Dogs abandoned during freeze looking for a forever home

HOUSTON – When Amanda Mares heard barking and crying in the wooded lot next door to her family’s business, she knew she had to see what was happening, despite the temperature hovering around 30 degrees.

It was Jan. 15, the morning of a harsh freeze in the Houston area. Mares says she was shocked to see two female dogs tied to a tree without food, water, or shelter.

She and several other concerned citizens went to the owner and begged him to take the pups in from the cold that night. Mares then contacted the SPCA, but when they came out to investigate, they only issued a warning.

Three days later, the owner told Mares he was going to remove the two dogs from his property and go dump them.

Mares couldn’t let that happen and took the two girls into her small townhouse in northwest Houston the next day.

“I couldn’t leave them. I just couldn’t,” she told KPRC 2′s Faith Braverman.

Her neighbors rallied to help her, providing her with kennels, food, and more pet supplies.

But what the two girls really need is a yard, which is something Mares doesn’t currently have.

“We take them to the park as often as we can. They love to run and play. I pay a walker $25 a day to take them out 3 or 4 times a day. But they need a yard. They’re bigger dogs. They cry when they have to go in their kennels,” she said.

Despite their past neglect, the two dogs have thrived while in Mares’ care.

“I named them Hazel and Louise. They are sisters. I have had both girls fully vaccinated, they have tested negative for heartworms, and they have been spayed. They are ready for their forever families. I keep hoping for an organization to take them into their program, but I haven’t had any luck so far.”

After consulting with a veterinarian, Mares believes the girls are about 10 months old, and are a mix of pit bull, boxer, and husky.

“They really are sweet dogs, but they are mischievous. They’re doing puppy things because they are puppies. They’d probably do best in a home without small children since they are over 50 pounds,” she explained.

Mares would love for the girls to be adopted together but understands that may not be a reality.

“I just know if somebody got to know them, they would love them. I love them too, I just don’t have a place for them,” she said, breaking down in tears.

You can find more information about Hazel and Louise on Mares’ Facebook page, or you can email her at amanda@maresglassinc.com

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