MSRS of New England took a dog into rescue on 7/21/2000 who was in one of the worst conditions we've ever seen.  Many tears have been shed today by our group members and I'd like to share the story. We were contacted midweek about a 9 year old male.  Max's owner, an elderly woman, had died around Thanksgiving time last year.  She had been ill for a while so Max had been staying with neighbors for weeks before her death.  The woman was concerned for him and had contacted her vet about possibly finding him a good home.  After she died, her daughter decided she wanted Max and took him away to another state.  Apparently after some time she brought him back and left him at her mother's house because she decided she didn't want him.  The daughter's boy friend is living at her mothers' house.  During this time she also approached Max's vet and asked if he could be put down because nobody wanted him and her boyfriend couldn't deal with him.  The vet was outraged and refused. Fast forward to Monday.  The daughter brought Max to the vet and said he had been hit by a car.  Max was unable to bear weight, was not eating and had some bruises that the vet feels may have been the result of him being kicked.  The vet contacted the dead woman's niece who found us.  After numerous phone calls between Janet Loreck and the vet, and the niece, we agreed to take Max and have him assessed.  I arranged to meet the niece last night so I could transport Max up to the Boston area this morning.  The dog she brought to me made me cry. Max is completely bruised and swollen in the groin and hind end.  He could stand, with assistance, but could not use his rear right leg.  He's depressed for obvious reasons, but the first thing I noticed was his weight(or lack of it).  This dog has been strarved!  He looked like skin and bones-every rib and vertabrae is showing.  The niece was crying and said he wasn't at all the happy, friendly dog she remembers with her aunt.  I carried him home in my arms.  He wouldn't walk for me and I had to hold him steady so he could do his business.  He had to be carried in and out of the house.  I put him on a big soft dog bed where he stayed without moving all night.  We brought him water and food and held the bowls up to his mouth so he could eat and drink.  It was a bit difficult for me because it brought back not so distant memories of caring for Zak in such the same way a few months ago. This morning I brought him up to Boston.  Joyce Finnegan, arranged an appointment for him at her vet.  The news is not so good.  Max has a fractured pelvis.  The fracture is right at a joint.  He needs fairly expensive surgery.  Joyce will be taking him to an orthopedic specialist on Monday.  MSRSofNE is determined to find a way to have the surgery done, and Joyce(such an angel!) is going to foster him until he can be placed in a permanent home.  We decided that this poor thing has been through enough and deserves a chance.  Perhaps Joyce will provide an update once she get more information. Naturally, we are all very upset and angry over this situation.  How could someone deny a dog food?  Or kick a poor dog grieving for a lost owner?  The dog was always kept in a fenced yard, so we suspect he was turned out which is why he got hit by the car.  The daughter is apparently giving her cousin a hard time for placing the dog into rescue.  Janet has threatened to press cruelty charges if this woman doesn't go away.  It gave me pause to think about what could happen to my animals if something happened to my husband or myself.  People can be very cruel. MSRSofNE has spent more than $2,000.00 on medical bills and caring or Max, this has greatly depleted out financial resources.  Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please send donations to: MSRSofNE 190 Thompson Road Webster, MA  01570

Story of Max

UPDATE!

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The above picture was taken of Max in August 2001, about one year after his ordeal.  Max is now a happy healthy 10 year old schnauzer who is spoiled by his young owner who hand feeds him every night because eating is not one of his favorite activities.  His weight has gone from 12 pounds to about 18 pounds.  Even though he now has a slight limp and occasional tremors in the affected leg, he's a dog who is loving life due to the generosity of others and the dedication of our rescue volunteers.  Thank you everybody!!!