Free at last...

Some times in rescue, there are harder cases to handle than others. Sometimes there are images that forever haunt your dreams. Alex is one of those dogs. I do try and keep it together, but every now and then there is one that breaks you and reminds you that we still have a long way to go in fighting animal cruelty, homelessness, and suffering. Alex is one of those cases. This actually happened in July, but it took me a while to write even a brief blurb about it without feeling filled with saddness. The pain and suffering this dog must have suffered is beyond my comprehension. I want to know WHY this happened and how so many saw this and did nothing. Mutts Matter actually sent a rescue offer in for Alex, but thankfully a local rescue got to him. Sadly, it was not soon enough. His medical state was dire. He was emaciated, full of tumors, had mange, and his organs were slowly shutting down. This dog suffered a long and painful life, until death.I would like to say the photo below is his "before" photo. But sadly, he lived and died this way.

I received an update on him just a few days after he was pulled. ALEX WAS DOING WELL DURING THE NIGHT AND EVEN WALKED OUTSIDE TO DO HIS BUSINESS. THE VET CLINIC SAID DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS HIS BODY TEMPERATURE STARTED TO DROP. THEY GAVE HIM HEATED BLANKETS AND PADS. SADLY HE SLIPPED AWAY TO THE RAINBOW BRIDGE AT 8:30am. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK AFTER A LIFE LONG ABUSE AND NEGLECT SITUATION AND 8 DAYS IN A DOG POUND HE WAS SO COMFORTED BY LOVING PEOPLE AND WARM BLANKETS TO LAY ON. HE TOOK COMFORT AND SLIPPED AWAY IN HIS SLEEP. HIS REMAINS WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO SAINT FRANCIS AND BURIED WITH ALL THE DOGS AND HORSES THAT WE HAVE LOVED.

It is cases like this that make me want to fight even harder to help animals in need. I will continue helping and fighting until my last breath on earth. Until then, rest in peace Alex. We fight for you...

Lib·erty (lib′ər tē) freedom or release from slavery, imprisonment, captivity, or any other form of arbitrary control