Posted on 04/29/2006 9:31:40 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
Dog Abuse Shocks Humane Society
April 29, 2006
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PALM COAST, Fla. -- A man's best friend is supposed to be his dog, but one local dog was really let down by his human friends.
Rufus, a Rottweiler mix, was brought to the Flagler Humane Society by a man who said the dog just showed up in his yard with wounds and infection that could have killed him.
All Rufus needs now is a loving home, WESH 2 News reported.
Someone either deliberately torched the dog or threw caustic chemicals on Rufus. His backside is scarred, and his eyes were damaged by the burns.
The caring team at Flagler Humane Society, who live to love animals, were stunned by such cruelty.
"I was mad. I don't know how somebody can do that to a defenseless animal like that," said Lisa Hale, of the Flagler County Humane Society.
"When he first came in, he was very shy, very afraid of all humans, wouldn't let anybody near him, anybody touch him," said Sheryl Lodespoto, of the Humane Society.
Now, Rufus can't get touched enough. He's playful, he chases after his own shadow and he'll drool over you. In the last few weeks, Rufus has responded not only to medical treatment but to the kindness of strangers who think he's top dog.
"He loves everybody here. He's very loving, very playful, loves to cuddle, a completely different dog," Lodespoto said.
Workers at the Humane Society have a pound of puppies to help and protect. They clip, cure and care with one goal in mind.
"We're trying our best to take care of these animals. We want them to have good homes, and we're hoping people will come in and want to adopt," Hale said.
And more than anything, they hope someone will take Rufus.
"We are hoping that we can get a lot better and get him a very loving home with someone who spoils him and shows the love he deserves because he's a great, great dog," Lodespoto said.
If you're interested in adopting Rufus or any other animals at the Flagler County Humane Society, visit www.flaglerhumane.org or call (386) 445-1814.
Sorry to you. FWIW, I agree with you, I don't like to wallow in outrage and disgust and don't like stories whose only intent is to do that.... I usually try to ping happy stories more than bad ones... This one has a happy ending... a second chance.
But I'll still remove you if you want.
Evidence is only that the dog was harmed. The reason is not self-evident.
"This is probably the least caustic comment you will receive."
Good. I am not affected by emotionalism. Damn anyone who cannot respond rationally.
I'm not saying that he wasn't abused but he also could have been on the streets and got into something . Anyway, I hope he finds a good home and has a good life.
Don't cry.
Crying ain't what I got in mind, Bub.
You haven't said anything so far.
Since my official stance is that I now like dogs more than I like humans, this sickens me.
I've said all I'm going to say to you tonight.
Woof,
k
Sounds like you are saying an abortionist could have done this.
on a sucky and sad thread, you managed to make me laugh. Pretty darn funny!!!
jerk
Can you explain this in the slightest?
Don't cry.
Is it ~possible~?
Hmmmm, lemme think about it....
Possible, in a strictly theoretical sense. But not very ~probable~.
I can understand why you might want to believe that. The probable alternative is pretty disgusting, isn't it?
I shall not.
What I will do is engage in civil discussion -- if you ever feel like saying something interesting.
> There's a special place in hell for people who do things like this!
I suuuuure hope so....
The fact that the backside is burnt so badly makes it very improbable that this was self-defense.
Bump!
I defer to your judgement. None of us are directly involved in this case anyway.
"I can understand why you might want to believe that. The probable alternative is pretty disgusting, isn't it?"
It's not wishful thinking, though innocent motives are always better. The 'probable alternative' is completely disgusting, I never questioned that.
Good point.
Not so enlightening as "JERK!", but far more appropriate to this subject.
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