Transformation

Animal foster parents can make a world of difference. Here is a photo illustration of Maple, rescued on 9/25/09, fostered until she was adopted on 7/24/10. Without rescue, she would either have died from neglect (she was left tied outside to a jump rope) or been taken to the pound and euthanized for lack of space and her (treatable!!) health problems. She is now 100% healthy and living with her forever family.

This is how she came to us:






And, this is how she left us:

I wonder if she knows.

Not my words, but those of Maple's initial rescuer:

"So, it's pouring/thundering/lightning outside, and right now, Maple is sleeping on my bed, snoring loudly.

If we had never intervened, she'd be outside in a mud puddle right now with no shelter, with the rain seeping into her open sores.

I wonder if she knows."

So much said in those few sentences, I felt compelled to share. The e-mail made my eyes fill with tears, not only for Maple - who has finally been saved from a hellish existence - but for the multitudes of other neglected and abused dogs that are out there tonight, shivering in the rain, scared, cold, lonely, bodies and hearts aching. I wish each and every one of them could know warmth, security, safety, and love.

Phoenix, rising

Take a look at this photo and consider this: this is the best this dog has ever known. Despite being post-surgery, wrapped in thick bandages, and stuck in a recovery cage at the vet's office, this day is far preferable than almost any day in Midnight's past.

The hematoma in Midnight's ear was so severe that she required surgery. The ear you see poking out from the bandages is her good ear. In addition to ear surgery, she was also spayed on Monday. Midnight can't tell us if her hematoma was caused by repeated head shaking due to ear infections, or physical trauma. As far as I have heard, her ears aren't infected, leaving one to surmise that the people who tied her to a jump rope are responsible for more than animal neglect. :(

On a happier note, Catherine (the animal rescue queen :)) and I have given Midnight a new name: Maple. Maple trees are strong and beautiful and especially noticeable in the Fall. Thankfully, so was Midnight/Maple. :)

Hope Springs Eternal

Midnight has been rescued! The animal rescuer reports that she is a sweet, affectionate dog (despite what she's been through!) who is starved for attention, and is basking in the joys of being petted and cared for. She is skinny and starving and has a severe case of fleas (being treated with medication). The rescuer noted that her hands were almost black after petting Midnight, she was so filthy and neglected. :( So, today begins Midnight's new life, already leagues better than the one she left. I wish her a happy future of walks, a full tummy, scratches behind the ears, favorite toys, and kind caretakers.