Rescue Situation - LGDs (Kuvasz)

[CountryGoalie]

We used to raise Kuvasz, so we're still in the loop a little - a breeder recently passed away at his property and when they went looking, he had seventy dogs. Forty-nine of them were Kuvasz, some of which are puppies, but it sounds like they are varying ages. He wasn't well-known for doing hip clearances ("they're Hungarian imports, therefore they have good hips!" ) so I don't much about health clearances or socialization, but here's what I received in email from someone heavily involved in Kuvasz breed rescue:


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I have been in communication with the shelter workers regarding the dogs. The family has not yet told the shelter what they want to do with dogs. Some in the family have expressed interest in the possibility of taking the puppies and selling them, but that is not decided.

We do not know what Kuvasz Rescue's expenses will be when this is over and I can't guess until we know how many dogs we need to place. I don't want to ask for money to Kuvasz Rescue until I have an idea what we need. But we do know that the shelter is spending money and time taking care of these dogs. I hope that some of us will help the shelter. As a reminder, the shelter's address is:

Broome County Humane Society and Relief Association
2 Jackson Street
Binghamton, NY 13903

Write Kuvasz Rescue in the memo field so that the money is applied to this effort. They are a 501c/3.

Over the next week I will contacting those of you who who volunteered to determine what can be done to help these dogs. I will be out of communication Tuesday (new job) but will respond to everyone who wrote an email when I know what to say.

Thanks to all of you offered homes, assistance, and ideas. I believe that there are rewards for those who help animals in need.
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I know there are a handful of people on here with LGDs, or with experience with LGD breeds. If any of you would be able/willing to foster one of these poor dogs until it can find a new home, or give it a chance to become your own farm dog, please send me a PM or email me at tehfifthfeather (at) aol (dot) com and I'll try to put you in contact with the fellow who sent out this email.

[Wolf mom]

Hey everyone!

Kuvaz are great dogs!

So sorry to hear of their plight.
Wish I could take one, but have too many dogs as it is.

[CountryGoalie]

Edited to clarify:
These dogs are not actually in the role of livestock guarding dogs at this point in time. I put "LGDs" in the subject line of the post because Kuvasz are one of the LGD breeds. I hope this did not cause any confusion.

I know that breed rescue has placed some adults as farm dogs (some of them were of this breeder's bloodlines, actually), and I have read of tales where an adult was integrated into an LGD position as an adult and did a fine job. One fellow who has taken in Pyr and Kuvasz rescues in a farm situation can be seen here: Denstar Farm.

[CountryGoalie]

Here is an update on the situation as of June 19th:

Originally Posted by Dan

First I would like to thank the people who have stepped up and donated to the shelter to help them cover the cost of caring for 49 Kuvasz. They are still spending money and resources on food and vet care but donations are still needed. If you would like to donate to the shelter, send a check to:

Broome County Humane Society and Relief Association
2 Jackson Street
Binghamton, NY 13903

Write Kuvasz Rescue in the memo field so that the money is applied to this effort. They are a 501c/3.

Well, things are starting to happen. The family has signed off on placing the dogs and the shelter is beginning to arrange spaying and neutering on the first batch of dogs transferred from the kennel to the shelter. The first batch includes:

A young adult female, mother of a recent litter. She is reported to be a friendly dog.
A full adult male, likes to throw his weight around. This one needs a strong, experienced owner.
Another adult male, not good with kids but, very good with women. Needs socializing.
A litter of eight, five month old puppies.
A young female, the mother of the five month old litter. Very friendly and sweet.
A smaller adult male, not socialized, timid but playful outside of his cage.
A very small adult male, shy, but warms up after a while.
Adult female, not doing well in the shelter. Needs a calm home and someone with the time and temperament to socialize a nervous dog.

There will be an evaluator visiting the kennel late this week. She should be able to determine if any of these dogs have LGD temperaments.

We hope to be able to begin moving some of these dogs to their new homes beginning this weekend. I will be contacting volunteers and potential adopters this week.

Again, I thank all of you who have pitched in to help in this effort.