Unhappy Tales of Wilmington Los Angeles

Dog in Wilmington

This is not my usual type of post, but every now and then I think it's imperative to see the TRUTH. This is one of those times when I have to bite the bullet and show you the ugly reality of LAAS not having enough money to do their job. The truth is that they are unable to enforce the laws that protect animals. Apparently the citizens of Los Angeles either think that it isn't important for LAAS to have adequate support or maybe they just don't realize this situation even exists... Well, here it is, at least a very small part of it.

Thanks to Claudia Hoffman who agreed to having her letter & photos shared on this blog. These are all shots of dogs in Wilmington, Los Angeles.

Injured animals from Wilmington

The letter:

Last Friday I got an anonymous call. A puppy in Wilmington being kicked so hard, the kick actually broke it’s jaw. The puppy could hardly walk, was limping and drooling when I arrived. Shop owners said a truck hit the dog. We won’t know what really happened but nobody called animal control for 2 days! Business continued as usual and the dog lied there with it’s broken jaw. Isn’t that animal abuse? The puppy had to be euthanized at the shelter due to it’s severe injuries.

This same junk yard had 4 more pit-bulls running lose. When animal control officers explained the dogs needed to be licensed, they willingly surrendered 2 more unfixed pit-bulls. While loading these dogs, 2 more dogs came out of another yard. Needless to say: unlicensed, unfixed and injured. The female seemed pregnant. I almost got physically attacked by a woman because I called animal control. This area (like many others in LA) is and has been a dumping and breeding ground for unwanted pets for a long time. I reported a similar situation about 2 years ago.

Within 10 minutes the 2 officers loaded up 5 unwanted dogs! These 5 dogs came from only 2 businesses. This small area has at least 30 junk yards. Almost every single yard has between 1-5 animals. Does anyone have any idea what that means? How many animals will reproduce in just that small part of Wilmington? And shouldn't guard dogs finally be replaced by alarm systems!!!

A friend took photos the same day in another part of Wilmington where a guy was selling pit-bull puppies out of his truck! See photos.

This is only one area of Los Angeles where this madness is going on. What gets me most is that nobody seems to care. City officials seem to be fully aware of this situation, yet they don’t do anything about it. Money is the excuse now! Money has been the excuse 5 years ago!

1-2 animal control officers are responsible for the areas of Wilmington, South LA, Watts, San Pedro, Harbor City, Lomita, parts of Torrance and parts of Compton! Please correct me if I’m wrong! Wilmington alone would need more than 2 officers to get back yard breeding, neglect, abuse and dog fighting under control. Not to mention South LA or Watts…

Doesn’t anybody see the irony in this? Or shall I say the insanity! The shelters pay to euthanize animals on a daily basis only to make room for the new stray, abused, abandoned and unwanted animals. Craigslist and the Penny Saver are full of “puppies for sale” or “free to good home” or “stud” ads. It’s a vicious circle and we keep cleaning up the surface. We euthanize these animals and let back yard breeders and puppy mills continue their business. It doesn’t make sense! You don’t even have to be an animal lover to see that this is wrong.

We do have a spay/neuter ordinance BUT it is not being enforced. We do have a anti-tethering law BUT it is not being enforced. Animals are supposed to be licensed BUT nobody checks on it. So much money to be made right there! Additional officers could be paid to clean up this mess and finally enforce the law. Animal Control is doing as much as they can with the little they are given.

Why is this not being taken serious? Should every rescue, individual rescuer or animal lover just forward you the horror messages we receive every day? Would that make a difference? I’m desperate, upset, disappointed, disgusted, confused and sad. This is inhumane and I feel like I’m in a third world country. Will you ever make an effort to change this horror?

Regards,

Claudia Hoffmann

PS. I also filmed most of what was going on down there if anyone is interested.

This letter was sent to LA city council members, LAAS & the mayor, please feel free to write to them to get support to help our cities animals. Here are email addresses you can use! Thank YOU for caring.

janice.hahn@lacity.org;
councilmember.huizar@lacity.org;
councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org;
greig.smith@lacity.org;
councilman.rosendahl@lacity.org;
councilman.wesson@lacity.org;
jan.perry@lacity.org;
councilmember.parks@lacity.org;

councilmember.alarcon@lacity.org;
councilmember.cardenas@lacity.org;
paul.koretz@lacity.org;
councilmember.labonge@lacity.org;
councilmember.zine@lacity.org;
councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org;
councilmember.reyes@lacity.org;
jim.bickhart@lacity.org;
kathy.davis@lacity.org;
jimmy.blackman@lacity.org;
mayor@lacity.org

July 4th Advice: Protect your pets!

Tyler A1104733 @ WLA Shelter

Independence Day

July 2nd THRU the 4th- Not so fun for our furry friends!!

**ALL WEEKEND LONG**NOT JUST ON JULY 4th!! Celebrations Start as Early as Friday July 2nd!!

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.

• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
-Crates

• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
-Over the counter as well as prescription

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

• Make sure your pets are wearing CURRENT/UPDATED identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

• If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend and take you pet, PLEASE make sure to be EXTRA careful. Your canine friend will not know where they are if they escape. Best to leave at home with a responsible dog sitter that understands the above rules or in a reputable boarding facility.

*this also applies for cats- keep cats inside!! All live animals should be moved inside if possible!!!

PLEASE HELP KEEP YOUR PET SAFE- PLEASE HELP OTHERS BY PASSING ON THIS INFORMATION. CELEBRATE SAFE - FOR YOU AND YOUR FUR KID!!

Reggie, he's trying to tell us something!!! HELP!

***VERY URGENT***
REGGIE - A1104261
WEST L.A. SHELTER

Reggie is a terrific guy, if we could only find him the right home! He's a little older but has plenty of love and energy to give. I think he would be such a different dog in a home environment. At the shelter he's a bit amped up from all the chaos and lack of freedom. Once out of the kennel, he settles down and is good on leash. All those who work with him really like him.

He does have some insecurity around other dogs which causes barking. He may be fine once he meets a dog, but we haven't really introduced him to another dog. He seems a little too agitated. One must remember that due to the stressful environment at the shelter some dogs don't do well and are very affected by the stress while others seem just fine. Reggie is stressed out so it is very difficult to assess his temperament with other dogs. He's great with people so that is not an issue.

I hope someone who likes shepherds and the distinguished older gents comes to meet him soon. I'm afraid that good ol' Reggie is running out of time!

SAVE a LIFE, ADOPT!

Cookie is hungry for love A1113325 at WLA!

A1113325, 3 years old, Rat Terrier mix

Cookie is so yummy! He's a lapdog of love! He likes to have fun, but best of all he loves a lap to sit on and a face to lick. Cookie is just a bundle of love. He's good with other small dogs and my guess is he'd be fine around cats as he's not very prey driven (a good thing). He doesn't seem to have any issues that I can tell. He's a great small size but not tiny. He's also not overly vocal or rambunctious.

Cookie escaped notice when he first got to WLA because he was pretty scared. He hid in his cubby whenever someone tried to interact with him. Now, he's hanging with his peeps and being all Mr. Friendly to everyone and anyone who will listen... He's actually an excellent dog that I can recommend to almost anyone. He'd be very easy since he's really tuned in to people. Cookie is an excellent dog and I'm shocked that he hasn't been scooped up yet!

Please come meet him soon! He's been at the shelter way too long already, for no good reason! Someone is missing out on a fantastic companion. Hurry up already!!!!

SAVE A LIFE, ADOPT YOUR NEXT PET!!

Adorable blind puppy looking for the right home!

This adorable 4 month old Spaniel/Chihuahua mix has suffered a severe brain injury. She is recuperating at the WLA animal shelter right now. We don't know what happened to cause this injury. As a result, this little girl may have some neurological problems and be permanently blind. We don't know at this point what the long term results from her injuries will be. Thus, whoever adopts this puppy must be able to pay for vet expenses.

Even though she's been through a lot in her short life, this precious little girl is as friendly as can be. She loves to be held and to cuddle. She is absolutely sweet and lovely. Her sight may or may not return, but the love continues to flow from this little dog.

The shelter staff are lovingly looking after this dog and want her to go to a home as soon as possible. Ideally the person would be willing and able to take on some long term health problems. Taking a special needs dog is a BIG commitment, but it is very well worth it to help this gorgeous little girl who just wants to be loved and cared for the rest of her days.

Please contact me directly at lola4dogs@gmail.com if you are interested in adopting this wonderful special needs puppy!

Adopt, Save A LIFE!

The Happy Ending Project: Leo, a lion hearted love story

Leo now Seamus

Leo with rescuer Nicole Salter

Leo the lionhearted, saved by the kind hearted
By Marda Winnick and Mirja Bishop

Sometimes, things happen so quickly, you barely have time to experience that pit-of-the-stomach feeling you get when a dog is in danger of being put down. But you have a lot of time to savor the feeling of knowing he is safe. (No spoiler alert needed; after all, that’s why this series is called The Happy Ending Project!)

Consider Leo. Once he was a handsome and regal-looking Chow Chow—the so-called Chinese lion dog—with a spectacular lush orange-brown coat. Until he showed up as a stray at our shelter May 17.

Quiet and reserved, as Chows often are, he huddled in the back of his run, frightened and bewildered at what the world had seemed to have done to him. Where did he come from? What was his story? Why had no one stepped forward to claim him? The same questions we unfortunately find ourselves asking about most of the dogs we see.

When volunteers read his kennel card and took him out of his run, a picture began to form and not a pretty one; rather, a sort of fast-track version of Dorian Gray. And a probable answer emerged to some of those questions.

First, they discovered that he was thought to be ten (or more) years old, which automatically elevated him to the hard-to-adopt category. Then volunteers noticed something odd about his demeanor. His affect seemed flat and he appeared to be almost dazed in the yard.

They noticed other things as well. His hearing was discernibly impaired and his visual acuity was in question. And, he favored one leg. He obviously had not been groomed for a long time, making him a sad sight.

We’ll never know his story, but now seeing his whole picture, it was evident that an old, lame dog with hearing and vision problems could not get very far very fast if he had somehow escaped. Even when we think we’ve seen it all at the shelter, this is always one of the hardest thoughts to swallow about pet guardians; that they would dump their dog. What’s next, we think sadly: granny, when she becomes “inconvenient”?

At least volunteers could do something about his coat. He stood very quietly as they fussed over him. His eyes showed the gratitude that he must have felt for this much-needed attention and love that he was receiving. After some brushing his coat took on a sheen and it was amazing what a difference it made in his appearance.

Unfortunately, a shiny coat does not make it any easier for a dog of his age and with his medical problems to find a home. The endangered list is not one a dog aspires to, yet there he was. The clock was ticking. But out there, someone was watching, saw his story online, and forwarded it. And once again, the wonderful animal networking/ rescue community got to work.

When you work in the networking/rescue world, you know it can be a time- and energy-consuming—and frustrating—experience. And, it does not always end well, but Leo’s sad story touched people. Within a few days, as his story spread, money began to be raised towards his rescue.

Meanwhile, back at the shelter his picture brightened a bit. He had been put on medications for his arthritis and pain and seemed to be responding. The flat affect was likely a side effect of the medication. Outside in the light, his vision was definitely better. Volunteers walked him to strengthen his joint muscles and his gait improved.

And then the news everyone was waiting for; a home had been found with Orange County-based dog lovers David Rosenfelt and his wife, Debbie Myers. Back in the ‘90s they had founded a rescue, called the Tara Foundation, named after Debbie’s beloved Golden Retriever. In the years of its existence they rescued and re-homed some 4,000 dogs, a pretty amazing feat.

These days their rescuing is confined to their household where they take in primarily older, large-breed dogs (many of them Goldens), which may also have medical needs and are difficult to place.

Arrangements were made and rescuer Nicole Salter picked up Leo on June 4. Since his new home was not available for a few days, she took him home and noticed some immediate improvement. He seemed energized, was climbing steps, and was busy interacting with her dogs. The latter was good practice, as he was soon to discover.

Three days later, Leo's new life was about to begin. If he felt he had somehow fallen down the rabbit hole when he wound up at the shelter, what must he have thought when he arrived at his new home? He had just left a multitude of dogs at the shelter. When David and Debbie opened the door to greet him, he was also met by 26 sets of eyes—and an equal number of wagging tails.

David notes that though some newly arrived dogs take a bit to integrate into their large pack, undaunted, Leo (now renamed Seamus) just moved right in. He has already selected his own favorite spot, right in front of the fireplace. (With that many dogs, he probably figures it’s best to get early dibs on a prime spot before winter comes.) David insists that he won’t be lost in the shuffle. All their dogs, he explains, have distinct personalities, and he and Debbie know each well. Indeed, Seamus has already made it known that he loves being petted and having his belly rubbed.

With the obvious next questions, David elaborates. It’s the dogs’ house, he explains wryly; he and Debbie just live there. The dogs also have the run of their large property. And then there is the issue about sleeping arrangements. The couple shares their bed with five dogs. The trick, he explains, is to get there early….

If dogs now consume their personal realm, they also run David’s professional life. If you like mystery novels and the name Andy Carpenter who has a Golden Retriever named Tara rings a bell, ponder no more. David is the author of the popular Andy Carpenter series of novels (seven to date) and his latest, Dog Tags, is due out in August.

Although this story could end here, nagging questions and images remain.

When it’s breakfast time, do the 27 dogs line up like a restaurant crowd waiting for an available spot? If one of them wants to finish its food later, does it take the leftovers in a “people bag?” If five of them usually sleep on their bed, just where do David and Debbie sleep if say, 10 dogs decide they want to sleep with them? If newcomer Seamus wants to join them, is there a sign-up list? Just wondering….

Seamus is now home safe for the rest of his life. So if he really did seem to have visual problems at the shelter, maybe he just hadn’t seen his future yet. It’s quite clear now.

Update: Two weeks into Seamus’ new life, David now reports, “Just wanted to tell you that our boy is doing absolutely great...couldn't be better. He seems completely relaxed and at home, and physically is way healthier than we expected. “He really is a terrific dog.”

(A video of the fun life at the Rosenfelt/Myers home!)

Adopt, Save a Life!

Call to NETWORK! Gorgeous Muddy finally unchained needs a home!

Those of you who read this blog know that this cause is very close to my heart. This dog was tethered his ENTIRE life. Thankfully, he was rescued and now needs to find a real home.

Please help this very sweet boy - look at that face! - he is in desperate need of a foster!

MUDDY (after Muddy Waters) is a special boy. He has seen so much in his short 9 months, and he has remained sweet as pie though it all. He is mild mannered, a little shy, mellow and calm. He is fantastic with kids and people, loves to give kisses, and adores other dogs. Now it is time for Muddy to get a little love himself...a woman who has devoted her life to freeing chained dogs found Muddy chained in a yard- that is where he had spent his young tethered life. This kind soul has never lived inside a house before - and he needs a calm, happy home so he can get used to being part of a family. He is neutered, up to date on shots, and just a very tender spirit. PLEASE, PLEASE if you or someone you know can find it in their heart to foster Muddy, he would be so grateful.

Thank you for networking Muddy, and please contact Deana at unchainsocal@yahoo.com if you can help.

Better with a Buddy - Father's day adoption event

Better with a Buddy

Once again Found Animals is leading the attack towards encouraging people to check out what the shelters have to offer. All the city and county shelters plus SEACCA will be participating in offering deep discounts on adoptions this weekend. June 19th at the West LA Shelter there will be a big pet adoption event!

Although I personally don't advocate "sales" as a the best way to promote pet adoption, it is a good way of bringing wonderful shelter animals into the public eye. I hope that we do see a BIG turnout and do some really good pet adoptions! We have plenty of terrific animals who desperately need homes.

There will also be plenty of volunteers on hand to help you choose the best animal for your family. Listen to what they have to say as our volunteers work closely with the shelter animals and know a lot about them. Don't just go by an animal's looks either, spend some time with the animal and see how you get along. Just like people, each animal has its very own personality. For example, dogs of a particular breed may have similar qualities but they also have their own unique qualities that should be taken into consideration.

Even before going to the shelter, do a little research. There are tons of articles on choosing a pet on the internet. www.petfinder.com has several excellent articles that can really help avoid making a very serious mistake! We see returns all the time (another reason I don't like sales) and it's hard on everyone, especially the animal! Please be sensible and don't act compulsively, we are talking about a life!! PLEASE, get some advice before running out to adopt even if the sales are hard to resist!

OPT TO ADOPT!

Riverside's Council NEEDS to hear from YOU Today on Spay&Neuter!!!

(Picture of BACKYARD BREEDER from: http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2009/02/prisoners-of-love-the-victims-of-animal-hoarding)

urgent!

Email address for each council member below for you! SO PLEASE WRITE!

Anyone in rescue knows that Riverside County is flooded with Hoarders and backyard breeders!!!!!!!!! The city of Riverside is voting on a spay and neuter ord and mandatory micro chipping!! They are desperately trying to end hoarding and irresponsible breeding in their city! The county passed the ord last year but it only covers certain areas, so this would help get the ord in a bigger region of Riverside city too.. I am sorry I did not do a nice email with all the city council emails, but I wanted to make sure you get this before it is too late.

So far of course they are only receiving letters AGAINST SPAY AND NEUTER AND MICROCHIPPING!

The vote is tomorrow.. PLEASE SEND A SUPPORT EMAIL OR CALL NOW! TELL THEM THEIR CITY IS KNOWS AS THE CAPITOL OF ANIMAL HOARDING! TELL THEM HOW YOU GO INTO RIVERSIDE AND SAVE THEIR ANIMALS. MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN HOW YOU HELP THEIR AREA... Each council member email and number is listed here.. Copy and paste to each member:

rloveridge@riversideca.gov

mgardner@riversideca.gov

asmelendrez@riversideca.gov

rbailey@riversideca.gov;

pdavis@riversideca.gov;

cmacarthur@riversideca.gov

nhart@riversideca.gov

sadams@riversideca.gov

http://www.riversideca.gov/
If you can come tomorrow and speak your support it would make a huge difference....

ALSO IF YOU KNOW ANY RESCUERS IN RIVERSIDE PLEASE PLEASE SEND THIS TO THEM... WE NEED THEM TO COME TOMORROW AT 3!!!!! You can read the ord online here too.. A short and to the point email is fine! Don't allow the abusers to have the only voice for the animals! CALL AND EMAIL NOW!

MAKE SURE TO EXPLAIN HOW YOU HELP RIVERSIDE. http://www.riversideca.gov

South LA Shelter: Taffeta (A1111364, only a year old)

She's beautiful and she's friendly,
but she's out of time

Taffeta (A1111364, only a year old) is absolutely out of time now (been on alert since May 17th!!!!!). This is her last week (needs out by Friday, the 11th) in our over-crowded shelter. Don't let this social butterfly die. She showers affection on those lucky enough to meet her. Taffeta is certainly very enthusiastic and she can get slightly mouthy -- like the big puppy that she is -- but never aggressive -- and she does calm down quickly. She's been fine with other dogs. Graduation is coming up -- and those of us who have met her are waiting to see her walk on the stage and out the shelter door. Please call the South L.A. shelter at (213) 485-0117 or -0119 today to save this gem. And kindly let us know that she is safe. There are currently donations for a qualified rescue -- if you wish to add anything, please e-mail / call me. Many thanks, Andrea & Mindy ivegonetothedogs@gmail.com (323) 363-4909

Volunteers needed this weekend in Compton!!!

Contact Downtown Dog Rescue lori@modernica.net

COMPTON PET FAIR

SATURDAY JUNE 12^TH 10:00-2:00

FREE DOG TREATS

FREE DOG TRAINING FREE COLLARS

CRAFTS + READING FOR KIDS 4-8 years

FREE PICTURE BOOKS for all the children

Read a story with the BARK reading dogs

Get your dog fixed FREE 818-407-4145

East Rancho Dominguez Park

Corner of Compton + Atlantic

Winston is a Winner! At WLA #A0226544

Winston ID#A0226544

His official name is Winston but he is affectionately known as Winnie to the volunteers and shelter staff who love this 12 year old neutered black Pug mix. Winston was surrendered to the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter by his owner on Feb. 23, 2010.

He's a cute little guy as anyone looking at his picture would agree. Winston is not the kind of dog who immediately cuddles and curls up in someone's arms. We will never understand the trauma that he must have experienced when at the age of 12 his whole life was disrupted and turned inside out. Instead of spending his last years in a comfortable home the animal shelter became his new home. Instead of hearing the voices of people who love him he now hears the sound of barking dogs, clanging doors, and many other strange sounds that he does not recognize. This has not been easy for him and yet the volunteers and staff who have worked with him describe him in nothing but affectionate terms. He is a favorite among the volunteers and shelter staff.

There have been reports that he is "snappy" with other dogs when food is in question but in the play yard where he has been observed with other small dogs he has been fine. There have also been comments made that on occasion he has not been friendly with people but the volunteers and staff who have worked with him have not observed this behavior.

Winston needs a home! He would probably be the happiest in a home where he could be the only dog perhaps with an older couple or a single person. He needs love, attention and affection as do all of the dogs but time is against Winston both because of his age and also because of his length of stay at the animal shelter. There has to be a special someone , somewhere who will look at this cute little boy and give him that warm place to cuddle up in and the safety and security of a forever home.

See Winston at the West LA Shelter TODAY!

Thanks to Mirja Bishop for this great plea for Winston. He's a winner, don't let him become a statistic!

Adopt, Save a LIFE!

Baby Girl is sweet as they come! Beautiful Pit Bull at WLA.

Baby Girl! She's the sweetest. She loves to be around other dogs and play, play, play! I really think she would be happiest with another dog in the home. She's a very nice girl but can be shy around people. She would do best with someone who is more experienced with dogs and willing to train her and work with her to get over her shyness.

Adopt, Save a Life!

CA Spay and Neuter License Plate

CA Spay and Neuter License Plate

Just do it!

Adopt, Save a Life!

Poor Pauly, he's singing the shelter blues...

Pauly- A1100154 - Dachshund Mix - 3 years old (West LA shelter)

Poor little Pauly. He's such a love and now he finds himself in ISOLATION due to a mishap that recently occurred when he was being shown to a man who tried to force him out of his hiding place. We think Pauly is shy around men so rather than using some finesse to get Pauly out from under the bench, the guy stuck his hand in to pull him out and, well, you guessed it, the guy got bit! Now this little sweetie is RESCUE ONLY!

Not that I excuse biting, but dog's do bite sometimes mostly out of fear. There was a time that I remember growing up when a dog's bite wasn't necessarily the end of the world. We learned that we shouldn't bother a dog who was eating or sleeping. Nowadays, dogs need to be extra careful not to offend anyone with their dog-like behavior lest they end up like Pauly in solitary confinement.

I would say that he wouldn't be a good choice for little kids since they don't get the concept that dogs can and will defend themselves sometimes. Otherwise, anyone would love this guy.

Regardless, Pauly is still a wonderful dog with a charming personality. He is very playful and loving. He likes to play fetch with a soft toy. He was so cute last night when he would run to get the toy, bring it back, and then roll over for the belly rub reward! So cute!

He's a delight! I love his mask, he reminds me of Zorro! There must be a rescue who can take this nice guy.

I should have some video coming up soon so check back!

Adopt, SAVE a Life!

Leo (a very bad picture) ID#A1115972

My good friend and writer, Mirja Bishop did this lovely write up on a needy senior Chow at West LA:

Leo the Lion Hearted" ID#A1115972

Once he was a proud and handsome Chow Chow with a spectacular lush orange brown coat. Now he huddles in the back of his run frightened and bewildered at what the world has done to him. Once Leo was part of a family. With his elegant, forceful nature he looked after the people who loved him. Now those days are gone.

Leo was found as a stray on May 17 , 2010 and his home is now the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. He huddles in the back of his run unsure of what is going on. Where are all of these noises coming from? The barking dogs, the clanging doors, the water from the hose used to clean his run. None of this makes any sense to him. He is listed as 10 years old but in reality is probably older than that.

He walked slowly from his run to the play yard with the volunteer. He didn't pull and the barking of the other dogs didn't seem to affect him. He may have diminished hearing and sight. In the yard he wandered around as if in a daze. He took treats reluctantly but gently. He seems confused by his circumstances but happy to be able to walk around and sniff the grass.

Leo, even in his advanced age, is a handsome dog. After some brushing his coat took on a sheen and it was amazing what a difference it made in his appearance. He has obviously not been groomed for a long time. He stood very quietly as the volunteers fussed over him. His eyes showed the gratitude that he must have felt for this much needed attention and love that he was receiving.

Old dogs are difficult to find homes for. Most people want a young dog that they can romp around with for many years. The future for Leo looks grim but in his heart he continues to hope that there is someone for him. There has to be someone, somewhere who will look at this beautiful boy and give him that last chance for a loving home. Leo still has so much love to give and all he asks for is a warm place to sleep for his remaining years and someone to love him for the precious dog that he is.

Adopt, SAVE a Life