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| OTTO'S STORY |
Last updated: 07.22.07 |
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In the summer of 2004, James and I were out walking the dogs around the apartment complex. The sidewalk that we followed every day went up next to a main street that is a cut-through for a lot of traffic. Approaching the corner, we noticed a white splotch on a hill across the street. It was under a tree in the shade and at first glance you thought it might have been an old garbage bag. We kept watching, saw it move and realized that it must have been a dog.
It was laying there as if it belonged there and was actually in what would be considered the backyard for a row of townhouses. We decided to finish the walk and drive over there. If it was still there, we would investigate the situation further. We finished the walk and drove over there to find the dog still there, panting heavily. The breed of the dog was indistinguishable due to horrid grooming.. It looked as if it had been walking the streets for quite a while. James and I had brought a leash and some treats with us.. We gave the dog a few treats and sweet-talked it into jumping into the truck with us. We got the dog home and took some pictures of his condition.. The dog did not seem underfed but severely neglected. His nails were curled under from not being trimmed.. you couldn't even locate his ears because they were actually matted into his neck. He had leaves, dirt, sticks and one particularly nasty vine that was all matted into his fur and wrapped around his back legs. It was a horrible sight, to say the least. |
BEFORE |
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We took him inside.. fed him, gave him some water and did our best to cut away some of the matts. We took a flier to PetSmart to post to see if anyone would claim him. In this state, even if you think an animal has been severly neglected a new home can not be found for the pet until 10 days have been allowed to pass with "found" signs up in the area he was found. If no one steps forward then you're free to adopt out the pet to a new home.
While we were there at PetSmart we started talking to one of the ladies that runs adoption stands there for a group called SHARE (Shelter Adoption and Rescue Efforts). They do a lot of fabulous work for many animals every year. (*plug, plug*) SHARE agreed to pay to have his vaccinations updated, have him groomed and have him examined by a doctor as long as we would foster him.. We started calling him "Otto", short for "Ottoman".. an item which he greatly resembled when we first found him. *giggles* However, after his grooming he looked like a brand new man! :) With all of his hair shaven off he turned out to be the absolute cutest buff colored cocker spaniel that you've ever seen! |
AFTER |
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| We kept Otto for about two months before SHARE found him a permanent home and we had to let him go. Working at a vet, you see a lot of cases similar to Otto's and every time we do, I think about the little old man and wonder how he's doing. He was such a sweetie and we were extremely thankful to have been in the right place at the right time in order to help him. We're also thankful to have had him stay with us, even if for a brief period of time. We will always have a special little spot in our hearts for Otto and are so happy that we could assist in finding him a new happy, loving home. |
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