The resilient canine
Dispatch from the Santa Fe Humane Society shelter, November 20, 2009
Her tail wags. Her eyes shine. She moves like a typical adolescent dog, all clumsy legs and a nose that doesn't stop sniffing. The only thing unusual about her is her bandaged head.
As with all the dogs that wind up in the shelter, the details of Maggie's past are sketchy at best. My guess is she was attacked--perhaps viciously--by another dog. Her injuries were serious enough to warrant a trip to the animal hospital; when she arrived here, it was clear her head had been professionally bandaged.
But why her owners, or whoever had paid for her treatment, hadn't kept her is anyone's guess.
Canine resilience amazes me. Despite her injuries, despite being left in an unfamiliar place, Maggie seems at ease. She licks my hand and thumps her tail and scoots closer as I stroke her back. She arrived today, so tonight will be her first in the shelter. She appears at home on the blankets in her kennel, drowsy after our lively meet-and-greet. I hope she sleeps well.
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Wondering what happened to some of the Shelter Dispatch's most memorable dogs? An update on five of our favorites: Maggie, the black Lab pup who came in with a bandaged ear, was adopted in late 2009....
Small enough to pass for a lap dog
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When I first passed her kennel, I assumed she was a long-eared Chihuahua mix. So small and delicate. I was stunned, then, to learn she was a Beagle. Completely malnourished and undersized. Like so...
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It's anyone's guess Maggie's circumstances, but I would like to share my own story as an owner. My dog, Duchess, is somewhere lost in Georgia. She is a doberman, black and tan, ears and tail not cut, because we found her as a pup in the woods of Harris County. She has wandered off several times, she can scale an 8 foot privacy fence with ease. We have moved to Waverly Hall and brought her to a country home. Two days before Thanksgiving she and another dog of mine took a late night stroll. He came back 10 days later. I have done all the lost dog steps to find her. That morning, I was talking to hunters, neighbors, and strangers...anyone that came within my view. I check the shelters every Tuesday and Friday. My heart is breaking that she was attacked, shot, picked up for dog bait, or just plain run over. She has an incredible story of surviving several mishaps. A call came in on Christmas eve, but it was a false alarm. Imagine my heart's sorrow at not knowing where she could be. I would give anything to have her back. I don't know what makes people do what they do. As for me, My heart aches everyday that she is gone from me. Everyone tries to convince me that someone caring could have her, someone like Maggie's rescuer. I hope so, and wish I knew for sure. My heart breaks everyday. So thanks for being at the other end to receive and care for a dog that is loved and may never be reunited with the person that loves her so much. Katharine about 2 years ago by Anonymous |
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This truly breaks my heart. This is the main reason I'm donating proceeds from my novel, "The Haunting of Dr. Andre C. Brass" to my local animal shelter in Buffalo. And sponsoring a fundraiser. I always ask myself, Why, Why abuse them, Why? And after our four paws friends still show so much love. I'll pray for Maggie to get well soon. about 2 years ago by Anonymous |
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She's so CUTE! As a former rescue volunteer, rescue dog owner and dog breeder I'm always amazed why so many lovely dogs end up in rescue. That's why I'm pleased to see sites like this promote stories such as this one. And that's why I set up my own site to try and help people choose the right dog for them. So many people put so little thought into owning dogs. I just hope Maggie gets the home she so deserves this time around. bev www.howtochooseyourdog.com about 2 years ago by Anonymous |
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This is a strange story, isn't it? I'm so glad she's being taken care of now and I know that she is meant to find a wonderful human companion to love and delight. Jyl about 2 years ago by Anonymous |
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