?To protect and to serve.?

For many years, 28 dogs followed this motto.

Some were on the front lines of war-torn countries, others with law enforcement across the nation, and still more spent their days sniffing through major transportation hubs. For years, these dogs dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our country.

When they retired and needed a place to go, K-9 Hero Haven, a rescue organization in Northumberland county, offered them a place to settle and find new forever homes. But instead of receiving a blissful retirement, they were faced with the unfathomable. Respected dogs that once sacrificed everything for humankind were now subjected to a life of filth and neglect.

After the Bureau of Dog Law conducted a routine inspection, they alerted our Animal Law Enforcement team with concerns. The dogs? kennels were covered in feces and blood and their water bowls were green from lack of cleaning. Bodies that were once lean and exuded strength now withered away with untreated medical conditions.

What was supposed to be a haven for these heroes ended up being the very opposite.

Over several months, the PSPCA welcomed nearly 30 German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and a Labrador retriever into our care. While we waited for their custody, our medical and behavior teams worked hard to heal the physical and internal wounds these dogs' carried.

Months later, the rescue?s owner finally pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and her kennel license was revoked. Even more cruelty charges have since been submitted to the District Attorney's office.

While the case continues, our focus is on ensuring the best outcome possible for the dogs in our care. Many have already found homes, some with their previous handlers. They?ve gone as far as Alaska and Arkansas, and some have stayed close to home.

We are so lucky to celebrate the freedoms we have thanks to the humans and canines who serve on the front lines. America is home of the free because of the brave and it is finally time that these brave dogs get what they assured us - a home.