It was early one morning when the call came in from a shelter in a nearby town. This shelter regularly works with another rescue organization, but they call us when the other group will not take a dog there as we have the ability to offer sanctuary to dogs with problems that other groups who depend on foster homes only cannot offer.
During my conversation with the shelter, it was explained to me that they had a very sweet dog there that had been accused of biting someone. It seems that Dusty had appeared on the property of this individual many months prior to the bite and they had fed and cared for him. Subsequently, their own dog came into season, and when Dusty became "lusty" and they tried to separate the dogs (using a hose was what we told), Dusty bit the husband.
We agreed to drive over and take a look, but we were not prepared for the animal that was brought out to us for evaluation. Dusty met us that day in the shelter Slinking along the floor next to the shelter volunteer like a crazed dust bunny (hence the name) and so terrified that he was literally dropping feces behind him like bread crumbs. We didn’t even hesitate. We signed the paperwork and took him home. My first hint, however, that all may not be as it seemed was when I asked for his vaccination history, which this shelter usually just hands me along with my copies of the "pull forms". This time when I reached for the paperwork, it was yanked from my hands and I was told it was a mess that they would just jot the information down for me. (This paperwork includes the name and address of the person who turned the dog into the shelter and in retrospect, I believe the shelter did not want us to know who that individual was.
After almost 3 weeks, Dusty finally stood up to dash outside. Sadly, when he did, we noticed a terrible limp in his hindquarters. Not only had Dusty been "sprayed with a hose" that day, but according to our veterinarians, he has either been hit by a car or kicked and hit repeatedly causing extensive injuries to both his rear leg and maybe his spine.
Dusty has been here for quite a while now. We have delayed his neuter and surgery (that may or may not correct his physical problems at the advice of our veterinarian) as he has been very slow to recuperate emotionally from the horrible abuse that he was dealt. It is our feeling that the story we were told was a complete falsehood – there is another story that Dusty could tell us if he could only talk – the true story. But, that’s one we will never know.
We are hopeful that Dusty’s emotional issues will allow him to undergo testing, neutering, and perhaps surgery after the holidays. We are not sure that Dusty will ever be adoptable. He is exceptionally sweet, but he bears so many scars from his prior life, and he actually seems to be happy and secure here now. If the right home comes along, we will adopt him out. But, he is welcome to remain here – free of abuse and fear.
We have no idea how much Dusty’s surgeries and tests may cost, but it has been estimated to be at least $1,800. Any help would be deeply appreciated, and please keep Dusty in your thoughts and prayers.appreciated, and please keep Dusty in your thoughts and prayers.
(Would like a better/larger photo of Dusty please?)
To sponsor Dusty visit:
http://www.almostheaven-golden-retriever-rescue.org/.
