Rescuers Refuse Owner's Request To Euthanize 3 Matted Dogs, Give Them 2nd Chance Instead
Thanks to the efforts of the Spokane Humane Society, three severely neglected female Shih Tzu dogs have a fresh start to the new year.
It was supposed to be the trio’s final day on earth.
The owner of 11-year-old Candy, Angel and Katie brought the dogs to the Spokane Humane Society and requested they be euthanized.
The dogs allegedly were biters, perhaps an outward behavior expressing their inner pain.
“The mats covered the dogs from wet licorice nose to wagging tail tip tearing at their skin every time they moved,” the society wrote on Facebook. “Their nails were so long they curled like buck horns.”
“All three had bad teeth — they were a smelly, miserable trio and quite possibly also in a lot of pain.”
Society staff convinced the owner to surrender the dogs rather than opt for euthanization.
Then, the staff got to work shaving each dog, removing thick mats of tangled and decomposing fur totaling more than 13 pounds.
Once the mats were gone, staff assessed and treated sores, cuts and minor infections.
Humane Society staff also reached out to the local community, introducing the ladies and asking for help funding their medical expenses.
The community rallied around the dogs in a heartwarming way, raising over $3,000 to cover lab work and dental care.
As the weight of emotional and physical pain flew off their backs, each dog’s personality began to shine.
“We knew we’d probably find some health issues under all that fur,” the society wrote, “but what we also found were three handsome – though slightly chubby – little dogs with big brown eyes and surprisingly easygoing personalities.
“No one bit anyone.”
The three senior doggies are still recovering, but are well on their way to full health. Once each dog is in tip-top medical shape, she will be placed for adoption.
Prospective adopters will need to commit to keeping up with the Shih Tzu’s regular grooming needs. As the before photos prove, neglecting a Shih Tzu’s coat does not end well.
The humane society is thankful for the loving support from community members.
“This is part of what we do: we take on what looks like hopeless cases and give them another chance at life — and we couldn’t continue to do that without your support,” the society wrote.
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