UPDATE: The Norfolk SPCA is now accepting adoption applications, by appointment only. Click here to schedule an adoption appointment.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk SPCA is pleading for help after multiple neglected huskies in need of emergency care were dropped off at the shelter without warning last Saturday.

The SPCA says it needs to raise about $25,000 for emergency medical care, socialization and adoption placements.

“Their medical care will be thousands per animal to do the diagnostics and treatment for each,” Kimberly Sherlaw, the Executive Director of the Norfolk SPCA, said.

The three adult huskies are heartworm positive, infected with parasites, dehydrated and underweight.

The puppy, Ziggy, is likely blind in one eye and has to see an eye specialist. Ziggy was dehydrated and underweight as well.

“It was hours away from death had it not get treated with supportive care,” Sherlaw said.

Two days later, a woman handed over two more Huskies. She said the same transport company gave her a dog in a 7-Eleven parking lot. The transport company recovered the dogs from the backyard breeders.

Bonnie and Viking were treated at the animal shelter. Viking unfortunately did not make it.

Sherlaw said she is aware of a seventh dog who might be in Newport News.

Dr. Rita Hemmings, the veterinarian in charge, said the condition of the dogs didn’t happen overnight.

“These adult dogs were bitten by mosquitos a minimum of six months ago,” she said.

The Huskies are in for weeks to months of medical treatment which will not be easy on their bodies.

The heartworm treatment takes 90 days and includes three shots.

“It’s uncomfortable; they go deep into the muscle and they cause a lot of inflammation in the body,” Dr. Hemmings said.

An SPCA spokesperson said one of the dogs, Lillian, underwent a full medical exam Thursday. They determined she is between 7-9 years old and confirmed she has a severe heartworm infection.

The other dogs will be sedated and undergo a full medical exam as well, which could reveal other conditions, diseases and injuries.

The huskies will also be spayed and neutered. The team will vaccinate them for preventable diseases as well.

The SPCA sent testing to Cornell University to rule out serious medical issues. The staff at the SPCA is optimistic about their future.

“I want them to be happy. I want them to have space to run.” 

If you’d like to help donate, you can do so at this link from the SPCA.