Sometimes love is not enough when it comes to animals.
This is a story of Steve — a little shih tzu mix who was surrendered to the Ark because the owner could not afford to get him the vet care he needed. Steve has lost all of his fur and his skin looks like he rolled in mud and it dried.
He scratches to the point where he makes himself bleed. The odor would knock you over. It is so bad. We are not even sure what color his fur will be. He has an eye injury which left him blind in that eye and that eye looks like it has blood In it. Steve’s skin is swollen and he is not neutered.
Steve is 8 years old and he did not get in this condition overnight. The sad part is Steve thinks his condition is normal so he just lives with it despite being uncomfortable and in pain. He has forgotten what it is like to be normal. He can’t talk and ask for help. All he can do is show us that he is uncomfortable.
Since Steve has been at The Ark we have switched his diet and he is getting medicated baths, both of which have seemed to help. We will know more after he goes to the vet. Steve is isolated from all other animals until we know he is not contagious.
Do I believe that Steve’s owner loved him? That is a hard question to answer. I do know that love is not enough when it comes to animals. You need to be able to care for them financially and that means vet care. If you love your dog how can you watch him decline a little bit more every day right before your eyes and not do anything? In the end they did reach out for help but Steve needed help a long time ago. I am not trying to embarrass anyone or make them feel bad but, I am trying to educate people. The pictures do not lie.
The next time you think about getting a pet figure out your finances. Factor in vet care, food, and everything that comes with owning a pet. If you think you don’t have to worry about those things right now guess again. I know life changes and sometimes we are put in hard positions and have to make difficult decisions, but look at these pictures of Steve he doesn’t deserve to be in this condition. He needs vet care now not next week not next month he needs it now.
After visiting the vet it was determined Steve had ear infections in both ears. A skin infection and an eye that needs to be removed. Steve is currently on prednisone to help with the itch, an antibiotic for his skin, two different medicated shampoos, eye ointment and his ears have been packed with medication.
The healing process has begun for Steve. Once his health issues are under control he will be vaccinated and neutered. Please keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers. Steve goes back to the vet next week.
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 207-532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
