CV will share updates as the dogs settle in and their needs become clearer. Community support will help move them from fear and uncertainty toward comfort, confidence, and ultimately, homes of their own.
For information on donating, fostering, or adopting, visit pmhscv.org.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat. Reporting by Special to Foster’s Daily Democrat.
