Don't panic...this is not one of those horrible stories of animal abuse that leaves you sad for days after reading a tragic tale. This is a story of joy and hope. While this dog had a rough beginning, it appears no one told him he had a hard life until he was rescued. Arriving from the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) in NYC, this bundle of love and energy was named "Snuggles" due to his loving nature. Cesar Millan has been known to say, "dogs live in the moment." Snuggles has been the epitome of this phrase. The first pictures taken of him are blurry, due to his being in constant motion, happily wagging his entire body, whenever offered the slightest attention. wandering around the harbor on Staten Island, two police officers immediately brought him to a picked him to a vet, bypassing animal control. He was bloodied from head to tail, with every rib showing, hipbones jutting out due to starvation. This was a case of exigent circumstances; this dog's need was obviously great. It was originally thought Snuggles had been cut with a knife; however, upon further examination, it appeared his muzzle had been wired closed, his neck lined with deep symmetrical wounds, and open sores everywhere on his body. And yet, this sad looking creature greeted everyone with such enthusiasm and affection. Immediate reaction of shock and horror to his condition, was replaced with laughter and a sense of relief. Snugs, as he has affectionately become known, is also a comedian. Following Cesar's often repeated instructions, "exercise, discipline, then affection," off we went to get Snugs acclimated to my own pack of rescued dogs. Snugs appeared thrilled to meet Skye, my one hundred pound rottie/shep mix, eighty-five pounds of mixed breed love, Prestley, and rescued nine pound mini Australian Shepherd, Gabe. Cesar has always stated that his pack can do what would take him much longer to do, and Snugs quickly learned not jump on the senior dogs, and he fell into his place in my pack almost immediately. There was some concern that Snugs might be a little weak for a pack walk, but he held his own walking shoulder to shoulder with the other dogs, thrilled with his new surroundings. I began rollerblading with him running at my side to help release his high energy. While appearing fragile and sickly, he didn't even pant after a two mile jog. it was clear that Snugs' spirit remained intact. What an amazing dog! I have often seen abused and neglected animals bounce back quickly once they are given nourishing food and a safe, loving environment. Snugs seems to have surpassed his cruel environment with joy of spirit, it certainly gives one pause. 'Living in the moment' would be Snugs' motto if he could speak. Every ride in the car is an adventure, every meal a banquet, every person or animal is someone else he can love. Update: See Snugs in his new home on our home page! |
