What a great story about what is involved in getting a dog out of a shelter. We have many well meaning people send us updates about dogs in shelters. Sadly some will have nothing to do with rescues. Others have rules so stringent that we are unable to follow through. Many will not reserve a dog for us which frequently means we work hard to arrange a pick up the day the dog is to be released only to find that it has been adopted or no longer there.
Just a few weeks ago Sunshine Corgi Rescue was informed about two corgi boys in a county shelter near by. The pictures of these boys were down right scary! One boy is missing quite a bit of skin around his eye and down his muzzle. Initially looked to me like road rash or a burn. The other had eyes just filled with green matter. We knew they needed help right away. We were able to pick up on a Friday evening and he was delivered to me. The other had to stay pending his neuter surgery. It wasnt long before I noticed just how sick my new foster boy was. Sadly my vet was out of town for the following week but I was able to contact another vet that has shown great kindness to our organization. He was at the vet first thing Monday morning. He didnt eat, had blood in his loose stool an fell over at times while trying to walk. I also noticed he was loaded with tumors. He was just so arthritic walking was difficult. Had his morbid obesity and he just was in horrible condition.
He stayed at the vet the following week. It was hit and miss for a time as he refused to eat and ran a temp of 103 for several days. He had ear infections and an ulcer in his eye. He had a most difficult week.
His brother was finally neutered and released on Wednesday. Poor fellow was a dreadful site though not near as sick as Leo. Chip spent two days in the hospital. The lack of hair on his face was not an injury at all but an immune mediated response. It appears he may have lupus.
The next stop for Leo was yet another foster home. He could not return to me as he was still contagious. Bless my daughters heart she has two cats. She agreed to take him for yet another week as he got well. He returned last Friday and looks like a different dog!
He has settled in with my crew quickly. No easy task with four dogs and two cats. He is an absolute doll and friendly as can be. He is thankful for each and every thing you do for him. He is so accepting about medicating him. We need to deal with oral medication and meds for the eyes and ears. His goal in life is to be where you are. He is quite a vocal soul, sharing bass rooooooo's often throughout his day. Probably not to high on the adoptability scale. I have been known to keep my involved seniors before. He certainly is an easy addition to my home should the right home not come along.
So many miss out on the joy of the seniors. Granted they may not have a long time to share their life with you but to them it is the rest of their life.
Bless all of you that help in rescue in any form and those of you that have adopted. Yes, we may run into a few bad apples along the way but most rescuers have a heart of gold and do truly care about the breed.

Images coming soon.