Donate to help Gladstone the German Shepherd

A case of animal cruelty is now being investigated by authorities in Peapack and Gladstone, NJ.

 

During the early morning hours of April 2nd, an injured dog attempted to reach out for humans to help him. This German Shepherd, now appropriately named “Gladstone”, tried to get into a resident’s home by way of the back porch/ door. He was in extremely poor shape, with his skin nearly peeling off of his face and abdomen. His fur was patchy, he had open wounds around his body, and his groin area had exposed tissue. Although originally thought to have been caused by another animal, it was determined that it was more a case of extreme neglect and cruelty that led to Gladstone’s physical suffering. Despite his extreme pain, he still remained trusting with humans and was both affectionate and sweet.

 

Both Animal Control and local police responded to the location and Gladstone was taken to the vet for extensive care. Originally not knowing if he would survive, we are happy to report that Gladstone is slowly recovering and his prognosis is looking much better. His injuries were determined to be a horrific case of mange, as well as scabies (skin mites) that were both so painful and itchy that poor Gladstone nearly mutilated his own skin, attempting to soothe the itching. This led to further infections (both skin and internal), which require additional medication to help control. His recovery will be very slow, but he is in good spirits, knowing that humans are helping him to feel better.

 

Since mange and mites are contagious to humans, Gladstone has had to remain in veterinary isolation, which is both expensive and long-term. He has been at the vet since April 2, where he had to remain on a 7-day stray hold. After his 7-day stray hold, Gladstone was then placed into the care of Garden State German Shepherd Rescue, a local 501(c)3, where he will continue to receive the treatment that he needs in order to hopefully make a full recovery without any long-term health issues.

Garden State German Shepherd Rescue (GSGSR) is a New Jersey based non-profit organization comprised completely of volunteers with a common love and respect for the German Shepherd dog. The organization is solely foster-based, so there is no shelter environment or associated stress. All adoptable German Shepherds go into foster homes until they can find a permanent forever home.

 

GSGSR is ‘funded’ solely by donations. Gladstone’s ongoing care is estimated to be near $2,000 weekly while in veterinary care (this estimate is without unplanned complications). Gladstone will be receiving daily pain medication and antibiotics, ongoing medicated salves and baths, as well as injections to curb the mange, mites, and infections. He may also need a skin graft if his body cannot heal his deep wounds on its own. The Peapack-Gladstone, Bernards Township, and Basking Ridge communities have stepped up in helping this sweet soul. Together, we hope to give Gladstone the best care and eventually be adopted into a loving local family, where he will never experience such neglect and cruelty again.

 

 

We need your help. A nonprofit can easily be bankrupt by a dog with such extensive medical needs. With the community’s help, GSGSR will provide the best care for this affectionate Shepherd. All donations will go towards Gladstone’s current and future medical expenses. Any additional funds secured, above and beyond any of Gladstone’s costs, will go towards helping other German Shepherds in need. Please help us help him. He deserves to know that humanity can heal his wounds, both physically and mentally. He came ‘knocking’ on a resident’s door…..and knew he would be getting the help he needs.

 

 

 

Link to original article: https://patch.com/new-jersey/baskingridge/injured-dog-prompts-animal-cruelty-probe-peapack-gladstone-police

 

 

 

To learn more about GSGSR: www.gsgsr.org

 

 

 

If you would like to volunteer to help other German Shepherds in need and work with this amazing local organization, please reach out to us at www.gsgsr.org or on Facebook or Instagram. There is always a need for volunteers, foster homes, and more.

 

 

 

A special thanks to Det. Caruso, the Bernards Township PD, Kate and Michelle at Animal Control, and various community members who have supported Gladstone from day 1. There's so many names, so many people, I wish we could name everyone individually. The community support for him is something we love to see, and feel honored being a part of. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. – GSGSR