Surrendered Without Any Hair, This Maltese’s Story Will Break You—Until You See the Ending
At the Pawportunities Animal Rescue in Blue Springs, MO, there’s one little dog who looks different from the rest of the dogs at the shelter. His name is Gandalf, a Maltese.
Gandalf was recently surrendered to the shelter by a breeder in a heartbreaking state that left everyone fighting back tears. He didn’t come rocking the shiny, fluffy coat that Maltese dog breeds are known for. Gandalf’s coat had been shaved completely, leaving him no trace of hair, just raw skin. It’s common practice for some irresponsible breeders to shave dogs that have severe matting or other coat issues that may put off potential buyers. Sadly, this is what happened to Gandalf. What’s more, the cruel shaving left Gandalf with a deep cut near his abdomen, worsening his pain and discomfort.
@pawportunities_rescue Breeders have been known to shave down dogs before they release them, because they don’t want people to see the conditions their fur was in. You can see how close to the skin the fur is cut, and often times it’s so close it’s referred to as a surgical shave. The breeder was going to surrender this dog, whom we’ve since named Gandalf, to us until we arrived. He shaved Gandalf earlier that morning, and accidentally cut the dog. He didn’t want us to see the cut. After pressing the issue further, he asked how quickly we could get the dog in to see a vet. I advised that same day. Reluctantly, he brought Gandalf out, and admitted the dog probably needed stitches. I was able to get a good picture of the wound, and text it off to Dr. Means. I called Dr. Means once we were in the van, and in typical Dr. Means fashion he was able to be at the shelter shortly after we arrived. Gandalf has since been sutured up. However, the shelter is no place for a fur baby to properly recover. How is his body supposed to have energy to heal itself, when his anxiety is so high and he shakes like a leaf? Rest and taking it easy are necessary for the body to repair itself. He needs a loving, compassionate foster home for optimal recovery. Can you help us find either a foster or forever home by liking, commenting, following, and sharing this post? His eyes are just so soulful and pleading.🥺 #pawportunities #rescue #shelter #animal #animalrescue #animalshelter #adoptdontshop #adoptme #adopt #fosteringsaveslives #foster #kansas #missouri #kansascity #midwest #heartland #dog #medical #laceration ♬ Trying My Best – Anson Seabra
A Defeated Soul
Thankfully, the shelter stitched Gandalf’s cut before it got infected. But the real wounds — those that need love to heal and not stitching — are in Gandalf’s innocent heart.
Since arriving at the shelter, Gandalf always curls in the furthest corner of his kennel, hoping to remain invisible to the world that’s shown him nothing but cruelty. Gandalf is often observed trembling non-stop like a leaf in a bad storm, not because he’s cold, but because the anxiety in him is too much. His big, soulful eyes don’t light up with hope when anyone approaches his kennel. Gandalf doesn’t bark for attention like the other dogs, nor does he try to charm his way into the hearts of potential adopters. All he does is shake uncontrollably.
Truth is, Gandalf is having a difficult time in his kennel. The loud shelter environment isn’t an ideal place for sensitive dogs like him who’ve been through hell and back. With every passing day, Gandalf trembles a little harder and curls in his corner a little tighter. This sweet pup needs to feel safe so that his physical and emotional healing can begin. Now more than ever, Gandalf needs to catch a breather from the stressful kennel environment. Only you can make this happen by choosing to open your heart and home to him.
Please Foster or Adopt Gandalf
The best thing that could happen to Gandalf right now is finding a warm, quiet & loving home — even if it’s just for a little while — where he can pause on the trembling, eat his meals without fear, and sleep soundly throughout the night without the barking of other dogs jolting him out of his sleep.
Gandalf needs someone who will show him the love and kindness he never got to experience while under his breeder’s care. Someone compassionate and patient enough to allow him to open up at his own pace. If you’d love to offer Gandalf the foster or adoptive home he yearns for, learn more about his adoption process here.
