Dozens of Chihuahuas abandoned in Modesto, Ceres. Merced rescue seeks fosters
Updated story: Abandoned dogs were living in ‘unimaginable’ conditions in a Modesto home
Original story:
A Merced animal rescue organization is looking for foster homes for dozens of Chihuahuas that were left abandoned at homes in Modesto and Ceres.
According to Sharon Lohman, founder and president of New Beginnings For Merced County Animals, fosters could be needed for more than 80 dogs that were abandoned at two homes.
The organization was called out to the homes over the weekend.
“It’s a very sad situation,” Lohman said Monday morning. “Every single one of them is terrified.”
The dogs were living in filth, Lohman said, and it doesn’t appear that any of the dogs had veterinarian care. Each dog will need dental care due to neglect and having a soft food diet.
“All of their teeth are rotten,” she said, noting that some even had their teeth fall out. “They’ll all need (dental work).”
After word got out that New Beginnings was helping with the dogs at the Modesto home, it was called out to another site in Ceres, Lohman said.
There were at least 20 larger Chihuahuas found at that residence, Lohman said.
The rescue is looking for people to foster the dogs until they can be rehomed. It is also looking for donations on its website to help care for the dogs. You can also look for the organization’s wish list on Amazon.com.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ve taken on a lot of challenges in 21 years,” Lohman said.
Recently, the nonprofit organization flew more than 120 dogs and cats to Washington and Montana, and drove more than 60 to Oregon. Those states are less crowded with abandoned dogs and cats have higher adoption rates. There are also free spay and neuter programs in those states.
New Beginnings For Merced County Animals transports animals to northern states about every three weeks. The group sends at least one representative on every trip, Lohman said.
Anyone who is available to foster, can text (209) 259-5074. New Beginnings provides the supplies, a Facebook post said.
This story was originally published November 24, 2025 at 11:06 AM.
