31/05/2024
Well, you know how they say a picture tells the story...I have been given permission to share Baby’s story with the world. Actually, it is the horrific story for all eight neglect case dogs that a judge signed over to Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control back in the middle of May. Baby is the only one of the eight that I have had the opportunity to meet and that is because she is bunking here with me at the moment while we work on getting her medical taken care of. I knew how horrific this case was, but it was different this morning when I received this graphic photo of how Baby lived and would have died had it not been for an anonymous tip that dogs were living without food and water in a yard. As with all complaints, Santa Cruz Animal Control Officers went out to due a welfare check...what they found was worse than they ever expected. They immediately went to work to legally remove these dogs from their chains and get them to the shelter. At which point, they had three dogs that were unable to stand or walk and they rushed them down the street to the vet. The care that had to go into these dogs to help save them was no minor deal. They were living without water, food and they were chained outside...for who knows how long. But what was evident was it was long enough that these eight dogs were fighting for their lives by the time they were found. Once back at the shelter they got amazing care from everyone there. Some bounced back quicker than others, but they all were going to make it. The court date came and the shelter was ready to make sure that these dogs would all be given a second chance...and that is just what happened. The judge ruled in favor of the shelter getting custody and all eight dogs were now made available for adoption or to rescues. This is when everyone got to see Lucky, Baby, Luna, Onyx, Nuterina, Charlie Skyler and Guera. By this point, most had put on enough weight that they were not just skin stretched over bones. They were more stable on their feet and could even walk and bounce. The behind the scenes work by everyone is why these eight dogs got a second chance. Posts were done up for social media looking for homes or rescues for these special dogs and they were shared far and wide. Rescues stepped up and took in Skyler, Nuterina, Guera, Lucky and Baby. Charlie found his home when he was adopted from the shelter. Tombstone Animal Shelter took Luna & Onyx. No animal should ever have to live in the conditions that these dogs did. Having a pet is an option, it is not mandatory. If you can’t or won’t properly care for them, you should not have them….ever. When shelters, rescues and animal lovers work together...great things happen.
