This is such an intense story. Glad you made it out okay. I have to say I am glad they allowed you to come in. Though it is bad when you have to ponder whether freezing outside is better than inside. Sad that the people and dogs lived that way.

I lived next door to an older couple who had a small RV camper. They traveled around and rescued (picked up) animals. They had a house full of cats and a dog. The smell of animal urine was so strong that I could smell it from my house. She came to visit after my baby was born. It was difficult for me to have her hold my baby, because her clothes carried the strong smell. They seemed like nice people though.