Dumpster Rescue Dog Braveheart Fetches Nationwide Support
The dying dog was discovered in a dumpster.
An animal control officer found the light brown dog in a public dumpster in Kentucky in late March. Dubbed Braveheart, perhaps for the 1995 Mel Gibson film, the mixed-breed dog was taken to the Harland County Animal Shelter. There, the dog was tagged for euthanasia.
The unclaimed canine was severely emaciated and suffered from mange, open skin sores, multiple worm infestations and a possible bowel obstruction. His fur was matted, and his coat bore bare spots with bites from mites, maggots or other dogs.
Canine specialists examining the dog indicated that they suspected Braveheart may have been kept in a too-small cage, where he was likely unable to change positions.
However, Marti and Jim Houge heard of Braveheart's plight and took him to their animal rescue operation, One Starfish Rehoming Connections of Wisconsin. The Houges began feeding and caring for the sick and starved dog, using their own resources.
Within a few days, though, the Houges took Braveheart from their Columbus, Wisconsin, facility to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care center in Madison, Wisconsin, as the dog was experiencing both diarrhea and vomiting and showing signs of shock.
Braveheart is improving in intensive care.
At the veterinary hospital, Braveheart gained strength after receiving intravenous hydration and medications and consuming tiny helpings of baby food, chicken and tuna. Medical staffers started tracking the dog's blood chemistry, skin condition and overall health.
Animal lovers have rallied to raise support through online donations and PayPal gifts for the rescued canine, whose medical bills are expected to reach $5,000 or more. The dog's hospital stay may last weeks, or even months, according to Daniel Foy, DVM, of UW Veterinary Care.
A Facebook page titled Braveheart's Battle began carrying daily updates on the dog's condition for thousands of fans. UW Veterinary Care doctors and staffers started offering reports on Facebook as well.
If Braveheart continues to recover, he may ultimately become available for adoption.
Everyone's been so supportive, and I knew [Braveheart is] getting all the love he needs," Marti Houge commented. "It's been slow going, and that's what's frustrating. But there's light at the end of the tunnel... There's nothing more rewarding than to feel like you've given an animal a second chance."
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Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor. View profile
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- Braveheart, a Labrador/Shepherd mix, has gone from death's door into the hearts of animal lovers.
- The dying dog was discovered in a dumpster. Now, University of Wisconsin veterinarians care for him.
- The dog's sad story is fetching compassion from folks in all walks of life.
6 Comments
Post a CommentI was just going to say what a wonderful story, but then I realized how this poor animal was treated to begin with. I don't know how anyone that calls themselves a human being could do this to a helpless animal. I hope Braveheart receives the best care available and finds a loving home. Whoever did this will have to stand in judgement someday and explain why he (or she) treated one of God's animals this way. I love all animals, and it makes me sick to think of the pain that poor dog suffered. Excellent article on a sad subject with a happy outcome.
I love animals and it makes me sad to hear stories like this. I have taken in many animals in my life , both domestic and quite a few wild-life rehab's. It's hard to imagine that people can do heartless things like this.
this story is both heartwarming and heartwrenching!
Thanks for reporting this story. I hope that Braveheart pulls through. It's awful what he's been through.
These stories bring me to tears. Poor defense animal. Glad people are stepping up!
Who could do that to a dog? It's horrible. I'm glad that people are responding to his story.