“My memories
really start when I found myself tied to a fence. The sun was
rising and a stranger approached. I didn’t know it at the time,
but this was the luckiest day of my life. It turns out that the
fence belonged to the Humane Society and the stranger was Cori,
the veterinary technician at the Humane Society. Cori brought me
inside to meet Dennis. He seemed to be the one in charge (at least
that is what the other dogs inside let him think). There was a lot
of conversation that I did not understand, but I could tell that
they were very angry that I was left tied to the fence, alone with
no water and unprotected.
I was fed,
watered and given some type of medicine that I wasn’t thrilled
about, but hey… I was being fed!
Everyone was
calling me Chester. I didn’t know that was my name, but there was
a reference to my limp and someone called Marshall Dillon who
lived somewhere called Gunsmoke. I didn’t understand it all, but
they were treating me very well here, so I decided to answer to
Chester if that is what they wanted
I was soon going
to learn of my next challenge. I kept hearing the words stereotype
and Pitbull. I am not sure what they meant, but I could tell they
are talking about me. We don’t know who my parents were, but they
are sure there was Pitbull heritage within me. All I know is I
love it here and am playing with new friends, both 4-legged and
2-legged. I loved to hug and cuddle and romp in the yard with my
new dog best friends Bella and Fauch. I also loved and still do
love to cuddle with the cats. Cats are so affectionate and
playful! Everyone should have one…or two.
The more I
played, the more I limped and the more my leg hurt. The pain made
me a bit cranky from time to time and Dennis said I needed to go
and see the veterinarian again. After numerous visits to several
veterinarians and a specialist, the recommendation was for my leg
to be amputated. This was not only to address my immediate pain,
but also to ensure a life free of arthritis complications and pain
in my future.
Since my surgery,
I go home with Cori at night so I can stay on schedule with my
medication. (Don’t tell anyone, but I sleep in bed with her.) I
spend my days in the office at the Humane Society keeping an eye
on things until I am strong enough to go out and play with my dog
friends again. I already play ball with the volunteers and run as
fast as ever.
I am still
mastering the art of lifting my leg to pee. I prefer a fence or
tree to lean on. I know that it is not really necessary to lift my
leg, but hey...I’m male! It’s a pride thing.
I want to thank
all of the staff and volunteers at the Humane Society for taking
such good care of me and my other furry friends here. They have
told me that without the generous donors of the Humane Society my
rescue and rehabilitation would not have been possible. There are
not enough tail wags or licks to thank you all. I never knew that
a dog could be so happy. My hope is that all dogs are as lucky as
I have been.
I especially want
to thank volunteer Diane for her love and support and for
personally donating funds for my medical care. I am one lucky
dog!”
