The stories listed below, illustrate what goes on in all municipal animal control “shelters” across America. They also represent, in a small way, the degree of severity of the cases seen every day. The good news is that the little dogs mentioned here were saved by one rescue group on the same day.
Skylar – a Beagle chained up in a backyard. She had never known the comforts of living indoors. When asked by a rescue volunteer if her owners wanted to keep her or give her up if another home could be found for her, they were delighted to “get rid” of the dog. She has now had her vaccinations, heartworm test and preventative, and has been spayed. She awaits a family to love and cherish her.
Casper – a mixed breed, had been living on the streets for months. Not able to endure watching this dog become thinner and sicker, a couple living in that neighborhood took him to animal control in horrible physical condition. He had a raging skin infection. His skin was bright red with bare patches of fur from all the itching and scratching. He was infested with fleas and smelled beyond belief. He is now on antibiotics and ivermectin injections. He was neutered. Casper is hoping to be adopted to a loving, forever home soon.
Maggie – 11 years old surrendered by owners who “did not want her anymore”. She was groomed, vaccinations updated, tested and placed on heartworm preventative. She had a dental, with several teeth extractions. Emotionally she was quite distraught at being left in a strange place by her family. Luckily, she has since been adopted.
Shorty – was also at a municipal shelter with no adoption interest for quite awhile. Luckily, he was transferred to this rescue group that placed him in their program. He has been vaccinated. He will be neutered, but for now, he is being treated for heartworms. Given his size and good health now, his prospects for adoption are significantly improved.
Zimmer – also was brought to animal control due to a “family emergency”. He is a 10-year-old “wreck”, as you can see in the picture on the right. This rescue group took him immediately to their vet for a complete medical checkup, vaccinations, and an eye exam. He was diagnosed with glaucoma and, as a result, is visually impaired. He also has cataracts bilaterally and an ulcer in one of his eyes that is being treated now. He was promptly bathed and groomed. He desperately needs a dental for inflamed gums and decayed teeth, which he will be scheduled for shortly, but first he must have the pressure in his eyes gotten under control. A kind- hearted lady gave Zimmer a wonderful home, fully aware of his medical problems. She just fell in love with him! This elderly dog will get healthy much faster living with a devoted adopter.
Sentient beings deserve better than being neglected and then thrown away. They are not detritus in any form. They need our love and responsible care for their very survival and wellbeing. They are family. They give us unconditional love and companionship. They understand our feelings better than anyone. They are our best friends forever. They always “have our back”, and we are their world!
We can save more innocent, helpless and abandoned dogs with your continuing and generous support to Animals Abused & Abandoned here. Your donations make a real and timely difference in their lives, always helping them to reach for a brighter tomorrow.