The Chain Gang
August 2009
As we began our relationship with SNIPPP, they received a call for help. A man had died, leaving behind his blind wife and eighteen unwanted dogs. They lived at the end of a dirt road on a desolate piece of property. The dogs had never left the property; they had been chained to trees their entire lives, some for nearly nine years. They had not had contact with any humans outside the family. None of the dogs were spayed/neutered or vaccinated and it turned out that all were heartworm positive. Despite the circumstances, many of the dogs are sweet and mild-mannered.
The dogs are German Shepherd/Queensland/Aussie combinations. Their heartworm treatments and vet visits require hundreds of volunteer hours. They will be spayed/neutered and put up for adoption once they are heartworm-free in January 2010. Meanwhile, they need long-term, loving foster homes.
One was taken in by a family in San Jose who has since adopted him. His new mom writes his “prayers and ours were answered…he has a chance to grow old with us and learn to be a dog."
Nine-year old Lady (pictured) had the most serious case of heartworm and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She did not have long to live. SNIPPP writes “The idea that this sweet nine-year old girl would never know anything but a chain, and never know a loving home or the gentle hand of a beloved owner broke our hearts." Somehow, they found foster-dad Michael. "Lady got short walks many times a day, slept on Michael’s bed and was his constant companion for six weeks until her heart gave out…We know Lady went over the rainbow bridge feeling that she was loved and cherished as a special friend."
SNIPPP is doing an amazing job with the Chain Gang. Chrissie’s Fund is blessed to have such a talented, passionate partner.
May 2010
Seven Chain Gang dogs are still looking for forever homes. All of the original remaining 17 have returned to good health and gained confidence thanks to the loving, dedicated foster parents provided by SNIPPP.
Those who have been adopted are blossoming. They are a far cry, physically and emotionally, from the dogs found at the end of that road nearly a year ago.
Harley, who could barely stand and whose coat came out in huge, dry, dirty clumps, now looks like a show dog. Blondie, on a chain for nine years and terrified of people, is a thriving member of a four-canine household. She plays with toys as well as with her doting human family.
November 2010
Two Chain Gang dogs have not been adopted, but both are in foster homes.
One is in a hospice situation. He is a gentle, loving eight-year old who was in poor health when found. The other is a four-year old who was the most fearful of all of them. His foster family and SNIPPP volunteers continue to work with him. It will take time to help him learn to trust people again, but no one is giving up on him.
Our Chain Gang dogs turned into miracle dogs. We are grateful to the compassionate people who have made these miracles happen.