New Beginnings: A story of Recovery

2

July 17, 2016 by The Dog Rules

When I first saw Drift (aka Louis/Louie) he broke my heart.  Yesterday I posted On TV! about my foster dog and finding his forever home. That post is actually toward the end of his recovery.

This is about the start of his new life. (warning: disturbing image)

Near the beginning of 2016 a severely emaciated dog was found tethered to a shelf in a local pet store. The store owner immediately contacted the SPCA and they began their investigation wanting to know who had left the dog and why they abandoned him. He was so weak he could barely stand.

Media photo: Extremely emaciated dog found abandoned in pet store.

When I saw this image on the news, I cried. WHO could let a dog get to this level of starvation?! I knew I had to help him.

His recovery began in the SPCA Animal Hospital and then at the shelter in the district where he was abandoned. They knew he would take time to recover and would require a foster situation. Of course there were lots of people stepping forward at that point  wanting to adopt him. I didn’t think I had much of a chance – or did I? I had breed experience. I had time. I was able to work from home… and I had an “in” because I already volunteered and had previously fostered for the SPCA. I made my offer to foster him.

This was Louis when we met in March.

I went to the shelter wanting to at least see him. Sitting on the floor of his kennel, with him sitting in my lap, I learned that I had been chosen to foster him. The manager of the Shelter where I volunteer had given me a glowing recommendation. This sweet soul came home with me that very day. At that point I thought I was just going to have to get some weight on him, get him healthy and help him get adopted. I had no idea of the adventure about to begin.