The life of every shelter dog is important. Each homeless face begs to be given a second chance in the refuge of a forever home (as those in rescue refer to adopters) but every so often a shelter photo tugs at the heart strings in a way that cannot be passed by and compels us to step up. Such was the case with the pathetic little figure of a four month old stray puppy named Jonny, crouched in discomfort and clearly suffering in the Brooklyn shelter in NYC.
Jonny's shelter photo
Thanks to a network of dedicated animal lovers on Facebook, the four month old pup was noticed by Camp Papillon, a PA based all breed rescue. Due to the severity of Jonny’s health; she was suffering from Demodectic mange, severe bacterial and fungal skin infections and a cough which was later to threaten her with pneumonia, the puppy wasn’t available for adoption to the public and was destined for euthanasia after just five days at the shelter. The rescue organization knew this puppy needed help fast and immediately contacted the shelter to place a hold on her, which is the first step in the process of a rescue organization taking a dog from the NYC shelter system. Within twenty four hours she had arrived in a foster home in CT courtesy of The Mayor’s Alliance, a charitable transport service that delivers dogs to their receiving rescues.
Katie arrives in Connecticut
When the doors were opened on the van, the sight that met her foster parents took their breath away. A look of total despair confronted them. The puppy was in such pain and distress that she could barely move. Every inch of her skin was covered with infected open sores and she had to be wrapped in a towel just to be held. To make matters worse she was running a high temperature. Fortunately a veterinary nurse was standing by to administer some much needed care and Jonny who was soon to be renamed Katie began her long journey to recovery.
Katie fights against the odds
Thanks to the generosity of Dr Michele Walters at The Children’s hospital in Boston, Katie’s medical needs were all taken care of and she was able to receive the best care from Dr John Oullette and his team at the Madison Veterinary hospital in CT.
Finally Showing progress
During her five months with her foster family, Katie learned to enjoy good food, comfort and the companionship of other dogs and people; she came alive and learned how to be a puppy. What she taught those who were touched by her story was that every living being is worthy of our caring and compassion, and that together we really do make a difference. Katie was adopted at 9 months old by a family in Fairfield, CT and is now living the life she deserves with her humans, two cats and another former shelter dog.
- Katie at home relaxing
By Kim Barnett,
Foster parent to Katie
training services for people
who love dogs
www.kimbarnett.co.uk
203-522-7124
