In rescue, there are dogs in need of all ages, breeds, and origins. From designer breed puppies who can no longer be cared for by their families to sickly seniors who have no family left. At Project Precious, we have a soft spot for the "less adoptable" animals (though we do take some of the highly desirables, too!), like Meatball, our heartworm positive pit bull on his journey to good health. Or Hercules, our young mixed breed with mange so bad his skin was falling off on us as we carried him into the vet. Every animal deserves a chance, and if we are in a position to help, we don't hesitate.
This story is about a very special little man, who would be considered "less adoptable", but who we think deserves all the love in the world. His name is Grampa.
A while back, we saw a post on Facebook seeking help for a filthy, old, sickly Shih Tzu type dog. He had been stuck alone in an apartment when his owner passed away, and it took days for neighbors to hear his cries and contact animal control. Though most dogs go straight to the shelter, Grampa was clearly in need of veterinary care, so he went straight to the vet for treatment.
Grampa was diagnosed with testicular cancer and a deep infection in his testicles and the surrounding tissue. He went into surgery to be neutered and have the sick tissue removed. He is also found to be blind in one eye and suffering from deep ear infections in addition to having a skin condition called Seborrhea which causes dry skin, oily hair and itchiness.
Of course we had to help! The day we picked him up, we didn't know what to expect. When the back of the animal control truck opened at the shelter and I saw that filthy, smiling face, I couldn't contain my excitement. Grampa was in my arms in a matter of seconds, poopy paws and all, wagging his tail away, not a care in the world.
Since taking Grampa, we have placed him in an amazing foster home with young children, a dog, a cat and a bunny. He loves everyone he lives with! His sutures have been removed, his ear infections have been treated, he's on medication to keep his eyes from becoming infected, and he's on medicated shampoo for his skin condition.
This 10-ish year old dog doesn't hold a single grudge. He is not upset about his hardships, he is the happiest little dog in the world. Everyone he meets is greeted with a wagging tail and a warm snuggle. He is the silliest, happiest, most loving little man in the world...
All that's left for Grampa is a loving forever home to keep him happy and spoiled through his golden years... and after all he's been through, doesn't he deserve it?
If you are interested in adopting this special guy, please email us at ProjectPreciousRescue@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/projectpreciousrescue
