Roy

i hate any critter to be neglected or abused.  I just can't fathom how some people can do the things they do to other living beings - person, dog, cat, rabbit, mouse, and I could go on and on.  But we see it every day.  And every time I do, my heart aches oh so much - not only for the abused but for the cruel and heartless that do such things - having no respect for God-given life.  I hate to hear about pets that were discarded, left at a shelter (which is much better than just being dumped on some road but still sad), or left for dead somewhere along the way.  i know from experience how my dogs look for us to return home at our usual time.  I've seen the anxiety when one of us is tardy and the joy when we finally arrive.  I know how they cling to me when they are afraid and how they depend on us for their comfort and how all they want to do is please us and be with us.

I certainly don't know this dog's story but I would like you to meet Roy.  He is in sad, sad shape.  Either he was neglected and got so far gone that his people decided to take him to the country and dump him, OR he has been lost and on his own for quite sometime.  I definitely will try to find his people for him (and them), but in the meantime I will share the journey.

Roy was found curled up under an apple tree in my father-in-law's orchard.  He let's the grass grow tall so that we can use the area to release birds and train Lucy. Mom and Dad came to visit Thursday evening and he mentioned that an old scraggly dog was up at the farm.  I wanted details but he couldn't give me much - other than that the dog was in pretty bad shape and barely able to walk.  Yes, I had to go.... and I did find him.  At first I didn't think about the possibility of him  being cross but as I got closer to him the thought did enter my mind. He wasn't at all.  He was hungry!  I had taken dog food with me and that was all it took to convince him that I was one of the good guys.  I slipped a leash looped around his neck similar to how I have seen other rescuers do and headed him to my truck.  He could barely walk but he jumped right in!  I do believe that animals have an instinct and know when we are trying to help them.  Once home I put him in our outdoor kennel, gave him food and water, named him Roy, and said a prayer for him.

I've never really rehabbed an animal, unless you count the orphans that I have raised.  But Roy is in bad shape.  He either has mange or fleas and ticks have caused him to lose much of his hair.  So in addition to being emaciated he has a terrible skin condition. I'm itching as I type........

His appetite is great and he is drinking water good.  He looks for me when he hears my voice..... Roy you are such a good dog!

My Vet recommended giving him a Flea/Tick pill that would rid him of those parasites.  She had one that has proven to be effective on mange as well, even though it is not listed, so that is what I gave him.  She said to wait a day or two and then give him a bath.

Day two, bath time!  I have a favorite shampoo that I used when I was training.  It is a good anti-fungal and it smells wonderful! Labeled:  Helps biting licking and scratching, soothes hot spots and dry skin, removes pet odor, won't burn or hurt irritated skin or open wounds, non-steroidal.  Got it covered right?  Well, it didn't go too bad and I think he felt much better afterwards.  He's wagging his tail and is so much more alert.  If I had not taken the extra effort to go get him and bring him home he probably would have died under that apple tree.  I think he was close to giving up and we had almost an inch of rain that night.  I do believe he will make it now and my heart is warmed knowing that I am doing right by Roy..... and I am hoping that God is smiling at me because Roy is one of His. Sometimes these might just be tests..... I think I am passing this one!  :)