In animal rescue you see so many different things, some things break your heart and others make your heart happy. Just when you think you have seen it all, you come across a case that just makes you want to cry.
A while ago we were asked to help with another dog whose circumstances were dire. We put the wheels in motion once the phone call came and a few days later we were able to get a dog named Diesel. While we can’t put out there all of the specifics of this case we can tell you that Diesel is a very special dog whose circumstances were very unfortunate.
Diesel had lived outside all of his life in a yard with a dog house, Diesel was never tied and he never left that yard. I guess to Diesel that was a normal life. There were days that he had food and other days he didn’t, eating whatever was left over.
Diesel in now a senior dog in his teens and he has never been to a vet. Diesel is loaded with parasites and has never had a bath. Diesel’s first stop was a good grooming which he totally enjoyed. He was treated for fleas and then off to the vet. Diesel was loaded with worms which in itself is not healthy and to think that he has had them most of his life.
We started a deworming process with one treatment today and another in two weeks. Diesel had an ultrasound which showed nothing abnormal, so then came blood work and a urine sample. There were a few things that were a little out of whack on the blood work, but they are manageable. The urine sample showed that Diesel was full of infection, so he has been put on heavy duty antibiotics for three weeks and then he will go back for another urine test to see where we stand.
Diesel is an unaltered dog so that is another issue we have to deal with. For now the first steps have been taken to help Diesel become a happy, healthy dog. He has a new home, once he is well enough to go — a place where he has a fenced-in yard and will never have to live outside again. He will have the best of care, plenty of love and attention and he will never have to worry when his next meal will be.
I find it heartbreaking that Diesel never had any of this for the better part of his life. To be left outside in the bitter cold and the rain, I just can’t understand any of this and it makes me very angry. This poor dog is such a gentle soul and all he wants is attention and love. I take comfort that Diesel is now in good hands and is getting the vet care he so desperately needs, he is going to a home that will give him everything emotionally that he needs.
The person that has opened their heart and their home to this sweet dog is a hero in our eyes. As the old saying goes “Grow old along with me the best is yet to be.” That holds true for Diesel, the best is definitely yet to be.
Getting a dog is not something to take lightly. A dog should not be left outside 24/7. Why even have them if you are going to do this? If you can’t feed or afford vet care, then you shouldn’t have a dog. I know we preach and preach about this and unfortunately it still happens, and worse yet it happens in our own backyard. Make a difference, be their voice, report situations like this to the proper authorities. What happened to Diesel is unacceptable, but fortunately he has some time left to experience what a home and love are all about.
Thank you for your continued support and as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located on 101 Old Woodstock Road. To contact Lorraine Monfils call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
