In Dallas, Texas, a puppy’s owner picked out a “Happy Pawliday” shirt for their dog before bringing him to the shelter. Ironically, the shirt covered the pup’s emaciated body and the egregious neglect he had likely undergone for the last eight months.
It had been a shelter volunteer who first spotted the dog dressed in the brightly covered shirt. Animal advocate, Marissa Belle told the heartbreaking story when she had been outside of the shelter and originally thought the woman had brought their dog to meet other dogs in preparation for an adoption. Actually, the woman was there to surrender the dog, even though Marissa warned the woman that owner surrendered dogs would be the first to be euthanized, and there also had been a recent outbreak of severe respiratory infections at the shelter.
…She asked them if they could hold on to him for a few days, but they said they can’t because their apartment won’t allow it. They had him for 9 months since he was a 1 month old puppy. His hind legs look like they’re out of joints (owners said they took him to a vet and were told this is just the way he is). He is so emaciated I’m starting to wonder if the cute sweater is just a way to hide his pitiful bony body. He is super tall and slender and so very sweet. Just a big dumb puppy who’s so happy and excited having no idea where he really is and that he’s about to get abandoned at a full shelter that is euthanizing for space. Unlike what his sweater says he will probably not live long enough to celebrate Christmas nor have Happy Holidays
And so the rail thin dog who seemed to have little muscle tone probably spent most of his young life thus far confined in a small space and landed back at the shelter just in time to be euthanized for lack of space.
When he first arrived at the shelter, the little guy had been all excited. His tail wagged, and his energy level was up – that is until the moment his owner left him at the reception desk, and suddenly the pup froze in fear.
What happened? Why is my human leaving me? Where did she go?
It had been a devastating afternoon for this young dog. One moment he thought this was going to be his best day ever – gee with a holiday sweater, for sure his family was proud of him and brought him here to show him off. The next moment his life had shattered, and he could barely walk to the shelter enclosure he would be calling his home until it was time to take his final walk.
Animal advocates, however were not going to allow more tragedy to happen to this little guy. Social media did its job – Cody’s Friends Rescue stepped up to help.
He was so scared when I picked him up today they had to wheel him out because he wouldn’t walk. Needless to say, I had to stop and get this boy a cheeseburger on the way home. He’s already getting along great and very chill, getting along great with Bandit and the cats. He’ll be available for adoption soon. He’s heartworm negative and has been given all shots but, he’s gotta get neutered. He also, has an issue with his back legs. The previous owners say that it’s always been like that and the vet at DAS believes he could have some hip dysplasia but, we will know more soon
Check out his freedom video after he realized he was leaving the shelter and safe.
https://www.facebook.com/1277372300/videos/pcb.10229364357834899/666397754991447
Next, he needs a name!
Meanwhile, if you’d like to send gifts to foster mom Lauren, here’s the wish list.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VC3IG2EBJ6FD…
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