That's so Raven!! (my first rescue!!)
 

Well everyone...got my first rescue today!! Long story so if you feel like listening grab a coffee lol..

I got contacted by a woman who had to surrender her cocker because her 21 year old daughter has to have a kidney transplant and is on dyalsis a few times a week and is very busy..too busy for her cocker...think this should go smoothly....well let me tell you what happened!!

I got to the home of Raven's (a black cocker) family and was overwhelmed by the stench!! Then out of the townhouse basement came a horribly matted cocker..although you wouldnt know it was a cocker...poor thing.

Raven was sooo happy to come out of the basement (which I never saw) that she wet herself ALL OVER...no one cleaned it up ewwww...

She was starving...I mean STARVING..she ran around like a bat out of hell searching for a crumb...luckily the floor was covered in them..ick..

I tried to pet Raven..she wet herself and fell to the floor in fear. The house had a huge aquarium in it with about 4 inches of water in it (the rest of the water had evaporated) and fish trying to swim in the four inches. A bird cage with a budgie in it...she informed me the other three had died but she didnt know why??? OMG..

I had some running around to do in that town and wanted to contact a groomer asap...I went to the groomer and told her my situation 1/2 hour before she closed..she said "BRING HER OVER AND ILL STAY AS LONG AS I HAVE TOO!!" I was grateful as I couldnt bring home this wretched smelling dog!!

I went back to the "home" to pick up Raven and I was informed she now wanted $100 for her...I said "why" and she informed me that she was a $400 dog and is good for BREEDING???!!!! and that she could sell her for $150 to someone who wanted her!! NO WAY was I going to let THAT happen and I forked over $100 although it killed my pocket book today...

Her 4 year old grandson (oh did I mention that her 6 kids and 2 grandchildren lived in this tiny townhouse??) started crying "dont take my dog" and she yelled at him "well if you took care of her we wouldnt be getting rid of her" like a 4 year old is to BLAME!! I could have smacked her...

I asked if she had shots...she said she didnt have time...ummm 2 years wasnt enough time??? I handed her her cash and took Raven as fast as I could to my van so she could have her fresh new "do".

She spent an hour with the wonderful groomer who had to shave her completely down and came out looking like skin and bones..UNREAL!!

We went to the local pet store for a sample bag of food so she could eat something before we got home.

We got home..did our introductions to the kids and Sadie, Darla and Reece (all went well, not even a growl)

I bathed her again as the stench was and is still there..and she peed on the floor a few times before and after her bath (she isnt housebroken) but thats ok I think she is brilliant and will pick up housebreaking quickly (i hope lol)

So the end of the day has come...all dogs are sleeping soundly and relaxing in a safe warm and loving home!!

Here are some pictures of Raven that I will post to my website so that hopefully a future forever family will see her and fall in love with her...she is a precious doll and when her coat comes back I know she will be STUNNING!!

My FIRST rescue was difficult and emotional but in the end RAVEN wins!!! Yay Raven!! I promise to find the the most wonderful home ever!!

Dawn

She has such endearing eyes! How could anyone resist that look! Congratulations on rescuing her from that awful place and tending to her immediate needs. :good job: I hope you find her a wonderful forever home where she can be the happy furbaby she was meant to be!!!!:thumbup:

God bless you. One dog at a time - you will make a difference. What a wretched family....how could you stand it! Raven is beautiful and so lucky to have found you!

Kathy

What a great job you have done. I know you're (and her) journey are not nearly over, but you've really put your heart into this and it'll pay off. Raven is so lucky that you rescued her from what sounds like horrible conditions! Sounds like they had a lot of people in that tiny house!!
I can't believe that she made you pay for her! Sounds like they probably needed the money, hopefully she'll use it wisely...to buy groceries or SOAP to clean the house! I can't wait to follow this story.

Yay Im so glad you got Raven, I bet hes so happy to get a warm bath and some food and a good night rest, poor baby. he dont look to skinny in the pictures. Hes a cutie.

Bless your heart! She's so adorable. Deserves a most wonderful home, and you've brought her closer to that. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

What happened with the 3 month old german shepard mix?

Poor baby - she must be SO relieved to be out of that house!

Good luck to that kidney transplant daughter. With a compromised immune system and the filth you describe in that house, she's going to be in a LOT of trouble post transplant.

:happyboun YOU GO SWEETHER72, WHAT A AWESOME HISTORY, GOOD FOR YOU AND FOR RAVEN, PRAYERS ARE SEND ON YOUR WAY:hands: SO RAVEN CAN HAVE A WONDERFUL HOME, I DON'T THINK IS GOING TO BE SO HARD SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.:good job: I'M SO PROUD OF YOU:angel2dl:

Oh, poor baby:cry: How could they?!?!?!:mad:

You are making a difference already, I'm so proud of you:love:! She's a lovely dog and will be a loving addition to some lucky family soon:)

Well they called and I told them I would get back to them the next day as I was just leaving the house for the night when they called. When I called the next day the number they gave me wasnt the right number and I havent heard back from them yet..hopefully soon though or Im thinking they probably found a home to give it away to..

Thanks everyone. Yes the conditions of that home are not even describable!! I feel for the kids that have to live in that filth!! She even called Raven a "bi$@#" for trying to jump on the table to get into a bowl of snacks...but she was starving. I had to bit my tongue and hold down my hand a few times..I didnt want to lose my chance at Raven. I could not leave her behind, but I did learn a lesson...rescue will have to come to ME from now on...that way I wont get caught in this predictament again having to pay for the dog!! I thought it would be best we met on Raven's turf and also so I could get her to the vet and groomed before coming home....guess that wasnt the best idea..

I know in pics she doesnt look skinny but her hips are soooooooo sunken in you would hardly believe it. I know in a couple weeks she will gain a good amount of weigh...we free feed and its GOOD food not the CRAP she gave me in a BLACK GARBAGE BAG!! Yes she handed me her dog food in a garbage bag!! And thats where we put it...in a trash bin down the road from the hell hole!!

Raven didnt look back!! lol

Dawn

Yes Im sure he does look skinny when standing up. poor thing and thats terrible they charged you . Im sure you will find a good home for him, he is cute. Good Luck and bless you for helping these baby's.

They should have PAID ME to take her!! lol...but seriously I didnt think twice when I thought about someone else getting her and not being sure she was going to be sold to the very best home...I knew she was coming home with me no matter the price..I cant turn down a dog!! Hopefully she stops buying pets!! My fear is her running out and getting another cute puppy just because its cute and not taking care of it but I cant even think like that when there is Raven to think about now!!

Dawn

What a wonderful person you are..
I think a Guardian Angel was sent to Raven ((YOU))
GOOD LUCK

Aww thanks sweetie!!

That was such a great thing you did!! You are such a sweet and caring person!!

I wish I lived closer, I would take her in a heart beat. I love yorkies but my first love is cockers. And to think someone mistreated her so badly makes me so angry and upset!! She looks perfect to me, such a little sweet heart!!

IMO, that's probably the best hundred bucks you ever spent. Best of luck to you and Raven.

I'm so glad that there are people like you who will go above and beyond for these babies. I'm wishing you and Raven lots of happy moments and good times together :0

Wow, this is a wonderful thing you are doing. You can almost see the pain in her eyes from what she has had to endure. You're amazing and such a savior to Raven.:angelhalo

I will never understand people mis-treating poor, defenseless animals!
I think everyone of them should be prosecuted!
It's really very simple, if you do NOT love dogs, don't get one!

Bless you for saving this one!

Bless you for your heart of gold. Raven is so lucky now he will get the chance to live in a loving home and never be neglected or abused again. WHen you rehome maybe you can ask for some donations ot your new rescue. Someone will be getting a purebred Cocker so they shouldn't mind.

If she is still really smelly after she's been groomed when you take her to the vet definately have them check her ears out. We had a cocker come into our facility that had been running on it's own for about 4-6 months and her ears were so bad the stink stayed on our skin for weeks. They are susceptible (sp) to serious ear infections and complications because their ears are so heavy and seal their ear canals shut so often times moisture gathers, then bacteria and very painful infections. Most of the issues are easily treated with ear drops and some oral anitbiotics. Good luck with her!

Thank you everyone for your kind words...here is an update on Raven's first 24 hours..

Raven is so hand shy that when you try to pet her she falls to the floor...poor baby. So my hubby and I sit on the kitchen floor and both take turns calling her name, when she comes we shower her with rubs and hugs. She is really afraid of my husbad so I am positive her abuser was a male, although I think she was abused by the woman too.

Raven adores the kids and lets them pet her and jumps on their laps for cuddles.

She isnt housebroken so we are crate training her and putting her on a leash when she comes out of her crate and straight up the stairs to the back door and out to pee. I bet she has hardly ever been outdoors!!

She is soft as a teddy bear and GORGEOUS!! When I rehome her I will have a fee for her for sure as someone who is willing to pay for her will be more likely to give her a good home, but for sure for sure I will screen the new family to the best of my ability..home check etc..

Anyhow thats our update...hugs everyone!!

Dawn

awwww...i luv happy stories and i hope this one will end with a happy ending...keep us updated =-]

Aww BLESS YOUR HEART!! Please keep us updated.........I saw "That's so Raven" and I hurried to click on it.....She is my idol and I LOVE HER!! I almost got to meet her in Atlanta! But thats besides the point take good care of Raven which I know you will and I hope she does find a forever home!! :thumbup:

Well good news!! I talked to a dear friend up in a city about an hour from here and on March 5th she will be adopting Raven!! She is giving me a generous donation to help out my rescue also!! Raven is going to love her and she will ADORE Raven!! She has a neutered male 1 year old blonde cocker and he is sooooooooo spoiled. He always has a new sweater or coat everytime I see him, or a new collar or something..he is spoiled absolutely rotton and the king of the hill!! Raven is so passive that she will make a wonderful companion to her dog. She goes to the dog park twice a day and is semi-retired!! I havent talked to her for about 4 months and when we were emailing each other she mentioned getting another dog...maybe a BLACK cocker lmbo..I said DO I HAVE A DOG FOR YOU!!! We think it must have happened for a reason...FATE!!

Dawn

I love Raven too...she is HILAROUS...and the only "kids" show that I really love..she was funny even when she was a little girl on the Cosby Show!

Dawn

Dawn, that is wonderful news!.. Raven is so fortunate you crossed paths... I hope you have the opportunity to rescue more animals in need.... It's a bittersweet line of work for you. It's great that your willing to put in the determination, effort, & commitment...It's just a shame that there is even a need for it. Keep up the good work :thumbup:

Wow
 

Dawn
WOW!!! i could just sit here and cry.. that was so awesome of you !!!!! Someone needs to report that family. It is so unfair that those children have to live in such horrible conditions also.. I don't understand people.. I'm sorry but there is no reason to live in filth. I wonder if anyone checks on the child who needs the kidney transplant and what conditions they live in... Well I know that you will find the perfect home for Raven. She really touched my heart.. It is a real blessing that there are people out there like you..:D

Congratulations on a successful rescue..:aimeeyork :aimeeyork


YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!
annette and louie:aimeeyork :aimeeyork