A Little Past Rough (a dog's life)

[Omaha Steve]

You can click for free once a day to provide help for animals.


http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/story/a-little-past-rough472

We received a call to come over and help with dog that was left tied to a fire hydrant for about ten hours. He was weak from the heat, malnutrition and dehydration but, still found a way to try to fight off his rescuers. I told my husband that we would make sure the dog would be able to survive until he could be seen by a vet the next day and we were not keeping him. Once we arrived he told us he was in the garage and to be careful.



We walked in to find a skinny and obviously neglected dog laying on a box. He weakly lifted his head and watched as I sat down. He lumbered over and to my surprise he gingerly laid his head on my knee instantly melting my heart with his big bug eyes. I rubbed his head and began checking him over. His ears had been cut multiple times with a dull object, his eyes were bulging and he was covered with scars. I told my husband we couldn't leave him there since our friend had no option but, to leave him in the garage.

My husband agreed with a smirk that said I knew this would happen. The Vet determined he had been used for fighting and all the wounds were results of fights and "training". It took months of work but, Hooch no longer remotely resembles the dog of his past. He loves our other dogs, kids and snuggling. I believe he knew all along that we were his home and exactly how to win me over. Hooch came from a rough place, and was more than rough around the edges but, he has a heart of gold. He just wanted love and I'm lucky he choose me.

Chealsy
Memphis, TN

[In_The_Wind]

1. Done

[BrotherIvan]

2. Dust in my eye...

I am so glad Hooch found a home but so sorry for all the dogs who are suffering right now in fighting rings. I have read so many times of dogs found with their ears cut by a dull knife and fighting wounds. Abandoned when they are no longer wanted and so many more killed that we don't even know about. We need education programs and vigilance on this subject STAT. It is cruel and torturous and needs to be stopped.

[lark]

3. Tears in my eyes but a smile on my face.

Thank you for sharing.

I too had a difficult rescue puppy who was totally terrified of everyone except my young daughter. After a few months and Astro was still so schizzy and shakey, we got another puppy about the same age who was raised by a loving family and socialized to people. Through Bud, Astro learned that we were OK. When he got sick and I had to hand feed him, that brought him all the way around to a wonderful pet. He was the sweetest & prettiest animal, part Weimerramer and part Golden Lab, and would always sit on our feet and lay his head on our knees while licking them. It broke our hearts when he died of bone cancer at age 9.

RIP sweet beloved Astro, we still miss you every day.

[joeybee12]

4. That last photo's a keeper...he's now got a friend!

[brer cat]

5. People who take in these abused dogs

are angels for sure. I am so glad he finally found love.