SUBSCRIBE VIA RSSI knew the second Heather sent me the following photo and text message that our plan to de-doggify our household after Jackson dies had been terminated.
"Help me. Please?"
I’ll admit, I have a huge place in my heart for animals. Especially abandoned, neglected, or abused animals. This particular dog was found chained in 95+ degree heat by my wife when she and her father were loading hay in a barn he was renting.
Apparently, this poor thing had been tethered to a 10-foot chain for more than four years after being abandoned by the property owner’s daughter. He managed to put food and water within reach but this was the limit of provided care. My wife marched over to the man’s house and asked if he would please allow her to adopt the dog.
After some pause and resistance he finally relented under one condition…that she not report him to the authorities. He must have known just how deplorable the conditions were to make such a demand.
From my wife’s observations alone:
- Months, probably years-worth of old fur was caught in various links of the metal chain that tethered the dog to an old tire.
- Unconcerned rats were repeatedly seen drinking from its water dish.
- The dog was almost listless and unable or unwilling to lift its head higher than its shoulders.
- Its tail was fused to its left hind leg by caked-on manure, mud, and thistles. As a result, the dog was unable to walk unless it limped, shuffled its feet, or curled its rear.
- Ungroomed and uncombed, it had a massive amount of fur and matted hair all about its body.
- The dog had been chained to the barn for years, through both harsh winters and harsh summers.
- The area that was reachable by the 10-foot chain comprised its entire world.
- It had, and has, a huge tumor protruding from the side of its head with no known medical treatment.
- Its collar had worn away fur to the point where it was far too sensitive to be touched. It also had to be cut off using scissors due to the rusted fasteners.
I could go on and on, but to us, it appeared that they were just waiting for this thing to die. As though they weren’t so cold-hearted to where they wanted to put it down, but also not humane enough to see that it didn’t live the balance of its life in misery. As my wife said when I asked how old the dog was, “I don’t care if it only has another month to live. At least it will know what it’s like to feel loved.”
She couldn't get the dog to look up for this photo.
Not entirely heartless, the guy offered up an old couch cushion.
Heather changed out the brown-tinged water. No doubt to the delight of the rats.
Before my wife even started home I called our pet groomer and the local animal shelter to ask about rescue-friendly veterinarians. I needed someone to take mercy on us considering all the work that needed to be done. I’m rather disenchanted with our current vet because every visit feels like a late-night infomercial. I sit down with a dog or cat and then they start pimping all kinds of new products with guilt-laden “if you really love your pet” pitches.
I’m so tired of $35 “office exams” that consist entirely of lifting the dogs lips and then giving its midsection a few quick squeezes. Apparently, that’s all that’s needed to determine that the dog is in dire need of $300 worth of specialty food, canine vitamins, and denta-bones.
The shelter was wonderful and provided us with a local vet known for slashing rates for rescue animals. It was refreshing to find a veterinarian who would take mercy on our wallets because while we truly wanted to do the right thing, we knew rescuing this animal wouldn’t be cheap.
Here’s how the call to the vet went down:
Me: Hello, I need to make an appointment for a rescue dog. Well, a dog we rescued. Not a real rescue dog like a Saint Bernard that brings you a barrel of whiskey when you’re stranded.
Vet: Do you know the breed?
Me: Not a clue. Unless fuzzy is a breed.
Vet: Do you know its gender?
Me: No. My sick wife said, and I quote, “I felt around down there and didn’t feel a johnson,” so it’s either a female or a rather unlucky male.
Vet (finally laughing): Ok, so do you know how old it is?
Me: No idea. I’d say between 1 and 12 if I had to guess.
Vet: Do you know if it’s had any boosters or if it’s been vaccinated for rabies?
Me: I highly doubt it. All it’s been vaccinated from is human interaction.
Vet: And…do you have a name for it?
Me: A name? Heck no. We don’t even know what we have here.
By the time we finished the pre-visit interview, I believe I provided all the information necessary for the vet to know that we had a dog. Beyond that, this furry little thing was one big mystery.
When Heather rolled up with the dog we all went out to greet it like the Brady kids greeted Oliver when he arrived to destroy the show. The dog practically fell out of the car and we slowly walked it to the back porch where Heather planned on cutting away the bulk of the excess matted hair to try and help the groomer.
When finished, the tail was freed from the hind leg and we had enough fur to manufacture yet another animal.
Larry warns the freshly-cut fur mass about making any sudden movements.
Our other dog, Jackson, who is a 150-pound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, seemed to really take to the new addition. He’d sidle up next to the dog and then start dry-humping the air, curling his rear like a frightened lobster. I’m not sure if he was establishing dominance or showing his new guest what kind of goodness he’s capable of delivering, but either way, it was disturbing.
One would think that Jackson’s behavior would be an indication that we had a female on our hands, but Jackson’s never really shown any discrimination when it comes to loving on males, females, human legs, or furniture. He’s neutered so I can only imagine how our house would look if he was still intact.
It took the groomer over two hours to clean this dog up and she informed us that we did indeed have a female. I knew Jackson would be thrilled. We’re not too worried about any late-night malfeasance though. First, he’s fixed. Second, he hasn’t a clue what he’s doing. And third, he has bilateral hip dysplasia so he isn’t even physically capable of mounting a squirrel.
The groomer did such a wonderful job with her. She cut away all of the remaining mats, bathed her with a medicated shampoo, treated her skin, and combed her out. Even just hours after rescue, she was looking so pretty. And, to be honest, it looked like she knew it. While still unable to walk with any degree of strength, she already seemed happier.
The start of a beautiful friendship.
It's easy to raise your head high when you're given food, love, and compassion.
Our groomer, who also moonlights with the SPCA, suggested that she may be exhibiting signs of senility or dementia. I figured that just came with the territory of being a dog. If someone ever asked me how to determine if a dog was senile, I’d tell them to answer the following series of questions:
1. Is the dog breathing?
If yes, your dog is senile.
If no, your dog was senile.
Referring to the checklist for senility symptoms I just see an accurate description of every dog I’ve ever owned or encountered, so her pre-diagnosis didn’t really concern me. I figured the dog was just so dehydrated, so hungry, and so starved for attention that she needed some time to recover. As the groomer said, she may just need time to get healthy before she can act normal.
It was kinda weird though. She would just sit there and stare blankly at various things. She wouldn’t react to us calling her and seemed to have a hard time seeing. She’d walk around the house and yard in circles just kind of oblivious to anyone or any thing’s presence. Every time she saw Jackson or the same ottoman for the hundredth time it was like a brand new experience. Her behavior reminded me of Dory from Finding Nemo. Thus, her given name.
"Wow, wish *I* could speak whale."
Before her noted improvement over the following couple of days, we started to ponder what we’d do if she was indeed senile. We were already in the throes of housebreaking her, which seems weird with her being so old, but we weren’t sure what else we’d need to do. While sitting together petting her, my wife uttered what I feel is the quote of the year.
“I just wish she could realize how much happier she is now.”
Is that not precious? Even if Dory is certifiable, I’d have to imagine she knows she’s in a far better place. But even if she doesn’t, at least we know, and that’s enough for us.
Dory’s visit to the veterinarian went great. While we’re closing in on over $400 in expense so far, she’s been worth every penny. We had to test for parasites, test for heartworm, do full immunizations, get a rabies shot, do a physical exam that included more than a quick glance of the teeth, full bloodwork, and obtain some eye medication for her ulcerated cornea.
The tumor seems benign but we won’t know for sure until the biopsy. Either way, it has to be removed, which is ballparked at around $600. Left untreated, it will get infected and cause far more problems. Not to mention, she has to hate it.
The vet suggested that she’s around 10 years old, is 95% certain she’s been spayed, has damaged eyesight that should improve with the eye drops, and may be hard of hearing…but certainly not deaf. We’re awaiting the results on all of her tests but we’re hoping that her biggest need is TLC, because we have an endless supply of that here.
Dory being taken for a drag.
Dory is so well-mannered. I have yet to hear her bark, she’s always wagging her tail, she’s gentle, and she’s really starting to come into her own. She no longer wallows around the yard or saunters about the home. Instead, she’s starting to gallop, starting to explore, starting to trust, and starting to interact.
I have no idea what the test results will be, but just like Heather said, I don’t care if she only has a month left. Dory is going to be loved and tended to properly until her final day.
Dory is ours now. And you want to know the best part?
I think she knows it.
——- UPDATE! ——-
We need your help! To help provide Dory with as many lost experiences as possible, I’ve started Dory’s Bucket List Adventure. Do you have ideas on activities and experiences we can give her?
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Wow…
Poor Dory. You guys are awesome for taking her in. And yes, she’s definitely in a good place now.
For this…I will delurk. You all just earned wings. No animal deserves what Dory has been through. She is blessed and your love will be returned tenfold.
Oh my gosh the poor thing!!!! It’s terrible what some people can do to animals. She’s a very cute golden retriever mix after the grooming though. I’m glad your vet is slashing prices and I’m so glad you guys rescued her. I look forward to seeing more of her on your blog!
Your family are heroes! I SO teared up at the “It’s easy to raise your head high when you’re given food, love, and compassion.” photo and caption. Dory can’t say thank you but I can! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for giving that dog a chance to live out her years loved and happy.
Seriously Greg, if you are going to include quotes, give them them the whole conversation! Once again…I don’t know why I talk to you
)
…says the one who was copping a feel on the canine. I suppose you can just chalk it up to jealousy.
What a big heart your family has. Awww.. You can see the difference once she got all cleaned up. Dory…perfectly cute name!!! The Jackson introduction LOL!!!!
What a sad, then heart-warming, story! You guys are awesome. Is there a paypal acct or something that I could donate a few dollars to help with Dory’s care? It would be so worth it!
@Claire – I totally appreciate the offer but we couldn’t possibly! It’s a wonderful thing for you to do but we’re going to make sure she’s well cared for. No worries on that!
Why couldn’t you possibly? It’s a small thing for us to help defray the costs. I was going back to look for that info myself. A few dollars is nothing compared to the love and time you all will be giving her. Let us help a bit, okay?
Greg! You made me cry!!! *I just had to take my kitty in to the Vet today, so reading this didn’t help!* You are all animal angels for taking her in. Dory is so lucky to have found you. It looks like your daughter is in love with her as well. On another note, MrsTellingDad promised not to tell on that man. But you could always accidently state where this garage was…none of us *reads* made that promise to him. Just a thought. More pictures of her please though! She is so pretty! So is your kitty, I love how she is just staring at the fluff.
Now I’m blubbering like a fool. It’s unbelievable the difference between the first photo and the last photos. And look at the smile on your daughter’s face. Your actions are teaching her compassion and love for her fellow man (alright, dog) and that’s going to come back to you a thousand-fold.
I agree! It doesn’t even look like the same dog. However, you can tell she is much happier with you guys.
I absolutely love your family and especially your wife for stepping up for Dory as soon as she saw her!
She is beautiful and you guys are so great to take care of her and show her love!
That is so wonderful. What a beautiful golden you have now! I just had a run-in today. We were taking our puppy for a walk and happened to see a couple dogs at the other end of the park. One ran away and the other one was playing with my dog. No owners. Seeing as how he kept trying to pee but had nothing, it’s nails were long and curled, and it’s fur was dirty we figure it was a stray. To make a long story short, after we were trying to get it home to wait for the SPCA some lady came and said it was hers. That and the other dog. So sad
It probably would have been happier in a new home.
What a wonderful tale! I am so glad that you and your family are taking good care of Dory now! I admit I cried. I may cry again just thinking about Dory being happy now and loved.
I’m in tears too…tears for her her previous condition and tears for what a wonderful thing you have done. I am a huge animal lover myself, and it breaks my heart when I hear of bad things happening to animals.
I just know she feels the love and is grateful for you and Heather. You are angels…
What a great thing you did. I’m sure Dory knows she is loved.
i knew i wasnt stable enough to read this post.
sniff.
trisha
Greg, I liked you and your wife before but now I have a serious case of “crush”.
You guys are just awesome. Really.
I had to wipe away tears to get to typing this. I am just blown away on so many levels. Dory is so lucky to have you guys. I’m just so sorry it took her such a long time and such huge hurdles to find her forever people. Thank you for sharing this. Your wife rules. So do you.
Thank you everyone for the awesome comments. Dory is sound asleep as I write this right by our feet in the family room. Couldn’t be happier.
I’d feel really weird accepting donations for something like this. It’s not that we don’t totally appreciate the offers and interest, but I’d just feel, I dunno, weird. But know that it’s totally giving us a warm & fuzzy feeling to know people want to do that. I just can’t bring myself to posting a paypal address for it. But seriously, thank you all so much for even offering!!!
You should find a good group that gives to animals like this in need who’s owners cannot help them as well as you have helped Dory. I would give to that in honor of her. <3
My dad has been bugging me to try to get donations for the dog I adopted…. =P
Wow…..Such a wonderful story. Had me in tears about the entire thing. That poor dog was suffering, yay for Heather for stepping up and saving that poor dog. Yay to you too, as you allowed the dog to come in even if you didn’t want to at first. Yay to the entire family for giving this dog the love and care that it needed and deserved! You might have promised to not call the guy in, though you could let it slip to the vet in hopes that he would call it in, or happen to let it slip and one of us readers call it in. Dory definitely looks much happier in those pictures and hopefully she continues on the mends. I know that some of the vets accept “care credit” locally, i had to get it once my cat was diagnosed with diabetes and had to get all the tests done and everything thereafter. Good luck and keep the readers updated on Dory!
Awwww you made me teary eyed too *snuffle* Maybe those who wish to donate could send money to their local spca or no kill shelter to help another animal
wow – that is truly a touching story… Its so sad to see how someone could even do that to a dog. Seriously!! Thank GOD your wife stopped by and saw the dog and took charge! What a great happy ending to such a sad story!
You guys are angels. I’m sitting here crying just thinking about the life Dory had and the wonderful home she’s now in.
Such a sweet dog…sounds like your family is as lucky to have her as she’s lucky to have you.
My dog, Jersey, was also neglected, then rescued by a kind woman who brought her to a shelter. I was fortunate enough to see Jersey’s photo online, even though I wasn’t even looking for a dog at the time. One look at her matted, ungroomed face and I knew I had to have her.
Just a few days later, she made herself at home in our house, and I’ve never looked back. Jersey and I are lucky we found each other, and I feel like your family and Dory are the same way!
Good luck with your growing family!
I have something planned tomorrow that you all can do to help Dory but it won’t involve cash. It’ll be fun! Stay tuned! I’ll try and have it up by dinner time.
Thank you to all for your kind words!
Hazaa! Can’t wait!!!
I’ll be looking for it!
I am absolutely in tears. God bless you. Really.
What an amazing story. Please update us on Dory. I look forward to hearing about her some more.
God Bless you guys for what you have done.
Greg you and your family are wonderful wonderful people. She already looks so much happier in the post-grooming photos then she did in the first photos. I think I even see a doggie smile.
Greg, This is my favorite post I’ve seen ALL year on ANY blog. This made me cry and warmed my heart.
You mentioned that sometimes she just stares and wanders around in circles. If she’s been tied for four years, then that is what she is used to (sitting, staring and going in circles). Give her time and I know she will break out of it.
She is so lucky to have your family. It breaks my heart that people can be so horrible. I only hope that they get theirs in the end.
I think what you did was really amazing. That being said: please don’t hate me but I just want to warn you to BE CAREFUL. There is a huge difference between a shelter dog and a neglected dog. Neglected dogs can be very dangerous. We did exactly what you just did, took in a dog that was terribly neglected. Problem was, because of this he was super food protective. He ended up attacking my husband when a fight broke out between him and our 14 year old beagle due to a food issue. My husband is scarred for life. It was so traumatic. It took him nearly 6 months for him to attack, for 6 months we thought he was fine.
Lee
You guys are just awesome. That’s so great you guys are taking such good care of her! I agree Dory looks so much happier in her post-grooming photos.
wow you are great people hope the test went well. that is awesome love the pics and you can tell that dory is so loved and is getting happier your wife is right every day you have her will make you guys feel good knowing that at least she lived a happy life once you got send all the luck.
You guys rock! So glad you could help a doggie out!
That’s amazing Greg! I’m glad she found you guys.
Greg, you and Heather are truly angels sent from above by St. Francis and it looks like Kamryn has a new best friend. I’ve been stalking your site for a long time now and I’ve read your previous stories about your weimaraner. Our first weim Dexter also destroyed our house constantly. Unfortunately, we just lost our second weimaraner, Emma after 16 years. It was heartbreaking but reading this story has healed my heart. God bless you and your family.
I’m going to punch you in the nose for making me cry.
As if being pregnant weren’t enough reason to cry at the drop of a hat, you managed to make me have big ol’ tears. You and your family are truly amazing. Rescue dogs have a special place in my hearts as well (hence the TWO 3-legged dogs we have). I am so glad Dory has a new home… for however long she lives. She is a very lucky girl.
What a wonderful thing. It breaks my heart to hear of people’s complete lack of regard for another living being, especially animals. She looks so happy now! You and your family have brought light back into her life and that’s beautiful.
Your wife is amazing and so are you. I am all teary-eyed from seeing both the before and after pictures. Thank you for saving Dory. No dog deserves what she went through, and every dog deserves a loving home like you have given her. Both of our dogs were rescues, strays that we found. Lucy was starving, covered in fleas, infested with hookworms and had been attacked by another dog (we think) and the wounds were infected, so her nose was swelled up to twice its normal size. Despite all of that, she was and still is the happiest dog that I have ever met. She brings joy into our lives every day, and I know that Dory will do the same for you. Sniff.
what a gorgeous dog! you guys are awesome for doing such a great thing
This is my first time on your site — and you’ve already made me laugh and cry with a single post! You’re wonderful people for taking Dory in — I wish there were more like you in the world!
That poor sweet baby! Greg, this is the first post of yours that I’ve read. I laughed. I cried. I wondered where you’d been all my life.
I’ll be back
This is my first visit to your site (I was directed here from a link on The Bloggess) and I loved this post. What a wonderful thing for your family to do! Thank you for sharing a beautiful ending to a horrific story of animal abuse.
Bless you…just bless you.
Also, this is the first post I have read on your blog. Congratulations on a now dedicated reader.
I don’t understand how someone could be so neglectful of an animal…and I’m not even an animal lover. I’m so glad your wife found Dory and had the heart to take her in. You guys are awesome!
mad props to your family for taking on this poor rescue dog….. I wish there were more people in the world like you… I’m one of those people that if I see a stray dog on the road I will always stop and see if I can find its owner and if not will usually help find it a good home.. if not my home..
PLEASE keep us updated on Dora…
Dory is beautiful! When I see that people like you and Heather exist and do the wonderful things you do (with your own children watching and learning by example, too), it makes me happy. Thanks for sharing.
Just found your blog today via The Bloggess — and have added you to my ever-growing blog list. What an amazing story! I look forward to hearing about Dory’s progress and let us know what we do to help out.
I’m so happy for you and for Dory. You guys are so awesome for rescuing her! I still can’t believe people do this to poor animals, it just breaks my heart. Dory is so cute!!
You and your family are truly amazing people! Both of our dogs were spur-of-the-moment rescues as well and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Our Chloe was weeks away from being put down due to her extreme mange and now she is so full of life we can barely keep up.
The world needs more people like you, your wife, and your family! Dory looks absolutely amazing!
Oh Greg, what a heartwarming story! I love this! I can’t believe how terrible her conditions were before your wife found her! I hope it all comes with more of a happy ending with the tumor!
I am experiencing a bevy of emotions right now. I cried thru dory’s entire story. First because of the deplorable conditions she was forced to live under and then because of the beautiful gift you have ginen her, a chance to live out the remainder of her life knowing love. I am also angry. People like those who treated he badly should be banned from ever having any pets! Bravo to you and your wife. You are very special people.
Okay, all of you wonderful pet lovers. Want to help Dory? Simply provide me with ideas for Dory’s Bucket List Adventure!
http://www.tellingdad.com/2011/dorys-bucket-list-adventure/
How awesome of you guys! She is beautiful and looks sooo happy and loved now! Bless you
Greg, I am so glad you guys were able to find her and bring her into your lives. It is so heart wrenching to see animals that suffer like this everyday and not enough people out there willing to step up to the plate. You guys are amazing and I’m glad Dory has her well-deserved family <3 <3
Oh wow Greg. I am seriously in tears! I have a rescue dog and Dory’s story really hit home for me! Our pup was left in an abandoned foreclosed home (who does that?). We had no idea what it would entail and honestly didn’t care. His happiness over the last 6 years has been more reward then anything I could have spent the $$ from the vet and other bills on. He’s a family member here, much like Dory is to you! Kudos for being stand up ‘parents’ and saving Dory. I bet she lives many more years then anyone thinks! Sounds like the ‘puppy’ is just now coming out! <3
I’m crying. You guys rock. I’m so happy for Dory.
I am bawling like a baby over here. You and Heather have done a beautiful thing for a precious animal.
Never read your blog, don’t know who you are. I found this from a post on Facebook…
And though I DON’T know you or your wife and family, Thank You. Angels that all of you are. I know vets can be expensive, I wish I could help financially, but I am owned by a Siberian that had vet needs as well as being a single mother.
I intend on bookmarking your blog and look forward to future updates on Dory.
You are good people, and this is so good for Dory, and a great experience for your kids.
For all of you have have commented and emailing about REALLY wanting to donate towards Dory’s tumor-removal surgery, I’ve gone ahead and caved in. I still feel a little awkward putting it up considering we adopted her and all responsibilities with her, but we’re touched by the outpouring of support and all the requests from those who want to be a part of it.
You can link to it here: http://www.tellingdad.com/2011/neuter-the-tumor/
Thank you everyone for your kind words, comments, and outpouring of love for her!
Thank you so much for taking in such a poor, neglected animal regardless of how much time, work, and money would be required to rehabilitate her. Animal abuse/cruelty upsets me in the worst way. Firstly because, while humans are capable of evil emotions (greed, rage, revenge, murder, rudeness, etc) animals do NOT have these emotions. Animals are not evil. And it also gets to me because pets are completely dependent on humans…they are utterly helpless when humans refuse to take care of them well. I can’t tell you how wonderful I think your family is for rescuing this poor dog and giving her a better life than any pet can hope for. Its just too bad there arent more people like you.
The pictures of Dory are so sweet. She looks exactly like our Carrie except Carrie had a big black scar the length of her nose, we think from trying to eat out of a tin can. She had been dumped in a park near our house when she was about 3 months old. She would try to catch bugs in the grass to eat. She lived a very pampered life afterwards (my kids said I never treated them as well) and lived to 12 1/2 years. We still miss her every day. She was a great dog and extremely smart. May Dory and your family have happy times together!! You all deserve it.
Incoming! Good luck!
Your family is truly amazing for helping Dory! I can’t wait to hear updates about her bucket list. Such a great idea!
I just discovered your blog today and had to read the backstory about Dory. What a blessing you people are in her lives and yes, I know that she has more than blessed you back.
We have a rescue dog, Max, who was abused by his former owners. They were so mean that when we got him, we couldn’t make any sudden moves, walk by him or even feed him without him freaking out (not to mention losing control of his bodily functions).
We’ve loved on him for years now and he’s been many a fun story for my blog, lol! He still has occassional “startle” or cowering reactions every now and then and he still looks guilty more than he should, but he has really blossomed with love and attention, and he will now eat without urinating all over and without backing into a corner first. He used to only eat if he could back into a corner and face out, to see who or what was coming. Well, I’d better quit before I hijack your comments!
Ok I had to read Dory’s story! You and you family are awesome! God bless you! Tears! What an angel she is!!!
This was so sweet of you to do. :hugs: to your family and Dory.
(And I agree 100% on your senile test. I swear, my boxer would pass…fail? your test)
I am so glad you guys took her in! We’ve adopted a great dog from our local shelter and while she isn’t perfectly behaved, she is the love of our lives. We often have stray dogs show up at our house. We care for them, try to find their owners and do what we can to make them feel loved and cared for – even if just for a short time.
This made me cry too! I like to think there is a special place in hell for people that abuse animals. I am going to go and hug my three furbabies tome now. God bless you for doing this.
Awesome thanks for sharing and caring! She will have a good life now thanks to you.
Thank goodness there are people in this world that love animals so much, that will take the time to save them from their terrible situations, if I could save them all in one swoop I would, thank you for doing this, my heart is so happy for the puppy dog. bless you and may you always be so wonderful.
I would have still report that guy. I would have never told him i wouldn’t have report him. What he did was so wrong. I am glad someone good has that dog now and look like it is enjoy life.
So wonderful you reached out and took Dory into your family! We adopted a very elderly dog a year and a half ago. He’d been in a shelter for over a year, was completely deaf, and had limited eyesight and hip issues as well. My vet took one look at him and said, “you are going to cry over him sooner rather than later, but let’s see if we can make what time he has good.” It was a lot of work, and a lot of heartache, but he was happy, safe, and loved for the year we were able to give him before a brain tumor took him. Despite all the tears and sleepless nights, we have no regrets. You’re doing a wonderful thing and teaching your children a valuable lesson. Wishing you all many happy years with Dory!
This totally made my day!
I love this kind of story… Big hearts and a nice story! I hope the tumor is benign and that Dory has many years of happy life to live.
wow what a story… I love people like you!!!
I cried and laughed, you guys rock for taking on the monetary expense and your wife is such an angel for saving Dory! Even if it is only a month, at least Dory got to know that not all humans don’t care!
I LOVE this story and all of you for your big hearts! Thank you for all you did for that precious girl. She can leave this world knowing what she deserved….love!
I’m quite a bit late on this comment! I have to say this is one awesome story! I also have a rescued dog, whom is a yorkie that was living outside and looked like she had the mange(spelling is probably inaccurate). I’m so glad to see more people who have such awesome big hearts towards animals. I would live to volunteer at a shelter but lord knows I would end up having the shelter at my house! Kudos to your family on this heartfelt story!!
I am starting to feel like a stalker with these comments on archives…It’s wonderful what you did for Dory, no animal should have to live like she was living but can I just say the WAY you told the story and the captions under the pictures made me laugh so hard it brought tears to my eyes. Takes quite a bit of talent to infuse such humor into an otherwise heartbreakingly sad event. Kudos to you Greg, I am loving your blog
i have to agree your family is awesome!
you guys are great..thank you so much for lightening my day … hugs to all family… <3<3<3
Dory found her angels!!!
Wow what a beautiful golden retriever. You lucked out with a wonderful gentle gorgeous old dog — thanks for rescuing her and treat her well – she deserves it.
You are AMAZING! It’s incredible what a little love can do! Wonderfully written story!
I am so happy for her. I can’t believe someone would treat a dog this way. We have had 2 goldens and they are so sweet, loving and social. They wnat to be right with you. Thanks for what you did.
Oh man. New reader, sent by the Bloggess, and I know I’m like, 8 months late, but can I just say awwwwwwwwwwww<3 <3 <3. Seriously, you guys are so completely incredible for this. Sweet baby girl, I honestly cried, and it makes my heart so so so happy to see her doing so well, and how happy she is now. Cudo's to your seriously awesome wife for having the guts to say something and save this pretty baby. She looks Golden retriever/lab mix? Ok, I'll stop being so mushy, especially since I need to read more of her story, just wanted to let ya'll know how awesome you guys are! (I have the biggest mushy spot for rescue animals!)
She sure turned into a pretty dog once she got cleaned up and got comfortable.
I bet she’s a golden retriever/collie mix. She has the same sort of face mask and adorably mooshy expression as my Collie/Aussie mutt. Only much blonder.
I will never in my life understand how people can treat animals like that. This dog is very lucky you finally found her.
I, too, would like to send something over. If not money, then we’d like to buy Dory a toy or blanket or something she can love and rip to shreds
Ditto – I’d be happy to pay for a bag of food at least. God knows she has some catching up to do with dog chow.