 Blackie Before |
The Rescue of Blackie and Dante |
 Blackie After |
This is a story of trauma and suffering for two little Yorkiepoo’s that came into this world 4 years ago as wide-eyed pups. Filled with the energy and love that pups bring with them into life, they hoped to begin a life of fun and the sharing of love with the their new human family. But for these two little helpless creatures, that was not going to happen. Instead, they suffered through years of neglect and deprivation. They were denied the chance to be happy puppies. No romping, no playing, no fun days with other dogs or humans. They were robbed of the chance to develop in a normal way with love and care being their guiding light.
Their neglect brought them to the point they were now nearly motionless under the weight of the years of matted fur and neglect that had become too much to overcome. They were now basically unable to walk, to go outside to pee or poop, and certainly, not able to enjoy the company of each other with running, playing, wrestling or any of the other things dogs love to do. We are not really sure how they were even able to eat or drink given their condition. They continued to exist only because their little hearts kept beating.
Two courageous young men, who had become aware of what these unfortunate animals had been forced to endure, finally came to their aid. They were able to convince the owners to give up the dogs to them. They called Second Chance Animal Shelter and asked for help. What they described over the phone sounded like a case of an elderly owner who could no longer handle the care of a dog and they were in bad need of a good groomer. However, we were not prepared for the sight that met our eyes. When they were carried into the Shelter, they came in wrapped in an old blanket. The gentlemen laid the blanket on the floor. and what was inside looked like a pile of matted fur, no distinguishable face or legs, just fur. We spent the next five minutes trying to figure out if this tangle of matted fur was still alive. We didn’t even know where their heads were. It took several minutes of probing the years of matting and other unmentionable debris before we could find their nose, mouth and eyes. We checked for signs of breathing and heartbeat. It was clear that this was an emergency situation. Then we saw the faintest of movement. There was life within that fur.
Within minutes, they were rushed to the wonderful people at Sturbridge Veterinary Hospital. Schedules cleared and the team ready to go, the dogs were received with open arms. The process of saving them had finally begun. After hours of work by the team of Vets and Vet Techs, their release from this horrible neglect had arrived. 27 pounds of weight removed from their little frames. The dogs themselves only weighted 20 lbs. themselves. So, 27 additional pounds of fur was a heavy burden for their little bodies. The fur was removed with shears, other debris had to be removed with a scalpel. Legs freed, eyes now able to see, ears able to hear and noses ready to smell the world, they were finally free. Scared, trembling, and not really sure what was happening to them they began to experience the world, as they should have for the past years. Surrounded by loving, caring, and in most cases teary-eyed humans, they were now able to stand and even take steps, as unsteady and wobbly as they were.
After being checked out medically, they came back to their new home at Second Chance. There, they immediately received routine vaccines and further medical work. It was clear that they needed a foster home to give them they nurturing they needed to prepare them for a new life. An urgent plea went out through the shelter and responses came pouring in. A loving foster home was chosen and life has begun to change.
Today they are living with one of Second Chance’s loving Foster Families, and beginning to make the journey back to being happy, healthy, loving dogs. We are hoping to have them ready for a forever home in the coming weeks. They first have to become comfortable in their new bodies, get neutered, learn to walk on a leash and learn basic housebreaking manners. Dante and Blackie are safe and sound, and are ready to gain back their faith in humans. It will be a slow process, but we will get them there.
The expense of saving Dante and Blackie is going to be ongoing. We look to all of our friends and benefactors to help us to cover this emergency expense. As you know we rely on the kindness of our community to help us to continue to be able to save as many of our friends as possible. If you can help us, the donation would be greatly appreciated. We hope that you will watch for updates as these two little lives are transformed.
Donations can be sent to Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., P.O. Box 136, E. Brookfield, MA 01515 or through PayPal's link below. If you are interested in contributing on a monthly basis, check out our new Pet Pal Program. Thanks for your support!
Blackie Before and After - February 9, 2008
Dante Before and After - February 9, 2008
Blackie and Dante After - February 9, 2008
Blackie - February 15, 2008
Dante - February 15, 2008
Update on Blackie - Sunday, April 13, 2008: Blackie is in a foster to adopt home! He is scheduled to have surgery on his cherry eye. We will keep you posted on his progress!
March 25, 2008 - Dante and Blackie are ready for adoption! Visit the Dog Adoptions page for details!
Update on Blackie - Monday, March 3, 2008: Blackie is doing really well. He is starting to play with the other dogs and he really seems to be enjoying life here with us. He follows me around like a shadow. When I talk to him he turns his head sideways everytime I say his name. He is a really good boy. His eyesight in one eye seems to be diminished. He gets startled easily on that side and doesn't seem to have very good peripheral vision. Now that the weather is getting nicer I want to start getting him out walking so he can enjoy being around more people than just me and my family. He's making nice progress in his socialization.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008: Second Chance and the foster mom for Dante and Blackie consulted and decided that the boys would progress faster if separated so Dante was moved into a different foster home. Dante is doing great in his new foster home and is now housebroken and walking well on leash. Blackie is making great progress in his foster home as well. Check back for individual updates on them!
Friday, February 15, 2008: I wanted to give you a little update on the boys. They are getting a little more comfortable. They are still pretty skiddish but once you can get to them to pat them they really seem to enjoy it. They really seem to enjoy the company of the other dogs. Blackie's eye seems too look better to me. On a really good note, I think at one time they might have been housebroken. Accidents in the house are getting fewer and fewer. The only real problem is that when you head towards them to take them out, they run away. I think as soon as they stop being afraid of people, and they can be leash walked, housebreaking will not be an issue. I have lots of hope for these 2 guys. It seems as though they remember what it's like to be loved and they like it.
Sunday, February 10, 2008: Dante and Blackie are doing well today and they LOVE their crates. Especially Blackie. I gave them both warm blankets and they scratch around and get comfy and they are very happy to have their own space. They are still somewhat timid and have obviously not been handled or worn collars/leashes so they are being introduced to those as well. A harness might work better for them. That might make it easier to teach them about leashes. Blackie is still very interested in us. If there is a person in sight, he will follow them. Dante will run away if you walk toward him, but if you sit down on the floor he will come to you. We are working on the housebreaking too although they do stay dry in their crates overnight so that is a positive sign. Based on what I've seen so far, they would do best in quiet, non-chaotic homes. They will be sweet pets.
Saturday, February 9, 2008: We have been getting settled. The boys are doing pretty well. Blackie is very interested in people. He will follow me wherever I go, staying just close enough to keep an eye on me. If I sit on the floor, he will get close enough to me to let me pat him. Dante will trot right over and flop down beside me. He likes attention and loves to be petted. He also REALLY likes to play. He and my poodle have really hit it off and they like to play with each other. Blackie will watch them from a distance and will look at me as if he is not sure what they are doing. Over all they seem pretty content and comfortable here. I'll keep you posted!
D & R Philllips
R. Peabody
W. Galonek Jr.
J. L. Mahaney
K. Gaumond
L. Camarrra
M. Braley
In the name of Dory from N. Seremeth
American Humane Association Second Chance fund for helping with the medical bills for Blackie and Dante
Second Chance Animal Shelter, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit,
no kill shelter.
Your donations are fully tax deductible under the law.
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