Neglect IS abuse

For an update, February 3, 2010, click here.

Dispatch from the Santa Fe Humane Society shelter, January 26, 2010

It's been a while since I've seen a dog in as rough shape as the black Lab in the quarantined area of the intake building. Just to visit, I had to don a full-length smock and latex gloves. The dog doesn't yet have a diagnosis, but the shelter's clinic staff has made him as comfortable as possible, treating him with antibiotics and providing round-the-clock nourishment.

His paw on my leg -- the gesture speaks volumes

Huge pieces of his belly, torso, and legs are completely - for lack of a better word - skinless. Any contact in those areas must sting like crazy, so I'm careful to stroke only his head and back. Amazingly, his sad eyes seem to say thank you. Thank you, I want to tell him, for not losing faith in people. (I wish I were as optimistic.)

Letting me brush away the crust around his eyes and nose

I stopped petting for just a moment and he placed his paw on top of my smock. "Please continue," I think he meant. So I did. This was no time to let him down.

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	adult dog adoption behavoiral issue 11 months ago by Anonymous
	Any news on how this sweet baby is doing? I would really appreciate any update. about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	I just gave my own black lab a big hug. I thank God everyday for blessing our family with her. To see this poor animal that has been so abused, yet still has the sweetest eyes, breaks my heart. What kind of world our we living in? about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	My sweet little angel, I truly hope that he is on some good meds so he does not have to endure the horrific pain that he has already been through. My heart goes out to him and I will pray for a speedy recovery so that he can find his loving, forever home! I hope what comes around, goes around for the monsters who did this! about 2 years ago by Anonymous

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