One of the dogs rescued from a home in Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, had what could be termed third-degree burns on its face if it were human, a humane society police officer said.

The female Shih Tzu was euthanized because its medical condition was so bad.

“I almost passed out,” Dana Smith-Mansell, said when she first looked at the dog, one of seven surrendered by the owners.

The face had what she said was months of matter, eye crust, saliva and unknown substances on it.

“That sweet, little tiny dog suffered, had to suffer for months,” Smith-Mansell said.

In all, six Shih Tzus and a Great Dane were taken from the home. Ages are estimated between 7 and 13, Smith-Mansell said.

Smith-Mansell said she received a call about the condition of the dogs. Originally, eight dogs were said to be in need of care. When Smith-Mansell got to the home Thursday, the homeowner let her inside.

“He was very compliant,” she said, although he acknowledged he and his wife could not take proper care of the dogs.

He told her one of the dogs died, which he buried in the yard.

She said the dogs were extremely matted and “smelled of urine and feces.” She did see bowls on the floor, but didn’t see water, although that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any. Weightwise, the dogs looked OK except for one.

The man said, “I can’t do it. It’s too much,” in regard to caring for the dogs.

“When it becomes too much to the detriment of living beings we have a problem,” she said.

The Great Dane was extremely skittish. Smith-Mansell said the man hit the dog with a cane. He attempted to hit the other dogs, something she warned him against. The dogs are friendly, she said.

Several of the dogs were seen by a veterinarian. One had a bulging eye, one a yeast infection along with other conditions.

After spending about 90 minutes at the house, he helped her load the dogs in a transport van. The dogs were taken to the Hillside SPCA.

Senior Dog Haven & Hospice Inc., Delaware, agreed to take the five Shih-Tzus. Four different foster homes are caring for the dogs, according to a Facebook post from the organization. Donations are sought for their care.

Hillside SPCA incurred expenses for the dogs. Donations can be made to Joe and Caroline’s fund on Hillsidespca.com.

Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League has the other dog. Visit magdrl.org for more information.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Smith-Mansell said.