The lives of more than 20 dogs were changed when a Bergen County rescue saved them from a commercial breeder. Now, these pups are receiving the necessary grooming and medical care so they can eventually find their forever homes.

Robyn Urman, the founder of Pet ResQ Inc. in Tenafly, drove several hours to and from Pennsylvania on May 6 to bring 21 dogs to North Jersey. The rescued dogs range in age and breed, from shih tzu puppies to an adult cockapoo, an older Yorkie, a white shepherd puppy and more.

When Urman picked up the dogs they were in rough condition, shaking, scared and filthy.

“Some of the dogs are feral. They’ve never been touched. They’ve never seen grass. A lot of them, interestingly enough, don’t know how to eat out of a bowl because they are used to the food being thrown on the floor,” said Urman. “It’s time and patience with these guys … they have mammary tumors. Some have testicular cancer. It’s a potluck.“

After they arrived in North Jersey, the dogs were taken to foster homes and other local rescues. Over the course of at least two weeks, they will be groomed, vetted and eventually put up for adoption.

Michelle Capasso of Washington Township took in five of the rescued dogs, including four shih tzu puppies and a 1½-year-old cockapoo. In the two years that Capasso has been involved with the rescue, her family has taken in 32 foster dogs.

“We just took them in last night. They came at like 5 o’clock. They really stink when they come. They’re covered in urine and matted. We cut huge mats off the one’s belly. It’s really awful,” said Capasso. “The one cockapoo, she just wanted me to hold her. I held her for like two hours on the couch. You could tell that she was so grateful to be held and comforted.“

The puppies, Capasso said, have “puppy energy,” although two of them are frightened. “When they’re clean and they’re vet-checked, I think they will make good homes,” she said. “It’s going to take a while for the two, which are for some reason more scared than the other two.“

One of the rescued moms, a shih tzu named Suzie, needed grooming when she arrived and was having trouble walking. Urman said that after she lived her entire life inside a cage, all four of Suzie’s feet are deformed.

Capasso and Urman explained the benefits of placing these kinds of dogs into foster homes as opposed to shelters while they recover and receive treatment. Some will take longer than others to be adopted, depending on their medical and social needs.

“The reality is these kinds of dogs don’t fare well in shelter environments. They go from one cement floor to another, basically. So, you know, they need to know how to dog, and that’s what we try to do,” said Urman. “Some take a couple of weeks. I’ve had dogs for months. I have one that took me three weeks to be able to touch her, but you have to respect that. You know, they don’t forget.“

Pet ResQ Inc. takes in breeder dogs about three times a year

Pet ResQ Inc. is entirely foster based. Urman, who has been rescuing and working with dogs since 1982, said her fantasy would be to open a facility. However, funding remains a challenge.

Vet bills can become particularly costly, especially as the shelter takes in animals with such severe medical needs. In a situation like this one, Urman said, even the dogs that come in “semi-healthy” will cost between $500 and $600 for bloodwork, deworming, grooming, spay or neuter, dental work and more. On top of that comes food, harnesses and the cost of transporting the pups, among other things. Everything from food to crates or whatever else is needed is provided to the fosters, Urman said.

“We’re a small volunteer group. Nobody gets paid. We’re committed, and we would like to continue. It’s cost prohibitive, and I hate to keep saying it, but it’s reality. We are desperate for property,” said Urman. “My fantasy would be to have a landing spot where I can get the dogs settled and evaluated.“

The rescue typically takes in dogs from breeders about three times a year, Urman said. She heavily criticized the commercial breeding industry for its mistreatment of dogs, hoping to raise awareness about the issue and save as many pups as she can.

“I just believe in awareness. If you get one person not to breed their dog, I did what I was supposed to do,” said Urman. “There’s a lot of backyard breeders out there, and it’s scary. They just throw them away and they’re so innocent, loving. They’re worth it. I think they’re worth it.“