Archive for April, 2009

posted by admin on Apr 13

Life on a Chain

Motherhood on a Chain

Scarlet and her new sister
Scarlet and her new sister

 Ah, yes. The story begins in August 2008 with a local pet lover looking for a Basset Hound puppy. There was the flyer… “Basset Hound Puppies for Sale”. Unfortunately, from a backyard breeder just looking for income and woefully ignorant of dogs. When the potential puppy buyer arrived, she was so appalled at the conditions in which the momma dog and her 4 pups were living she called Animal Control and then Goliad Pet Adoption.  To make a long story short, we became the caregivers for the momma and her pups. The father of the litter was out wandering when the others were picked up. We have since learned that his owners traded him for a Chihuahua. Sigh. But the puppies all survived thanks to the care of our Puppy Rescuer and are all in wonderful homes.

This is the story of the momma. She was skin and bones. She could barely stand but was kept chained. She wasn’t getting enough nutrition to support her litter and the enormous infestation of intestinal worms she was housing.  To say nothing of fleas.  She also developed mastitis, tested positive for heartworms and had mange. Start at the bottom and the only way to go is up.

The daughter of another Goliad pet lover volunteered to foster and nurture Momma, whom she named Scarlet. Scarlet required lots of vet care as well as TLC. Her mange has cleared, her heartworms have been treated, the intestinal worms exterminated and the mastitis cured. Not necessarily in that order.

 Needless to say, after all that care, a strong bond formed.

Scarlet and new mom

Scarlet and new mom

Scarlet was officially adopted by her foster family in April 2009. She has a loving human mom and dad as well as a Basset sister. She is a beautifully spoiled dog with a wonderful new life. 

Many, many thanks to her new family!

posted by admin on Apr 13

Kudos to the Goliad City Council! They have stepped up and passed an anti-tethering ordinance that will go into effect May, 2009. They have assured everyone that ordinance will be enforced. There are bills in the State Legislature concerning anti-tethering but this time Goliad has not waited to follow. They have taken the initiatiative to go first! 

During the last year there have been numerous incidents with dogs that have escaped their chains. Many  of the chained dogs within the city limits are tethered 24 hours a day and are neglected. That does not create an environment for a friendly, socialized pet.

The City is bracing for an influx of dogs. We are waiting for those that will be transferred to us. Waiting… expecting the worst but hoping for the best.

We will keep you posted.