Sophie’s Story of Survival and Will to Live 
She rode all the way from Forest City in the back of the Animal Control vehicle. When she was removed from the truck, I could not believe that she could even stand up.  Her legs were so wobbly; she was just skin and bones.  I bent down to see if she would come to me and slowly she made her way over to my outstretched hand.  She laid her head on my leg and with her tail between her legs--which little tail began to wag.  After getting over the initial shock of seeing this female pit bull-no wider than 6 inches, I was enraged.  To think that someone could treat an animal like this-how long had she been without food, water, love or veterinary care?  She was assigned a kennel, and some of the other volunteers got a blanket and a bed to get her off the floor and food and water to make her comfortable.  After talking with the Rutherford County Animal Control officer who had brought her in, it was decided that she would go to Hinkle’s Pet Hospital for assessment of her condition.  We named her Sophie…she needed some dignity.  Dr. Paul Hinkle called and asked me what we wanted them to do for her.  I told him that we wanted to know how long she had been without food and if she had any significant health problems.  He said that he would keep her overnight, do an evaluation and check her out in the morning. Over the years, I have witnessed many abuse cases coming through Animal Control, but none as bad as this girl.  After getting over my initial shock and rage, I started talking with our other volunteers.  How could we help; what could we do?  We just couldn’t let this continue to go on and on and on.  Animal abuse is a felony, yet it is often not taken seriously. Animal cruelty is like domestic violence-no one wants to touch it.  Seeing this female dog made me mad and sick to my stomach because I know that when the officers bring in a dog or cat like this, that if there are children, women or elders in the home-they are could be being abused too.  When Dr. Hinkle called back to report about Sophie, I was shocked but not surprised.  She had not had any food in over 30 days! 30days-no wonder she was a little bag of bones.  She only weighed 26 pounds.  And, although she had some health problems; Sophie also had a very strong will to survive. Sophie is a miracle.  She was taken into foster care after her stay at Hinkle’s Pet Hospital. Our foster coordinator and her husband will continue to share Sophie’s story with our readers.  She will be our poster dog for animal cruelty in Rutherford County. Rehabilitating animals that have been exposed to cruelty is not an easy task. Some can be saved; others can’t.  Each one has to be evaluated on a case by case basis.  phie’s littermate, Sebastian, for example, couldn’t be saved. He was so sick and infested with heartworms and had major behavioral aggression issues.
The decision was made to let him go because rehabilitation, sadly but realistically, was not feasible.

 

Sophie's Redemption--Part 2 (continued from last Sunday's Pet Project Column is told by her foster parents).

“My husband and I picked Sophie up from Hinkles' Pet Hospital after she had been there for ten days. She was on a special diet to put on weight without hurting her digestive tract. Without any food to digest for over thirty days, her bodily systems were starting to shut down. She had eye and skin infections and a severe uterine infection. This little girl was tied up outside and bred and abused. She had no idea how to be a dog. Through all of this she remained sweet toward people and other dogs. They might have taken away her food, but they never broke her spirit. She wanted to play but didn't know how. Every toy we gave her became a possession that she couldn't let out of her sight. She never got to play with them because she buried everything she was given for safekeeping. With a lot of patience, guidance and time, she became more and more puppy - like. Now she has learned how to chew and act like a dog, except her chewing was lawn and living room furniture and shoes. She quickly realized Mom and Dad didn't appreciate this behavior. She had to learn how to play with her own toys. Not only did she have to learn doggy manners, but she also had to learn people manners. She has learned how to leash walk, sit, stay, down and kiss on command. She will play with anyone and everyone and loves to put her head in your lap.  Sophie will do anything to try to please us. She is a loving, loyal little dog. She is slowly healing both emotionally and physically.  

We have always had big dogs. We never had a little one like this. She is truly a little clown. Watching her antics makes you laugh out loud. It is especially rewarding to watch her figure things out. She is very smart but never experienced life inside a home.  Everything is new to her. She had never heard a radio or microwave. She wasn't scared, just very curious. She stopped being curious of the oven about the time she almost burned her nose. She loves to watch TV.  It is mind - blowing to us that anyone could so seriously abuse this dog or any other. 

In order to prosecute, the county has to prove abuse. This includes vet bills, housing and rehab. Is it right for abuse to be ignored because of lack of funding? Who really pays the price? Little ones like Sophie and so many others need our protection. The animal control officers of Rutherford County work hard with inadequate staffing, budget and an animal control facility that is totally inadequate and outdated. Still they continue to do the best they can.  Sophie has been rescued. Her brother Sebastian, as we said in last week's column, didn't make it. How many others are out there that we don't know about?  

Please be alert and aware and don't ignore the signs of animal cruelty or abuse. If you are unsure, ask an animal control officer or a Community Pet Center volunteer if what you have witnessed could be abuse. If necessary, corrective action can be taken to save the animal--and possibly the children who live with them -- from additional possibly life-threatening circumstances. Call Animal Control at 287-6025 or the Community Pet Center at 287-7738.