Patrick Star

Last Sunday, a weak, very sick, little Pit Bull mix was dumped outside of a woman's home in Vossburg, Mississippi.

Due to the location of her home... which is right off the interstate... her property has become a virtual dumping ground for unwanted dogs. She's constantly struggling to deal with the numbers of dogs thrown out at her house. However, the condition of this particular dog was much worse than the others she usually finds when she walks outside.

The woman named the dog Patrick. Then, she frantically started posting the dog on facebook, desperately searching for help for this poor boy.  

I was busy at work that morning, so I hadn't yet seen any of those urgent posts about this dog. But it didn't take long for the calls, texts, and messages to start pouring in...

First, I talked to my friend, Cathy, who asked me to check the photo she'd posted on my wall and call her back. Hearing the concern in her voice, I knew it was bad...

When I saw the picture, instantly, my heart was broken. No matter how many times I view a photo like that... it never gets any easier. And no matter how much cruelty I witness... I'll never understand how people can be so damn hateful... how any person could force a dog to suffer in this way... and then dump him on the side of the road like trash.

When I talked to Cathy again, I told her I'd try to figure something out, and I'd need to talk to the woman as well. But before I even had time to think, there were more texts and calls coming in, begging me to take this dog.

So, later that day, I asked my friend Dana to comment on Patrick's facebook post for me, and simply say: "Ashley Owen Hill has committed to take this dog." Then, I talked to the woman who had him, and we worked out the details.



Me, Patrick, & the woman who found him

On Monday, the woman took Patrick to the vet. During his evaluation, he was diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, ear mites, internal parasite infestation, high fever, and anemia, in addition to severe emaciation and malnourishment. In fact, this boy was so weak, he was unable to walk... weighing only 26 pounds... when he should weigh at least twice that.  

On Tuesday, Caycee and I drove to meet the woman at her vet in Quitman, MS, so I could take Patrick home. Based on the photos of him, I thought I was prepared for what I'd see that day.

I was wrong...

I can't even explain in words just how underweight this dog truly is. The pictures don't do him justice. I can't even tell you just how sick he truly is. I can't even describe just how weak he truly is, as his little body fights to survive.

Further, in addition to everything else, at some point, his former "owners" made the cruel decision to perform a painful, homemade ear crop job on Patrick. As I try to imagine the cruelty he's known, all of his life... it's almost too much to bear.

When I first laid eyes on him, I was shocked. The only words I could muster were: "Oh dear God..." Then, I bent down, rubbed his head, and asked: "Who did this to you, buddy??"

And then... he looked up and gave me the sweetest little kiss, right on my chin. I looked over at Caycee, and simply said: "I'm in love!!!"

Just like that... I fell in love with a boy named Patrick. Or as I like to call him... "Patrick Star."

And in turn, my little Patrick Star... became a Lucky Dog... for the very first time in his life.


*Patrick has a long road of recovery ahead. He hasn't yet been tested for heartworms or neutered. For now, I'll be focused on weight gain, mange treatment, and getting his little body healthy again. If you'd like to donate to his care, please click below.  

CLICK TO DONATE TO PATRICK!

Picking Up Reece's Pieces

On Wednesday, I received a desperate answering machine message from a woman named Pat in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The neighbor's Pit Bull mix had finally broken loose from the rope used to tie her to a tree, and the dog immediately fled to Pat's home... and stayed there... seeking refuge. When Pat walked outside that morning, the dog was sleeping on her porch, right next to her cat.

Reece's neck

That's when Pat saw the dog's painful, horrific injuries.
The dog's tie-out rope had clearly been embedded in her neck for quite some time, and the wound was at least 2 inches deep. She also had other scars covering her body.

Seeing the dog's condition, Pat refused to risk the chance that the dog may be returned to the owner, but she also couldn't stand the thought of the dog facing euthanasia.

So, Pat started calling animal shelters and rescues, in search of immediate, legitimate help for this dog.

Of course, due to the "Pit Bull mix" label --coupled with the dog's severe injuries-- Animal Control informed Pat that euthanasia would be their only option for this pup. Therefore, she attempted to contact any animal rescue group she could find.

She left tons of messages, but since rescues are always full and/or overloaded, most of them never called her back. Every other rescue told her, "We don't take Pit Bulls. Try Lucky Dog Rescue."

Again... as I've said many times, Lucky Dog Rescue is NOT a "Pit Bull rescue."
While most of my rescue dogs are, in fact, Pit Bulls, I also rescue many other breeds, and mixes of those breeds. However, since I focus on the worst-cases... and the least adoptable dogs (due to societal bias), then, yes... most of my rescue pups are Pit Bulls. (Plus, I just-so-happen to freaking LOVE Pit Bulls!)

Further, because many animal rescue groups in Mississippi are unable to take Pit Bulls due to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and most of the other Mississippi rescues will not take them (for one reason or another), I tend to be the "fall-back."

"If the dog is a Pit Bull, call Lucky Dog Rescue."

So, after Pat exhausted her search for a rescue located somewhere closer to her area than mine, she contacted me.

I was walking a dog when she called, so she left a message. When I got back, I checked the answering machine... and heard the desperation in Pat's voice, as she said: "Please, please, PLEASE call me! I'm so desperate to save this dog! She needs help right away, and I've been told you're the only person who will help me! Please!!!"

So, I took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and returned her call.

When she answered, I said: "Hey, Ms. Pat. It's Ashley with Lucky Dog Rescue, returning your call."

Reece, when she arrived at Lucky Dog Rescue

Through obvious tears, she responded: "Oh, Ashley!!! Thank you for calling me back, honey! I've left messages with rescues all over the state this morning... begging people to call me back. You're the only one who did."

I said: "Ms. Pat, I have to be honest with you. As much as I want to help this poor dog, I'm beyond over-loaded with rescue dogs right now, so I'm not really sure that I can help. But I promise I'm willing to do everything I can to try and find someone else who can."

Then... I heard sobbing on the other end of the line.

She cried: "Ashley, please! I am begging you! I've already tried everyone else. Anyone who was willing to talk to me... was only willing to help... by giving me your number. If you can't help this dog... you and I both know... no one will... and she will die!"

I knew she was right, but I just needed a minute to think. So, I promised to call her back, and then, I hung up.

Shortly thereafter, with no plan in mind... I picked up the phone and called Pat again. Honestly, at that moment, I had no idea what I was even going to say to her... but I knew she was desperate for help, so I didn't want to make her wait any longer.

Well, before I could even give her an answer about whether or not I was able to help, Pat said: "Ashley, I want you to know... if you're willing to help this baby, then I'm willing to make the 3 hour trip from here to Meridian to bring this dog to you."

Suddenly, without another thought, I simply said: "When can you be here?"



Reece, on our way to the vet

The next morning, Pat and her husband drove more than 3 hours to deliver my new baby to Lucky Dog Rescue.

When they arrived, it was love at first sight.
I named her Reece.

That day, I began the process of picking-up the pieces of Reece's broken heart... and putting her back together again...

And in return, Reece's smile reminded me... of what I do... and why I do it. It's never about me. It's always about them. And when they really need you... you always find a way...

*Reece has a long road of recovery ahead of her. In addition to her severe injuries & massive level of infection, she is also heartworm positive, which requires extensive, costly treatment. If you'd like to contribute to Reece's care and her future, please click the link below to donate:

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

Broken Benny

More than two months ago, my rescue dog, Benny, and I were playing in the yard, when I realized that something wasn't quite right.

His back leg seemed to be bothering him, which caused him to shift his weight onto his other 3 legs, as we played.

He'd been running a lot that day, so initially, I thought maybe he'd just pulled a muscle, during all the crazy chasing and excitement.

But... upon further inspection, I realized that his knee seemed to be the problem. Shortly thereafter, we headed to the vet, for an exam and some x-rays.

When it comes to my rescue babies, I tend to be super-over-protective. So... on our way to the vet that day, I tried not to worry too much, assuming that Benny's injury was likely nothing "major."

But... it turns out... it was.

During Benny's physical exam, Doc confirmed my initial theory: a dislocated patella (kneecap). However, the x-rays would soon uncover... a much bigger issue...

Prior to that day, we never would've known it.... but Benny was born with a bone deformity. To put this in simple terms, his back-right femur is "twisted," which inevitably led to the issues with the misalignment --and dislocation-- of his patella.

Basically, to repair the issue, Benny needed major, orthopedic surgery on his leg... immediately.

Doc and I discussed the options for surgery, and the potential complications of each.

For Benny's sake, Doc wanted to try the least-aggressive surgical approach first: with primary focus on repairing and resolving the issues with the dislocated patella, while basically "working around" --and with--his bone deformity.

Based on Doc's professional opinion, I agreed on this approach, in hopes that it may resolve the issues with Benny's knee, without forcing him to go through the immense pain and extensive recovery associated with the more invasive operation.

If the first surgery worked... well, perfect! Problem solved, and Benny would heal much more quickly, with much less pain.

Well... a week after the first surgery, Benny and I returned to the vet, for his follow-up appointment. As Doc analyzed the x-rays, he shook his head, and looked back at me.


I said: "It didn't work, did it?"
He replied: "Basically, no. I'm sorry... I was really optimistic, hoping this approach would be enough for him. But I hate to say.... he's definitely going to need the more-aggressive operation."
I said: "Well, if it's best for Benny, then let's do it."

Next, Doc provided me with a comprehensive overview of the surgery, discussing the pain, the risks, and the recovery time for Benny. Essentially, Doc would have to cut, re-set, and align Benny's femur, and then... his patella. This was a MAJOR surgery.

Then, he said: "Okay, Ashley... here's the deal. I know you're not gonna be happy about this, but please... just hear me out..."

Hearing those words... I braced myself.

Doc proceeded to tell me how he'd need to keep Benny there, at the vet clinic, during the early phases of his recovery. There were several reasons for this: Initially, Benny would need around-the-clock monitoring. In addition, in order for proper healing to occur, Benny's physical activity would need to be extremely-limited, and medically-monitored, in the clinical environment. Then, there'd be the immense, physical rehabilitation process...

Tears filled my eyes, as I said: "So, wait... Benny can't come home with me after surgery?! For how long???"
Doc replied: "I know you want a definitive answer, but I just can't give you one right now. It all depends on how he heals. He may need to stay here for a month... it may be two months."

In that moment, I felt sick. One month?! TWO months?! THAT long!? You're talking MONTHS... without my Benny... and he without me?? It felt like a cruel joke.

Benny is my baby. I just couldn't stand the thought... of us being without each other, for so damn long. In addition, Benny has always been one of the healthiest, happiest, most-energetic dogs I had. He loves life here at Lucky Dog.

Now, suddenly, an unforeseen birth defect... had taken all of that from him. In the short-term, at least...

But beyond that... here's what truly broke my heart:
During his recovery at the vet clinic, Benny would be forced to live in a tiny cage, which would restrict his ability to stand and move around (Honestly, this was only for his safety). Following this massive, orthopedic surgery, these drastic measures were the only way for Benny to heal. And as heartbroken as I was... I knew the truth: this was all for Benny's benefit... for the sake of his recovery... and ultimately, for his future...

But... even though I realized that these things were critical to Benny's long-term well being, I also knew: Benny won't understand this. He'll want to run. He'll want to play. He'll want to be with me, his mom...

Yet... he won't be able to do any of that...

He'll think he's being punished. He'll think I just left him there. He'll think I simply abandoned him, just like all the others had done to him, before me...

Even still... all of this was necessary... for Benny. So, with my consent, Benny underwent a second, major, much-more-invasive, orthopedic surgery.

A couple days later, I went to the clinic, to visit my Benny. During my visit, he was in so much pain, that it took everything I had.. not to cry in front of him.

And it took everything he had... just to lift his head...
That's how much he was hurting...

Despite his pain, as I went to leave, Benny tried to leave with me. It was one of the saddest moments of my life, as I had to say: "No, baby. You're sick. You have to stay here right now..."

After that day, I limited my number of visits to Benny, just so I wouldn't get his hopes-up --and break his heart-- each time he realized... that he wasn't going home with me that day.

Meanwhile... a week passed... then, two weeks... then, a month had gone by. During that time, I constantly harassed Doc... asking for updates on Benny.

At some point, Doc chuckled and said: "Ash, do you think I'm torturing your boy or something?!"
I replied: "I'm sorry. I promise I don't think that. It's just... I miss him. That's all."
Then, Doc said: "I'm sorry. I know you miss him. I know you're ready to take him home. I promise it'll happen soon."

During that time, on each of my visits to the clinic, for appointments with other rescue dogs, I'd hear Benny in the background, barking for me... as he heard my voice.
In desperation, I'd look at Doc, and ask: "Can I please, please, please take him home today?!"
Doc would say: "Not yet... but soon. I promise."

Well... before I knew it, two months had passed, without my Benny. 

And then... I finally got to take him home...

When I arrived that day... I said: "Today's the day, buddy boy! You get to come with me this time! Let's go home!"
Benny's excitement brought tears to my eyes. He showered me with kisses, releasing massive squeals of excitement. 

Then, as I loaded him into the car, Benny had a huge smile on his face... and I had one on mine. The whole way home, Benny watched out the window, in anticipation of our arrival... home.

Yet... today... even now... Benny is still recovering. He's still hurting, he's still adjusting, he's still experiencing the daily physical struggles of his reality.

It'll be 6 more weeks... before we'll know if this surgery was a success for Benny. That's when Doc will review and reevaluate... to see if he needs --yet another-- surgery.

But for now... and until then... Benny is home.

When we arrived at Lucky Dog that day... the day that Benny finally came home, he looked back at me... with the biggest smile he's ever had.

A smile that said: "Thank you. Before now... no one ever came back for me. No one ever came... to take me with them. Finally, I know how it feels... to go home..."

If you'd like to donate toward Benny's past & future medical care, please click below:

CLICK TO DONATE TO LUCKY DOG RESCUE!

What I learned from Greta

I rescued Greta as a 10 week old puppy… after her family realized that she was deaf... and no longer wanted her.

I received the call about Greta at a time when I had nothing left to give. I was out of space, money, and energy… and my gut told me to just say no. But my heart insisted that I say yes… because Greta had no other hope.  

And we all know who won that battle… because Greta came to live with me.

I usually don’t get as attached to puppies, as I do some of the older dogs. It’s not because I don’t love puppies as much as the others...  or because they aren’t as special. It’s simply because the puppies are rarely with me as long… and since they’re young and relatively undamaged by the cruelty of the world... it’s easier to send them off to their new families... without fear that they’ll feel abandoned by me.

But Greta was an extra-special puppy. The special needs dogs always are. Due to her disability, she’d already been abandoned once... and I never wanted her to feel that pain again. So, I took her into my home, loved her with everything I had, and avoided any thoughts of her inevitable departure. Because I knew... that this one was going to steal my heart.

I’ve always said that there’s something very special about the deaf dogs. When compared to other dogs, deaf dogs are very different… yet very much the same. Greta looks and acts like every other dog. I loved her just like every other dog, and I talked to her just like every dog. But of course, Greta never heard a word of it. Not with her ears at least…

In all honesty, she doesn’t even know that her name is Greta. The name was more for me than her. Actually, I called her “Greta Van Susteren”… “Greta-Van” for short. When she was bad, I’d go with “Susteren!”

But this was all out of habit, not necessity. Greta doesn't listen with her ears... she listens with her heart.

Of course, puppies get into everything, and usually, a firm No! will get their attention, and teach them how to behave. With Greta, that clearly doesn’t work. So when she’d get into mischief… every hour on the hour… I’d have to physically get up... to guide her to a more acceptable activity. I learned a lot of patience, through teaching my Greta not to be so crazy.

When she was placed up for adoption, I was shocked to receive more adoption applications for Greta than any other dog so far. Yes, I knew that Greta was insanely adorable… I wanted to eat her for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But the 'special needs' status is usually a deterrent for most adopters. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many great applications for my little angel.

As I was struggling to make the right decision for Greta, an email from a dog named Kato “Porkchops” Poissant helped me select Greta’s new family. My heart instantly knew that this was the perfect home for my baby… and that she’d truly complete their family. In turn, they would complete her life.

On Thursday, my heart broke as I sent my little girl with P.E.T.S. transport. Destination: Home... also known as Rhode Island. As the transporters took Greta from my arms, there was suddenly a huge hole in my heart. As I drove away, I was a sobbing mess… wishing I didn’t have to hurt Greta, in order to inevitably help her. I knew she wouldn’t understand… she’d think I was abandoning her too. But I also knew, that she’d soon understand why I did it. I didn’t do it for me. I did it for her.

And today... Greta got home. She was greeted by the amazing parents that will love her forever… and now, their family is finally complete. Since I couldn’t be there, I’d like to share with them (and you) some of the things I learned from Greta Van Susteren:

Greta loves sleeping… and while she looks so damn cute, that you'll feel compelled to wake her…  I’m gonna recommend that you don’t. Once she’s awake… she’s awake, and you’ll realize your mistake, as she sleepily eats all of your crap in protest. Just let her rest… trust me on that one. Plus, there’s nothing more peaceful than a deaf, sleeping baby. You can fire a damn gun in the room --which I often do-- and the sleepy pup won’t even budge. Nap time for a deaf puppy is so tranquil… as is --life in general. Greta showed me that sounds and words aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. She understood me just fine without them.
 

Greta loves blankets. She likes to crawl all the way underneath, leaving just her nose sticking out, and take a nap. If I’ve ever met a dog that loves to burrow… it’s Greta Van Susteren. She especially likes it if you’re under the blanket too, because she needs a big pillow (also known as your body) for her little head. But when she does this… don’t move. Do not move. She needs her rest, and lack of movement is a small price to pay for sanity.

Greta loves to feel safe, which means she likes to be in your arms, by your side, or under/inside things that make her feel secure. She loves sleeping in a crate on a comfy bed… and she’ll love that bed to pieces… literally. The second she wakes up, Greta has one mission: Rob that bed of every piece of stuffing it's worth. Then, drag it across the floor... to make sure it’s good and dead... before moving on to other objects.

Greta loves coffee tables. They’re big and exciting. She likes the challenge of jumping from the couch to the coffee table, and then walking around up there... like she’s on top of the world. If there are drinks on the table… perfect… she’s thirsty. If there are magazines or important documents… even better… she’s hungry.

Greta loves toys... which should be available to her at all times... trust me on that. You should also know, that the word "toy" is a very broad term for Greta. She expands it to include: clothing, eating utensils, papers, purses, and makeup brushes. But of course, shoes are best. If Greta battles a flip-flop, Greta wins every freaking time.

Greta loves to smile… and she has one of those smiles that will melt your heart. She also loves to play in the yard. Sometimes, I’d just watch her from the window, as she’d smile and run through the grass. In doing this, I could only imagine the peace she must feel inside… as the sounds of the world are muted… and she only hears the joy in her own heart.

Greta loves belly rubs... they paralyze her energy. Note to adopter: Rub belly often.

Greta loves other dogs. She likes to taunt them, harass them, and wake them from their naps... for her own benefit. It’s absolutely hysterical to watch her with the other pups… because her heart is so damn happy. Every day, I’d laugh my ass off, as she’d clumsily bat at their faces, like a drunk cat. But keep in mind: she doesn’t understand just how LOUD she can be during playtime. Sometimes her playful growls sound like a jacked-up jet engine; other times her happy squeals are like the pleasant screech of a broken-down Volkswagen. Either way, try to appreciate the innocence and humor of her quirky noises… I’ll miss them every day, forever.

Most of all, Greta will love YOU. My favorite time of day was cuddle time with Greta. She’s so sweet and loving, and my heart was filled with happiness as she’d cuddle in my lap and drift off to sleep. Then, she’d wake up, gaze up at me with those innocent little eyes, and give me the sweetest kisses I’ve ever known. The purity and simplicity of my time with Greta was truly life-changing for me, and I'll treasure those special moments as long as I live. When I’m sad, I’ll think of Greta… and my heart will always smile.

Greta on the way home, with mom, Lisa

Don, Lisa, & Kato, you received a piece of my heart today. Her name is Greta. In return, you gave me hope. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for loving my baby. Thank you, for healing my pain with your joy. And thank you, for allowing a piece of me... to become a piece of you.

Greta-Van, thank you for being you. You truly changed my life… just by showing up. I'll love you forever.

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Greta, the Deaf Pit Bull Puppy

Earlier today, I received a call about a puppy, who needed somewhere to go… immediately. Greta is a 10-week old, Pit Bull puppy.... who is completely deaf.

When her family became aware of her hearing impairment, they no longer wanted anything to do with her. Just like that.

So... I get the call, and I’m thinking, “Ashley, there’s just no way you can take in another dog right now. Say NO!”

For a while now, I’ve had to tell people, “I’m sorry. I have no more space for rescue dogs" ... which is 100% factual information.

Not only am I full, but I’ve already agreed to rescue several urgent dogs from another shelter... within the next week. So, I’m WAY full.

At the same time, it’s impossible for my heart to look away from those who truly need help. So... while my head said, “NO,” somehow... my mouth said, “I’ll take her.”

My decision to take her ... wasn’t because I need another puppy.
Trust me, I’ve got plenty… with more “puppy donations” being offered by the day.

It wasn’t because I need another Pit Bull.
I think it’s safe to say... there’s no Pit Bull shortage at Lucky Dog Rescue.

But in my heart, I knew what would happen to this sweet baby girl...  if I didn’t take her. At the pound, Owner Surrenders are often euthanized immediately, especially when space is limited.

Basically, the pound must hold stray dogs for 5 days, to give owners time to reclaim.

But... with an Owner Surrender, there’s no reason to "hold" them, because the owner is already known. And if space is needed... Owner Surrenders are usually the first to go. (Remember this if you ever want to dump your dog at the pound. You’re killing them, in every sense of the word.)

More specifically, when it comes to Pit Bull Owner Surrenders at our pound… the dog will—without a doubt—be euthanized immediately. The same is true for special needs dogs.

 Greta is a deaf (aka-- "special needs") Pit Bull, who was also an Owner Surrender. She didn’t stand a chance.

I thought about this special little girl... who clearly doesn't have the ability to hear... but does have every bit of her ability to love. And yet... her love was taken away, when her family realized that she was "different."

Just like that... she was no longer special to them. She no longer mattered. She was no longer deserving of life. All they could see… was her disability.

And to them, having a disability… made her worthless.

                                                  

So, I got off the phone, immediately got into my car, and drove to save Greta. When I arrived, I saw the most-perfect little dog on this earth... right there, waiting for me. Greta is perfection, in puppy form.

Then, I scooped her up, and held perfection in my arms. I kissed perfection. I hugged perfection tight, and rocked her back and forth.

Next, I lifted her up, so her perfect little eyes met mine. Then, I whispered: “I know you can’t hear me, but feel these words in your heart. You are perfect. You are worthy. You are special. And now… I am more special… because I met you today. I’m sorry your family didn’t love you. But now... you have me, and I promise... I'll love you forever.”

I know she understood me, because she immediately kissed my nose, and snuggled close to my body.

And just like that… Greta became special again.

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