I just read through this entire thread and Sunny looks like a different dog now!!! He was always smiling but there is a clarity in his eyes that he knows he is in the right hands. Thank you for all you do for these babies- my hat is off to you. You truly are an angel on earth. Give Sunny a kiss for me- better yet a hug ;)

As I have stated before all my dogs are loved and cared for ALL of their lives...they die of old age, therefore I do not condone dumping off an inconvenient "pet" (be it roadside or shelter); however, one way to stop the roadside dumping of them is to quit charging people who --- often times with heavy heart --- simply can no longer care for their animals and take them to a shelter, hoping someone else will be able to take them. Now I realize it isn't free for the shelters to take care of these animals, but I'm sure a majority of those to find they must get rid of their dogs do so out of financial necessity and are forced to dumping them with a sign around their neck, etc., because shelters (in my area) charge so much to those that bring in their pet. In this economy, one day people are sitting high and getting a dog is of no financial consequence, within a day they can be losing everything...let's not kid ourselves, not everyone who surrenders their dog to a shelter does so willy-nilly and are bad people. Often they are wonderful people that cared enough to make an effort to find their pet a home rather than let it starve alongside themselves. They may be angels in disguise that cared that much for their pet they gave it away rather than let it become homeless. I think people forget, there was a time in this country (before welfare) that people had to give away their children...for the good of their child...rather than watch them starve...what a gift of love and how heart breaking for the parents (often the abandoned mother and children). This dog's injuries could have come from a number of sources. Maybe someone found that dog and couldn't afford to keep it (or pay shelter charges) and decided rather than just shew it off their property, went out of their way to get it somewhere where someone might be better able to get its needs met. Not every location has a shelter either or in this case if there was, maybe they were too poor to even have a car to travel to one, etc. I spent most of my life in small towns with no shelters/animal rescurers other than the occasional farm person that took in the animals rather than seem them wandering the roads and eating out of trash cans (now days would be called a "hoarder"). I don't know, I just think people should realize that not all those who have to relinquish a pet are bad people. (though I readily admit there are many who are horrible animal abusers, but let's not generalize).

I beg to differ. I have had the occasional person who really had a terrible life circumstance and lovingly surrendered their pet; but, the vast majority of people who surrender their pets are irresponsible. The reasons and the numbers speak for themselves. Have you ever stood in a shelter or volunteered for a shelter or rescue for a period of time and seen/heard the reasons? They defy logic.

There may have been a day I "might" have bought what you are saying, but oh no, no can do now.

OMGosh, look at that adorable face! He's such a happy little fella, he makes me smile along with him. Linda, you have to give him some smoochins from me - I can't resist him. :)

Linda...you are a mircale worker. He looks like he's never had a ugly day in his life!

I know...he really is gorgeous..and so happy now. I cannot take credit though....I really do have an incredible vet! :) I followed her instructions all along even though I was just not so sure it would change much. I questioned her so many times not believing I would see a change like this. She always tells me she learns so much from the pups I get and my questions ...but honestly I am have learned so much from her. She is just wonderful. I get sick at the thought of her retiring one day. Thank you. :)

Don't be so modest...a vet can fix the body...you fixed his soul.

Oh, that is so sweet. I do love the little bugs. Just wish we could save more of them. The plight here in TX is just so terrible. I know it is everywhere....but here just seems overwhelming. Thank you. :)

Someone sent me a link today about someone commenting on how we post these things to be complimented.

It makes me sometimes want to never post anything, BUT the public really does need to see that you can get real gems out of shelters. The misconceptions are still out there and education is key.

There are so many pups in shelters that are just waiting to be loved. Sometimes pups like Sunny D might cost a few dollars more and require more time to get well, but the investment is SO worth it. He will be a wonderful pet now for someone who will love him to pieces!

These things HAVE to be put out there so people see how well things can turn out!
My sister has a rescue that came from a home where a woman had 36 dogs and just abandond them. He is the most loving, happy obediant pup...he knows who saved him and is ever grateful for it.

Oh yes, I totally agree...people really do need to know! It is why I ignore the negativity as best I can.
Yep...your sister's pup is a perfect example.....I swear they know they have been given a second chance. They become the most wonderful pets! :) All of mine were adopted and they are love bugs!

I don't know who would say that you are posting or anyone else in this situation would post something like this for compliments- that is just absurd. I bet that is not a person that takes the time to rescue these animals and sees first hand what is going on. Honestly you have to filter out what people write. People really need to see that an animal that looks like he has no hope can be a normal animal- all these babies need are care and love. That to rescue an animal is rewarding not only for the animal but for the person and that there is a big problem with animals in shelters. People need to hear this message- keep doing what you're doing.

That's just absurd. If you were looking for compliments, you surely could find a much easier, less time-consuming and less heartbreaking way to do so. Please, please keep the updates coming. There's just not enough happy endings these days. Bless you for all that you do for these heaven-sent little furbabies!

:yeahthat: Without the wonderful rescue stories many have shared here on YT, people like me would never even begin to be aware of the problems facing thousands of animals every single day. Personally, I get attached to these pups through the stories and pictures shared with us. I think about them and look forward to updates, to seeing how happy and healthy they are now - thanks to people like you, Linda. Thank you everyone who works with, fosters, donates to or supports rescue!! :thumbup:

You're probably right...I'm probably too naive and want to believe the good in people too much. Actually, my daughters and I have volunteered at various animals shelters and I think that's where I got my feelings on the matter, the usual response was someone in tears, discussing their unexpected financial situation, begging their dog (& cat) be found a good home, begging them to not euthuanize them before calling them to come take them back so they can try elsewhere. In fact, I never met someone that said, "Jeesh, what a pain this dog has become, take it off my hands, would ya?" But maybe all those tears at shelters are just crocodile tears and those that are really callous to get out from under a pain-in-the-rear dog are the ones dumping them on the roadside.
I'm just thankful we have shelters for dogs that can no longer be cared for, whatever the reason and equally thankful for those that at least take them that far. And thankful for people like you that give so much to the shelters and these rejected animals.
Kendra

I love Sunny D , he is smiling at the camera.

I admire how you all continue to rescue and rebuild these beautiful little dogs. Anyone who thinks you are fishing for a compliment really doesn't understand how much you and all the rescuers give to these beautiful little dogs.

Myself, I thank you for the stories it has educated me so much and really changed the way I look at rescues.

Keep going, I know I will be one of you cheerleaders.

I checked and its 571 miles from Baton Rouge to Ball Ground, GA. If it weren't so far, or we could get him to GA, or AL, I would foster him.

It breaks my heart that someone would treat a dog so badly. That poor baby! :(

Oh, no. Linda (Ladyjane) has been fostering Sunny - this is an older thread. Linda was just posting an update with a new pic so we could see how good Sunny is doing now. She's made a world of difference in this little man's life. :)

I just realized how old the original thread was. Sorry!

That is just so ridiculous and flat out wrong to say. Whoever said that should try volunteering with rescue to realize there are much easier ways to go about getting complimented. That person is just looking to stir up trouble. You rescue and heal inside and out these poor dogs that other people think are worthless and throw away. You give your time, energy, and money volunteering, and this is what someone has the gall to say? They should be ashamed of themselves! :thumbdown

On a happier note, I remember when you first posted about Sunny D. i remember he was still smiling, even then. But look at him now! you have really done such a great job. He looks fantastic!

This just makes me sick. I think there should be a test and home inspection before people can have babies -- human or the kind with fur. Why on earth would you take on a responsibility you're not prepared to carry through?

Wow, what an awful thing to say about the people who put so much of themselves in to rescuing and fostering. I've said it before and I'll say it again, those of you who have it in your hearts to do this kind of service have my deepest gratitude.

New pics of Sunny D
 

Sunny D just continues to blossom! He does have the fly aways these days, but has HAIR! :D I continue to be amazed at how the Melatonin has helped with the hair growth! He is such a sweet boy. :)


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Wow. He sure does look different. He looks sweet, happy, healthy, and content.

It scares me what all people do to their pets; or don't do. I couldn't bear the thought of Lucy or Ringo looking like Sunny D in those first photos.

Thanks for helping him and so many others.

He is a perfect example of the gems you can find in shelters. Took a while to get him better, but he is just awesome now. Not only does he look better, but you can tell how much better he feels...and he is a happy go lucky boy! He is a little doll. :)

Oh, I know....I just cannot comprehend how things like this happen to these poor babies. Just makes no sense.

Sunny D is so cute Linda. I am glad you are educating people about the Beautiful Dogs that come out of the Shelters. You really need to show more pictures of your Gorgeous Gang. :)

Thanks, Lissette. They are all sweeties. :)

I cannot believe this is the same pup, Ladyjane. Just amazing how beautiful he looks and what an expression on his face.

I went back to the beginning of the thread to remind myself about his lack of fur, etc. His change is remarkable and so heartwarming to know he gets a ton of love everyday.

What a wonderful story, and I'm so glad that there are people like you who can help these dogs. He as cute as can be!

Miraculous
 

I am ABSOLUTELY AMAZED at how Sunny transformed!! I started with a sadness inside and I'm so happy how things turned out for the better for Sunny D. LadyJane, you're such an inspiration for me! I want to be able to do what you are doing for these babies in the future. God bless you! :thumbup::thumbup: :thumbup: