HELP AN ABANDONED DOG FIND A NEW HOME

Those of you who know me know animals hold the biggest piece of my heart. A month ago I was visiting Arizona and found an abandoned dog tethered to a bush in the MIDDLE of the desert (I was traveling to a national park and so was already deep in the middle of nowhere). He had a few scabs on his chest, was super dehydrated, and even though he was scared, was so desperate for water he would run up to the water bowl and then sprint back for cover. After a 25 minutes I was able to get him to trust me enough to put a makeshift leash around his neck. He was so weak he couldn’t jump into the back of my hatchback opening and so I had to lift him up. Once he had cooled down in the AC, had water, and a little food, his personality started to shine through. He was friendly and snuggly; forcing his head under your hand for scratches. He loved his treats but not as much as he loved sleeping in the busiest room in the house.

I spent two days calling rescues and animal control centers, only for all of them (seriously over 20 different establishments) to say they were overwhelmed at their capacity and couldn’t take him. They basically said our best bet was to post him online… (if you’re a pit owner, you know that usually doesn’t end well for them).

So what now? Luckily a friend out there was able to take him temporarily while we were on waitlists and callbacks. In that time we got him on antibiotics for his wound, fully vaccinated, and neutered. The good news is he is healthy; no heart worms, no diseases, and no more infection! The not-so-good news is we’re now a month later and we’re being told it could be another 3 months on average and the spot is not guaranteed or looking good for a 1.5 year old pitbull. Being from NE it’s hard to fathom rescues refusing strays or surrenders but that’s their reality and they are trying their best to keep up with the stray problem they have. At this point, because my friend really cannot keep him for another 3+ months, the next plan is to get him up here for rescue/adoption. Airlines have restricted dogs of his weight and breed from traveling so ground transportation is the only option. A group transport from AZ to NY is running at about $1,800 (private transport is $3,500).

I know there are so many important things going on in the world that deserve people's help, but something about this furry man and all the affection he has to offer has plucked the heartstrings of everyone he meets and it's truly sad to think such a happy, friendly boy would have been left to fend for himself the way he was and deserves to have a family that will love him.

A group transport is leaving this Wednesday, the 27th, and another one next Wednesday (Aug 3rd), so trying to make the funds up in time to get him on one of those! Any little bit you can spare is appreciated!