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When the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control picked up Petey, an emaciated Pit Bull who was also badly wounded, it was unclear whether he had been beaten nearly to death or whether he was involved in a dog-fighting ring and used as bait. What was clear was that Petey would not make it without help. He had massive injuries to his head requiring the shelter to put in stents to drain the wounds for fear of infection. His injuries were too severe for the overwhelmed shelter. Petey was living on borrowed time.
Fortunately, Alex Tonner of Karma Rescue saw Petey’s dire condition and immediately pulled him from the shelter and hospitalized him. On the brink, he slowly returned. The swelling subsided and the wounds mended. He did not seem to have any lasting effects except one…emotionally.
Whoever had done this to Petey had made him closed off, afraid. It took some time but Karma’s volunteers and fosters were able to “love” him back to emotional health too. Ten weeks after Petey left the shelter; Robyn Stern adopted him. Robyn is a volunteer with Karma Rescue and immediately fell in love with this dog that she says is “a big lug from the Jersey Shore.” Petey still has physical scars and improperly docked ears to show his life before Robyn but he doesn’t let it hold him back. His second chance at life has returned him to a puppy-like state. He loves toys, chewing, rolling around in the grass, balls and meeting new people. Why wouldn’t he? He deserves it.
Now, after all that Petey has gone through, he now has one more hurdle to cross. He recently underwent the removal of tumors on his leg. The tumors were biopsied and it turns out he has Stage 1 and Stage 2 Cancer. He will need to be monitored. Until then, Robyn has started Petey’s Cancer Fund to help with his mounting medical costs.
Video provided by PAWsitive.
At PAWsitive (#realpawsitive) we try to serve up stories that are a side of heartwarming, inspirational and sweetness — hold the hairball. Honestly, animals are our life and we love them. PAWsitive channel supports our local shelters, rescues, fosters and wildlife rescuers. And, we thank you, all of our litterMATES who have taken in a four-legged stray or two. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Karma Rescue is 510(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving animals in need by finding them permanent homes and providing the resources for successful companionship. Through education, we instill the critical need for spay/neuter and offer guidance to strengthen the animal-human bond. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.
