Rex-the Wonder aka Shelter Dog! 

Before the Holidays, a skinny red Doberman ended up at the Rutherford County Animal Control Facility.  It was clear the he was special, but he was so under nourished and unhealthy looking.  After much discussion, Sgt. Greene agreed to let him stay and become the “shelter dog”.  He was taken to Hinkle’s Pet Hospital to be vaccinated, neutered and given his wellness check-up.  During the course of his veterinary exam, Rex was given a heartworm test and the test showed that he was “positive”.  The treatment for heartworms is very expensive, risky and difficult on a healthy animal much less one that has been neglected and undernourished.   

Having heartworms not to mention the expense for his treatment, it looked like Rex’s fate would be euthanization.  After some discussion about cost, the volunteers went to work to think of a way to help Rex.  After several telephone calls and e-mails and a kind donation, Rex started his first treatment.  The treatment involved “killing off” the worms that were located in Rex’s heart.  The treatment is very exhausting and stressful and Rex was going to have to be kept quiet!  After the first treatment, Rex was tired and did more sleeping than eating and playing.   

As Rex began to feel better, his personality really started to come out.  He weighs approximately 80 pounds!  He is rather shy when you first meet him although his presence and stature can be intimidating initially.  Once he gets to know you, he loves to come up and put his head next to your leg for pets.  He has the most beautiful eyes and when he tilts his head to look at you-it’s almost like he is trying to process what you are thinking.  He sits, comes, stays, takes treats from your hand gently and loves to come and visit us in our office or sit beside everyone on our deck.  There is something really special about this gentle giant-Rex is quiet and rarely barks, but loves to play with other dogs and isn’t bothered by cats in the least! 

We are really glad to have Rex at RCAC and always look forward to seeing him when we stop by to volunteer.  He is becoming a regular “greeter” and the ambassador of how a shelter dog can become a wonderful pet!