Imagine stepping through a front door and finding… not one or two—over a hundred dogs. That’s exactly what Auburn, Washington’s Animal Control Officer Roy Peckham found inside a small duplex during what began as just a routine complaint.
The neighbor had called about an unbearable odor. Peckham thought it might be a few stray dogs. Then he opened the door.
Instead of chaos, it was a staggering scene. A “sea of dogs”—Chiweenies, Chihuahua-Dachshund mixes—overflowing the modest home. Peckham later counted 80 in the main area, with 23 more tucked into harder-to-reach corners.
That’s 103 dogs living in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Feces and urine layered the floors, the odor was crippling, and there was barely room to breathe—for human or animal.
What looked like a manageable situation quickly became one of the largest animal rescues Auburn had ever seen. Peckham and his team went into action.
Starting around 3 p.m. and working through the night, they coaxed dogs out one by one, caring for them, documenting each, and transporting them safely to the shelter.
But the job wasn’t done. In follow-up visits, the team returned to ensure every dog got out safely—bringing home the final pups to complete the rescue some days later.
Were these dogs okay? Weight-wise, surprisingly so. But they carried the scars of neglect—fleas, overgrown nails, mats, and general lack of care.
Now, they’ve been dispersed across regional humane societies for cleaning, veterinary checks, and much-needed socialization. That means baths, vet visits, grooming—so they can heal and get ready to be adopted.
The public responded quickly. Fostering applications flooded in. Donations poured through to help cover care costs.
And for those dreaming of a loyal Chiweenie of their own, keep an eye on Auburn Valley, Seattle, Skagit Valley Humane Societies, and Forgotten Dogs Rescue.
Updates are coming soon on when these pups will be ready for their forever homes.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this rescue was both massive and saddening.
But it also proved just how powerful compassion can be when people—neighbors, officers, rescuers—choose to step in.
So, if you ever pass a shelter, click follow, or feel moved by animal rescue stories, remember this: lives were saved here not by chance but by action.
Now, these Chiweenies need people to open their hearts and homes.
