Neglected Pit Bull’s Dramatic Rescue Turns Into a Journey of Love and Healing
When a concerned woman spotted Earl Grey, a stray Pit Bull, he was emaciated, hairless, and gnawing through a rope he was tied to. She immediately contacted local shelters, hoping someone could help the suffering dog. The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, a shelter aiming to care for the area’s most vulnerable pets, responded quickly. However, they were still horrified when they saw just how dire his condition really was.
Saving a Dog Who’s Sick, Neglected, and Alone
As the rescue explained on Earl Grey’s Facebook Fundraiser page, he was skinny, hairless, and afraid. It was clear he had not been properly cared for in a long time, but they never imagined just how terrible his condition would be.
He was even worse in person
Suzanne Cantwell
“ It was even worse in person,” explains Director of Development Suzanne Cantwell. “He was completely hairless because of all the mange, and his skin hung in giant wrinkles all over his body. He had a nasty lesion on his scrotum, and testing showed he had worms, including heartworms.” He was visibly afraid and uncomfortable as he was transferred from the car to a wagon for easy transportation around the shelter, but after a day or so of rest and treatment, everything started to change for the better.
An Unrecognizable Transformation
In the early days of the new year, Earl Grey was in desperate need of help. His rescuers speculate that he may not have survived another night of freezing temperatures, and he likely saved his own life by gnawing through that rope when he did. When he arrived at the shelter, though, veterinary staff wasted no time starting his treatment for roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, and two types of mange. This included medicated baths, medicines for his illnesses, and lots and lots of love.
As Suzanne recounted, shelter staff had to don gloves and protective gear when handling Earl Grey to avoid spreading mange to other dogs, but they were more than happy to do it. After the first day of feeling shut down and scared, he began to enjoy and even ask for lots of pets and attention. It became clear that, even though he spent most of his time resting, he loved to see people–both friends and strangers!
Several weeks into treatment, Earl Grey is an entirely different dog. This affectionate Pittie will be receiving medicated baths and heartworm treatment for a long time, but he’s more than happy to spend time with people and dogs he loves. He’s no longer hairless, either–he has a beautiful gray and white coat that’s growing in nicely. This rescue dog is used to wearing coats to keep his fur and skin protected, and by now, his medical conditions don’t bother him one bit.
Earl Grey is looking for a forever home where he will be treated like the king he is. His owners will need to keep up with his baths and medication, but they will get 40 pounds of unconditional love in return. If you feel like your home might be the right fit for him, please contact the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County on their website or Facebook page.
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