In February of 2008, Apache Junction Police and Animal Control Officers raided a home with 185 animals housed in the most filthy conditions imaginable. After checking the condition of the outside animals, the officers were horrified to open a garage door to find forty-seven shelties, stuffed three and four to a crate, stacked to the ceiling in filth beyond comprehension. These poor shelties were traumatized to the point of being paralyzed with fear.
The Pinal County Pound, for legal reasons, held these animals for six weeks. However, during these six weeks these dogs received the compassion and care that they had never experienced before…the staff was incredible, giving up personal time to spend with them. After the initial six week period, the rescue groups were invited to help groom and evaluate them for possible adoption.
A very kind and compassionate woman named Carly fostered and then adopted one of these dogs. Carly is a very active volunteer for the Arizona Sheltie Rescue. The following is told in her words:
The little guy that stole my heart is Shy-Low Bleu. At first glance, all that was visible of Shy was a helpless, terrified little guy with feces matted to his skin and the most piercing blue eyes. With no social skills, skin ailments and hip bones protruding, it was clear he would be a “a tough sell” at best. But who was I kidding, we were meant for each other. Throughout my life, most of the dogs I’ve had, I’ve “needed”. Shy-Low, however, needed me.
Shy didn’t know what grass was and was frightened of it; didn’t understand what a food dish was, and was frightened of it; and was terrified of human touch. After I poured his food on the sidewalk, he buried it under one of his new blankets and cowered.
It took over six weeks for him to approach me for affection…a moment I will never forget. After time for both physical and mental healing (and much patience from my family), he is truly a testament to the will of survival. Shy-Low Bleu has taught us all so much about what is important in life and the value of second chances. Today, as I write this, our beautiful Shy is curled up around my feet peacefully napping …it doesn’t get much better than this.
Yes, we are still dealing with some physical and mental issues. Living in his own filth for the first years of his life has created many skin issues and he takes time to warm up to strangers. But anything we have given him, he has returned one thousand fold.
Shy-Low Bleu will be taken care of and loved for the rest of his life, and has enriched ours beyond words.
Arizona Sheltie Rescue, Inc. was formed in February 2009 to address the needs of potentially at-risk or homeless shelties throughout Arizona. We aggressively strive to assist all purebred shelties and regardless of age, medical condition, or behavioral issues. To assist us in these rescue efforts we are constantly on the lookout for foster homes and other volunteers.
Arizona Sheltie Rescue Inc. can be contacted by phone @ 480-507-7996, by email @ bkferrell@cox.net, or you may visit their website at: www.azsheltierescue.com.
by adogslifephoto
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