Shelter Professionals

Halle and Midnight had been bred so many times, so often, that their backs were permanently swayed and their abdomens drooped unnaturally. Besides being over-bred, they were victims of pure neglect. Halle’s ears were so infected the canals were swollen shut. Midnight had mats as on her ears and face that were so bad that her ears were glued to the side of her head. They had to be cleaned and treated under anesthesia. Their breeder had surrendered Halle and Midnight, along with 21 other dogs, to the Poodle Rescue of New England when it was clear she was going out of business. The rescue took the dogs in and immediately got to work to get them the medical care and treatment they desperately needed, and American Humane helped offset the costs through the Second Chance Fund. The dogs are living in foster care now, looking for permanent homes. We are happy to report that they’re getting the love they deserve, and their “working” days are over.

When the call came in about Elvis, a 2-year-old Boxer, investigators found him chained to a tree. According to representatives at The Animal Advocates, he had no shelter, food or water. His “owner” stated that the only way to make the dog obey was to beat him. Investigators understood that the dog’s life was in immediate danger, so they “bought” the dog from the owner and brought him to the shelter. Elvis had suffered from a broken femur, malnutrition, hookworms, coccidiosis and severe anemia. He needed extensive hospitalization and orthopedic surgery, and the costs to treat him quickly added up. American Humane was pleased to issue a check to help The Animal Advocates give Elvis a Second Chance. Elvis has recovered and has been adopted. They say he is a well-mannered dog with an incredibly sweet disposition. The Animal Advocates report that, despite all the pain and suffering he has endured, he is a happy, trusting and gentle dog that has yet to meet a stranger.

Crackers, a 6-year-old white German shepherd, had a hard life. He was brought to the Animal Welfare Society, based on a court order, because his owner was accused of abusing him. He had suffered a gash on his head that extended down to the bone. His eyes were swollen shut, and he had numerous bruises and cuts throughout his head and body. The shelter treated his extensive surgeries, and the owner surrendered his rights to own the dog. But then Crackers was diagnosed with pneumonia. The shelter made room for Crackers to stay awhile so that the dog could heal properly, have no lingering effects of his injuries, and fully recover from the pneumonia. As this shelter gave Crackers the time and care he needed, they looked to American Humane for assistance through our Second Chance Fund. We were glad to help, and also glad that Crackers has remained incredibly sweet and friendly. The Animal Welfare Society reports that Crackers is eager to learn and will make an excellent companion.

When Dante and Blackie were relinquished by their owners, the dogs could barely move and it was unclear whether they were even alive. They continued to exist only because their little hearts kept beating. When they arrived at Second Chance Animal Shelter, it took several minutes of probing through years of matting and debris before the vets and vet techs could even find their nose, mouth and eyes. Each dog was carrying 27 pounds of fur... on a 20-pound body!

Thanks in part to American Humane’s Second Chance Fund, Dante and Blackie were treated and are now safe and sound and ready to gain back their faith in humans. They must literally get used to living in their own bodies again, and their foster family reports that, although skittish, they are very sweet and love being petted.

In the middle of winter, 3-month old Jimmy Jam or “JJ” was kicked out the front door of his home by his owner. A neighbor saw that he was badly injured and took him to the shelter. JJ was brought to a local veterinarian who determined that his rear hip was broken and needed surgery. Shortly after the surgery JJ developed Parvo. He then was admitted to another clinic where staff worked day and night to save his life. According to the rescue, based on JJ’s personality, behavior and medical reports, he will make a full recovery and have a long and happy life.

American Humane is pleased to have helped JJ get a Second Chance!

On February 7, Sebastian woke up in the only environment he had ever known living in feces with 35 other dogs -- some paralyzed, some walking skeletons, some with infections, and some with puppies.

He didn’t know that one evening, rescue volunteers would come to save him and his friends. When the volunteers showed up and started loading dogs, Sebastian was wagging his tail -- finally humans were giving him the attention he so desperately needed.

Today, the rescue is happy to report that Sebastian and several of his friends, with help from American Humane’s Second Chance Fund, have found their forever homes, and that slowly their bad memories are being replaced with happy dog moments.

In the heart of winter, when the wind chill had dropped to minus 25 degrees, nearly 15 dogs were rescued from a barn that was open to the extreme elements. None of the dogs had water or food and all were cowering in the dark, trying their best to stay warm. Maggie was one of those dogs. Her tail was matted to a club-like weight, she was dehydrated and she couldn’t even stand -- she needed immediate medical assistance. Later, it was discovered she also suffered from an abscessed molar.

Maggie and others were rescued and brought to P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park, where they were treated with assistance from American Humane’s Second Chance Fund. Maggie was adopted by her foster parents who understand her special needs. She has become a "velcro dog," especially to her new mom, as she likes to stick close. She enjoys her back yard, but is still fearful of sudden changes or movements.

It was another beautiful summer day and, as always, spunky 7-year old Freeway was happy to go for a car ride. Then the unthinkable happened: just like that, her owners threw her out the window. Why they would do this is beyond comprehension. Luckily, a kind person witnessed the incident, stopped, picked up Freeway, and took her to the vet. Freeway was in a lot of pain. She had a broken leg and needed surgery immediately.

With the help of American Humane’s Second Chance Fund, her little leg was repaired and she was treated for hookworms.Six months of rehabilitation later, Freeway was adopted by a lady who adores her and will protect her forever.

This big, beautiful stray cat was brought to the shelter after its throat was intentionally slit. He was obviously extremely frightened and in a lot of pain. The shelter promptly took him to the vet clinic, and American Humane’s Second Chance Fund helped offset some of the fees to treat his near-fatal injuries.

The cat’s new mom reportedly dreamt the night before -- the incident that a tuxedo cat at the shelter needed her help.

Fortunately for this mysterious, nameless cat with a secret past, dreams often come true.

In July 2007, 44 horses were removed from three properties belonging to the same person. Most were severely emaciated, and none had received proper hoof care. They were infested with parasites, had upper respiratory infections, and were covered with rain rot. In the back of the pasture, rescuers found a colt tied to a tree -- he was one of the worst. Despite his horrible condition, the young Appaloosa was determined to live -- so he was named Spirit.

With assistance from American Humane’s Second Chance Fund, Spirit was treated for lice and worms, and he had his feet trimmed for the first time in his life. He was later adopted by a wonderful family.

Left for dead in a landfill, Baby Boy was trying to survive with a .45 caliber bullet left in his hind leg. A Good Samaritan saw him at the landfill and fed him daily to gain his trust. Ten days later she was able to take him to the shelter. X-rays determined that Baby Boy’s leg was broken but had healed around the bullet, causing a perpetual infection. The vet removed the bullet and treated the infection.

Fees for the vet were offset by American Humane’s Second Chance Fund. Wary when he first arrived at the shelter, Baby Boy gradually began to trust people and now races around, plays hard and is extremely personable.

Hopscotch is a true victim of abuse -- he is a tiny Chihuahua, barely filling up the palm of your hand. Hopscotch was “accidentally” shot in the front and rear legs with a shotgun. His owners didn’t do anything for three weeks -- then brought him to the shelter. By that time, his rear leg was necrotic and had to be amputated.

American Humane’s Second Chance helped cover Hopscotch’s extensive veterinary treatment. Despite his size and his very difficult recovery, he fought every step of the way to survive.

He was adopted by his foster parents and now feels strong and brave enough to stand up to German Shepherds at the dog park.

Trey, a lovable white boxer, came to Lone Star Boxer Rescue through a local animal control agency. One of his back legs was broken and severely cut. It appeared that the gash had been caused by a rope caught or tied around his leg. Unfortunately, extensive nerve damage to the leg made amputation the only option for Trey.

Trey experienced complications following the first surgery and had to undergo two more procedures before he could begin making a recovery. However, he has since adapted beautifully to the loss of his leg, and hardly seems to notice its absence. Trey was recently adopted by a loving family with another boxer already in the house; the two “siblings” especially enjoy games of tug-o-war. His new owners say that Trey holds his own very well with his technique of lying down on his side and using one of his long front legs to pull on the rope. If he starts to lose the battle, he stands up and pulls back.

Oscar, an adorable schnauzer mix, was cruelly thrown from a moving vehicle. He broke his right front leg when he landed and was in terrible pain. Police officers called to the scene brought Oscar to the Florida Keys SPCA, where other health problems were soon discovered. An old injury to his vertebrae had never healed properly, his coat was infested with fleas and he had heartworm.

When shelter workers tracked down Oscar’s owners, they learned that he had lived for the past seven years as an “outside” dog, receiving little to no companionship from his owners. He initially seemed unsure how to respond to affection. However, at the shelter, his sweet disposition quickly emerged. After receiving the surgery and loving care he needed, Oscar’s injuries healed. He has since embraced life in a new, loving home

Poor Harley was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught in the middle of a domestic dispute, the mixed cattle dog was picked up and thrown against a door by his owner. All the bones in his front left foot were splintered into pieces.

Harley was turned over to the Nebraska Humane Society, where he was immediately taken to the animal emergency clinic for evaluation and attention. Later, he was transferred to New Hope Cattle Dog Rescue in Colorado and adopted by a new, loving family. Harley is happy now, and despite suffering such cruelty, he loves and trusts everyone he meets.

Mango’s owners surrendered her to Animal Haven before moving out of the country. The shelter soon discovered the little Pomeranian had critical and extensive dental disease. All of her teeth were rotten and had to be extracted. More seriously, Mango had multiple fractures and a severe bone infection in her lower jaw.

Thanks to the Second Chance® Fund, Mango received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. According to her caretakers, she is happy and sweet, and loves to dance and play. Mango is so irresistible, they expect her to be adopted soon.

When officials removed 27 neglected horses from a farm, Malagrosa, an Arabian mare, was left behind. She was not as undernourished as the other horses had been. However, Malagrosa had suffered a traumatic injury to her eye, which resulted in a severe “melting corneal ulcer” and a bad infection in the eye and sinus cavity.

Iowa Equine Rescue and Awareness League purchased her from the farm in order to save her life. Malagrosa received almost a month of IV treatments, which saved her eye from having to be removed, but she is now blind in that eye. Malagrosa is now loved and cared for and is adapting well.

Sabrina, a pit bull terrier mix, was rescued from a large dogfighting ring along with 36 other dogs. She was severely malnourished, suffered from heartworm and had a dislocated kneecap, which caused her to limp. With surgical repair, she will be able to use her leg again.

Amazingly, despite her life of abuse and medical neglect, Sabrina’s new caretakers at Lake Shore say she is “a loving, fun-spirited girl.” She is expected to make a full recovery.

Caleb is a miniature donkey rescued along with 25 other severely neglected animals. Caleb was suffering from parasites, and was severely underfed and emaciated. Shockingly, his hooves had been allowed to grow out so long, they were curled like ram’s horns, causing him pain and difficulty walking. Caleb has now had his first visit to the farrier to trim down his hooves, but it will be six months to a year before they are in good shape. He is receiving treatment for his parasites, and is expected to make a full recovery. Caleb has responded to his newfound caregivers and received visitors with dignity and grace. He will be well cared for at Wyandot’s equine rescue farm until he is well enough to be adopted.

Update: Caleb is much more mobile now, and although he is still in some pain and moves slowly, he is turning into a “spunky little donkey.” It will take a while yet before his hooves can be fully trimmed down to where they should be, but with regular visits to the farrier, they are improving. Caleb enjoys spending time with his friend, Lafawnda, a sheep who was rescued along with him. The two are very attached to each other, and Lafawnda prefers to have Caleb nearby, especially when receiving veterinary care.

Locked in a van with two puppies and surrounded by feces is how animal welfare investigators found Freckles, a Dalmatian mix. The investigators left food and insulated dog houses for the owner to use, but when they returned, they found the items unopened and discarded. This time the investigators freed the animals and took them to the Humane Society of Redmond. Freckles was emaciated, dehydrated and full of worms. She was treated for the worms, but, upon further examination, was found to have an advanced case of mammary cancer.

After receiving proper nourishment and medical treatment for her condition, Freckles is expected to make a full recovery. Until she finds a new home, she is content to hang out in the front area of the shelter to greet everyone who comes in.