In October, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter rescued over 100 animals from what animal rescue officials called an "abhorrent" hoarding case. Last week, "Carmen San Diego," a female sulcata tortoise, was adopted by a Cheyenne family that already had two similar tortoises in their home.
With the placement, all of the animals taken in by the Cheyenne Animal Shelter have been adopted or relocated.
"The quails were the last of the pets to go," said Kayla Hahn with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. "They went home last week. Loki, the big Tibetan mastiff, got adopted two weeks after getting a plane ride to Idaho to his new fosters."
These successful adoptions end an immense undertaking for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.
They had to treat and care for the malnourished, injured animals and ensured they found better lives and homes with new families within two months of their arrival.
Hardest To Home
On Oct. 22, 103 animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, small birds, a goat, and a tortoise — were surrendered to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter (CAS) by their former owner, Michael Ohern.
He surrendered the animals rather than pay for their care, which was estimated to cost at least $150,000.
Cheyenne Animal Control officer Elizabeth Wagner said the conditions inside Ohern’s home were “abhorrent.” At at least 22 animals inside were already dead, and the rest were immediately transfer to CAS.
"We have a lot of very skinny pets (ranging) from dogs to birds to barnyard fowl," said CAS Director of Development and Outreach Niki Harrison in October. "We had a few that came in in need of immediate medical attention. Some lacerations, things of that nature."
Carmen San Diego was one of the many animals that required immediate medical attention. Hahn said the tortoise, who's anywhere from 5 to 10 years old, was in "okay condition" but needed treatment before she could be adopted.
"She was pretty underweight for a tortoise her age and size, and she had some infected sores on the bottom of her shell due to improper husbandry," she said. "We cleaned and treated those sores and got her on a steady diet plan to get her to a healthy weight."
The tortoise became a free-roaming celebrity during her brief stay at the shelter.
Between her weekly baths, she wandered through the shelter's offices and enjoyed sunbathing in the garden.
Tortoises are known for carrying their homes wherever they go, but they actually require a lot of care and attention. Carmen couldn't stay at CAS forever, and finding a forever home for a tortoise is easier said than done.
"She's expected to live for another 80 years, at least, and they typically grow to over 100 pounds," Hahn said. "She's needed a home that's adept for her care and is ready to make the kind of commitment for a pet that's ultimately going to outlive you."
Happy With The Hungers
Carmen San Diego was placed on the CAS website shortly after she arrived, and several people expressed interest in adopting her. After reviewing the applications, Hahn said one family immediately stood out.
"It was less about finding someone who wanted her and more about finding a home that's ready for her care," she said. "The Hunger family came in and said they wanted to meet with her, and after some discussion, we knew the Hungers were going to be a good fit for Carmen."
The Hungers were already the proud owners of two male sulcata tortoises. They understand what's required to keep that specific species happy and healthy, something Hahn said other well-intentioned applicants couldn't fully comprehend.
"If your living conditions are good, you're ready to take on a dog, but tortoises need very specific living conditions," she said. "Their habitat has to be over 70 degrees, they need access to heat via a UVA/UVB lighting, and a specific diet that needs to be upkept."
The Hungers adopted Carmen San Diego and welcomed the tortoise into their home.
The CAS received a photo of Carmen, flanked by her new brothers, resting comfortably on a dog bed in front of the fireplace, surrounded by decorations of welcome made by the Hunger children.
The Last Five
Carmen San Diego was among the last remaining pets from the hoarding situation to find a forever home.
After nearly two months of effort and treatment, it was down to two dogs, the quails, and Carmen.
"Our shelter numbers weren't too extravagant at the time, so we were able to get everyone the care they needed," Hahn said.
The Hungers are currently building a heated shelter for Carmen in their backyard. She'll live out the rest of her long life in the comfort and care of a family well-equipped to meet her needs.
Hahn praised the professionalism of the CAS team and their partners for coordinating such an effective and successful response to the hoarding situation.
"We were able to make sure that every animal got the care it needed," Hahn said. "Our shelter and veterinary team got them to the adoption floor or a partner organization that is more fit for their care. It's a really awesome group."
Andrew Rossi can be reached at arossi@cowboystatedaily.com.
