A testament to the resiliency of dogs

Meet one of our newest Worthy Dogs, Gage. Gage was chained his entire life and criminally neglected. He was seized by Animal Control after a concerned neighbor called to complain, and that call saved his life, because our vet tells us he wouldn’t have made it much longer. This poor boy was so weak when he first came in that when he wagged his tail in excitement, it made him lose his footing.

Gage is a young yellow Lab, 2 to 3 years old, and currently weighs about 38lbs – he should be closer to 60lbs. He’s never been taken to a vet and is heartworm positive, but this handsome boy will need to gain some weight and stabilize before he can start treatment, and has some healing to do before he makes the trip to N. VA.

Gage is another testament to the good nature and incredible resiliency of dogs. He’s never been shown an ounce of human kindness, but you can clearly see the warmth he has towards his rescuers. He was all tail wags and kisses at the vet’s office, excited to finally receive some attention. Maybe he knows he’s on his way to a great life.

GAGE UPDATE!

It’s been almost 2 weeks since Gage was rescued from a life of severe neglect, starving to death and chained to a tree. He came in sick and just skin and bones, but was instantly warm and responsive to his rescuers. Gage was lucky to have survived, as we’ve since learned that there was another chained dog found dead on the property where he was living. There were also children who have now been taken into protective custody, and the owners have been arrested, and have 20 different charges filed against them.

That life is far behind Gage now, and he’s quickly adapted to his new life in his foster home. He’s gentle and respectful of the resident toddler, loves and models himself after his big foster pup brother, Charlie, and enjoys the freedom of roaming and playing fetch in his large fenced yard. Gage is starting to believe that regular meals and fresh water will now be an everyday part of his life, and he’s beginning to fill out and gain strength. He’s even learned to sit and take treats gently from your hand.

Here’s a note from his foster mom, Gabrielle:

Gage is doing AMAZING! He let me trim his nails with no problem. The redness on his feet is almost cleared up, and looks so much better. His eyes are no longer runny, and no pawing or scratching. His personality is coming out and he’s a sweetheart and quite a character. Now that he has people that love him and feed him, he is super attached to us. He loves being part of a family and really seems to look up to our dog Charlie. He enjoys the dog beds, couch, and the beds, and loves to crash out where he’s comfy. He is getting better with eating slower, but has a tendency to counter surf, so we are working on that and basic manners, but he’s getting it! He loves kids, toys, and baths. He is gaining weight at a good pace. I’m very proud of him, he is a good boy.

ADOPTION UPDATE!

Gage is now living a great life at the beach with his new BFF, Yogi, with 2 retired parents who are devoted to his care. Gage now takes daily walks along the ocean, and has left the life of isolation living on a chain behind him.

Thank you to all who make these stories possible and for your support of rescue. Stay tuned for more happy endings!