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A Tragic Sign of the Times:
Two Collies Left to Starve
These photos are of two different collies that we got within days of each other. The top photo is Dr. Seuss and the bottom one is Aslan. What these collies have in common is that they were left to starve. For us, they are the canine face of the American economy: Lassie left to die.
Seuss is a 1 1/2 year old boy who weighs 24 pounds and should instead be 55 pounds. Aslan is a 3-year-old boy who weighs a scant 33 pounds and should weigh 65-75 pounds. Both are on foster hold as they regain their health and strength. Seuss was relinquished to us when his owner lost her home. He is so severely anemic that he literally was saved in the nick of time. He would have languished and died if he had not come to PCSR, where he is getting thorough vet care and eating 6 small meals a day. Aslan was abandoned in an apartment in northern Colorado when his owners were evicted. He had no food or water for days. Once we got him to the safety of a PCSR foster home, he had to be admitted to ICU at the Denver vet we use, Pets on Broadway, for 24 hours of IV fluid, steroids and antibiotics. He has been at death's door too.
This tragic situation is not just about two collies. It is a sign of the times.
A year ago, we received two separate surveys from Denver All Breed Rescue and Petfinder.com asking how many dogs we had helped due to the downturn in the economy. At that time we had taken in only two collie pups from out of state, whose owner lost his home.
But over the past few months we have gotten word on collies and shelties in need just about weekly; these dogs have owners who are on the verge of becoming homeless or simply can't afford to keep their pets This is exactly the case with Seuss and Aslan. Now remember, we just have our radar out for collies and shelties. Imagine how many other pets are being left at shelters, relinquished -- or worse, starved and abandoned! The idea alone is heartbreaking.
What can you do? Wherever you live, check with your local shelter or soup kitchen about donating dog/cat food for pet owners who desperately need it. If you live in a small town and the shelter's funds are pretty much non-existent, buy an extra bag of pet food when you buy one for your own pets. The shelter staff will appreciate it.
As for us with PCSR: we always need funds. We work hard all year to raise money (see our Calendar on the homepage). Our little army of volunteers truly hustles all the time to make money just to keep up with vet bills and dog food bills. Aslan and Seuss already have some whopping-big vet bills. If you would like to show that you care, your tax-deductible donation would be greatly appreciated. Make your check out to PCSR and mail it to 234 S. Hacienda del Sol Dr., Pueblo West, CO 81007. Please put Aslan/Seuss in the memo area.
Thank you. Now go give your pet a kiss on the head.
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