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Success Stories
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"Mya"
This little girl is what rescue is all about. She has a ton of love to give and she's willing to give it to anyone that will take it.
This little one came to us is such bad shape, we just didn't know where to start. She came from the Madison County Humane Society In London, OH, where she had been turned in as a stray. Those kind souls spent an entire week just pulling ticks off her. We stopped counting at 115! I had never seen anything like it. We had to shave her just so we could see if we got them all. (Anyone that knows me, knows that I just "hate" when these guys are shaved...but, in this case we had to.) Hey, those kind people (at the humane society) and I celebrated the news that she was heartworm negative!
She is a perfect example of what Sheltie Talk tells you a sheltie should NOT be. She is tiny, but plump even after being a stray for quite some time. We tested her and found out that she was hypothyroid which explained her stature.
She has a bite so bad that we didn't know how the poor thing could ever eat. But, she did manage. Her upper jaw (pictured to the left) protrudes way out over the bottom. That's not the problem though. Her snout is so thin that the tongue has a hard time getting through the teeth in front. She adapts by turning her head sideways and putting her whole face down into the water bowl. The vet said her bite is called "parrot mouth". She had teeth that protruded out in all directions. The vet ended up removing a total of five teeth. Upon examination you will notice that the whole upper jaw is actually twisted (birth defect). But, this little one was unaffected. She adapted to what God had blessed her with and without complaint.
Her nails were so long she could hardly walk. She had hot spots and flea dermititus. We took four hours just cleaning her up (thanks Robin!).
No, I'm not painting a very pretty picture for you. She is the sweetest little girl and a true blessing to have around. She has a lot of 'life's lessons' to share. I'm telling you all this because as you read this, you may understand the level of anger that overwhelmed me just at the mere sight of this little girl. How can anyone do this to one of God's creature's? Why is it that when they are found as strays..no one is ever looking for them? How do people just turn their backs? I know these are questions that no one has answers for...and I'm not really up to a debate.
Now, her agenda is to just heal and that she is doing! Everyday, she seems to look and feel better. She's already chasing the boys around the house! The dental work was a success. Now, all she needs time and TLC.
She is a fighter and a trooper. She hasn't complained one bit. The scars will heal and emotionally...she's already shown what "unconditional" love is. She is truly an inspiration.
On Friday 8/30/02, Mya had her dental surgery. She ended up having FIVE teeth removed that day. Everyone at the clinic just fell in love with this sweet little girl. I brought her home, she slept a few hours then came out to join the rest of us. She demanded to eat that night and hasn't slowed down since! For what I believe is the first time in her life, she can actually close her mouth and lap up water in the normal manner. What a treat that moment was to share with her. You can just see how much better she's feeling every day.
I need to take the time here to give "Denise Young" a special thank you. Denise you are wonderful. Denise heard Mya's heart wrenching story and was touched by it and r Mya's determination to live life despite the handicaps and troubles that had been bestowed on her. Denise was kind enough to help with some of Mya's expenses (and they were high). I sincerely thank you. You will never know how much it means to me and Mya.
In September 2002, Mya went to a foster home to continue healing. Shortly thereafter, I broke my ankle and was unable to follow up on her care as I had intended to do. In January, Mya came back home at a whopping 40.4 lbs! That's more than double her weight at placement. She's been here ever since. She's now down to about 30 lbs and still losing. It's a good thing she loves to take walks and eat green beans! The more weight that comes off, the feistier she gets. She now chases the boys around the yard again.
It is truly a blessing that God allowed this special little girl to touch our lives. She shows us an important lesson in life...sometimes life may not hand us the best of things...but, it's important to not let life get you down...adapt and live on. Love ya Mya....
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"Mya" 8/17/02
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"Mya" 5/03
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"Jako"
"Jako" orginally came to me this summer as "Jake". Jake has a long heart wrenching past.
It seems that his first year was spent being abused by children and adults alike. Then, after being rescued from there...spent the next year or so tied up outside and still enduring verbal abuse.
Then, a kind hearted lady came along intending to change his life for him. She rescued him...took him home and fostered him for another rescue (all breed) here in town. While there, he was attacked TWICE by the neighboring dogs. The second one requiring many stitches and emergency surgery. The lady was even injured by the Rotti that had attacked Jake.
So, Jake was moved to another foster home. In that home, there were three other larger dogs and a six year old child. Not a good combination for a boy that had been so traumatized already. So, after some trying times there and the child being bitten (never could determine which dog for sure)...I was called.
I took him immediately. Those eyes had such a haunting effect. They are the eyes that reach to the soul. You know the kind. The ones that you look into and just know someone is looking back.
Anyway...I knew immediately that he was a hypothyroid dog. His coat was nothing but fuzz and the tail was a "rat" tail. He growled at me and even snarled. I grabbed his snout...looked him in the eye and forcefully told him "No". He tried it two more times...until he finally understood that I wasn't going to be a push over. They had been cajoling him and actually reinforcing the bad behavior.
So, I had my work cut out for me...only, I didn't know his whole story yet. But, it didn't take John and I long to figure out just what we were dealing with. The second foster home had complained of aggression problems. We had a lot of growling and only one case of Jake actually going at someone. She had a parka raincoat on. It scared him. I caught him in mid air as he launched himself for her. Boy, was he surprised!
Now, four months later...I have a happy, healthy, protective Mommy's boy. He is the most loyal dog you'd want to come across. He sleeps next to the bed and on it when I'm not home. He's a velcro dog. Actually, he's more like a "sentry".
I took him through several levels of obedience classes and now we are in agility. He still has moments of regression or "flashbacks". You can see it in his eyes. But, with a lot of love and understanding...right before your eyes...Jake goes away and my "Jako" returns. :o)
Jako would only be placeable to the "right" home. Due to his regression and strong desire to protect...he may never be able to be placed. I just can't take the chance. He's dearly loved here and has a "purpose". For a dog that has had such a rough go in life...he is the most gentle, patient dog with all the new rescues. So far, he's helped three other rescues learn how to play and interact with other dogs and people. He's truly a "treasure"...a "diamond in the rough".
People..this is what rescue is all about. Making a difference, One dog at a time. Look at those eyes!!!!
Penny
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"Jake"
(upon arrival)
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"Jako"
(As of 12/25/02)
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Look at the difference in the eyes...now, there's life and love in them.
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