With rescue work you have really busy days – like helping to unload 100 dogs from a mass rescue, document them, get them settled, fed, warm, up on pet finder, into your database, vetted and cared for – and then there are other days when you can sit in your office all day paying bills or answering the phone and emails.
Today was a busy rescue day for Pets Alive. Today is a day that I will always remember as the day we rescued Robert.
It all started when I was going through the kill lists for the CACC last night and I saw a cat that my heart just went out to. She was an 8 year old cat named Princess and she had been dumped at the very high kill CACC for reason stated “new husband and baby allergic”. The CACC tested her and gave her one of their highest temperament ratings meaning that this was one VERY sweet cat. I read her “thread” on Facebook and no one had stepped up to take her in. Older cats are more difficult to place and many of us are filled with older cats. I will tell you that Pets Alive has a population of about 90% of our cats that are considered senior and so adoptions can be slow…taking in another one wasn’t really in the cards. At this point we need to try to take in some “highly adoptables” to help fund all the seniors we care for that may NOT get adopted. That’s just the way it is.
So looking at this cat had me shake my head with sadness and move on to the next. But something about her, and the fact that her owner had her for eight years and dumped her in a place where she was almost sure to die because of her new husband’s allergies really had me pissed off. I mean didn’t she date this man before they got married? Couldn’t he have gone for allergy shots? Didn’t they have anyone that could care for the cat or take it in, or could they keep it in the guest room or SOMETHING other than just abandoning it to die amongst strangers? Ah, but I digress. Anyway, I decided to call and pull Princess. “Pull” means put a commitment on her that our sanctuary would accept her in, so that she would not be killed the next morning. The CACC then notes that and holds her for us. So while I was there I saw Jose and pulled him too. What the heck. What’s one more? I have faith in our cat staff to place our cats (our cat manager Becky does a great job with this) and so I was happy. Two cats lives would be spared in the morning.
But then I started wondering, oh heck, what about the dogs – wonder if there are any there that might find a place with us. There was one real cutie. His name was Lincoln and he was adorable, but then, sigh, oh then I saw Tunechi. A little BLIND shitzu. Oh no. She was dying tomorrow? Ugh. No. Ok, let me pull the both of them.
Whew.
Went to bed feeling good. John Sibley was going to go and pick them up in the morning for us. John is an amazing animal activist, animal lover, blogger and friend. He lives in the city, but it was still a lot to ask him to go first to the Manhattan shelter to get the cats and then to the Brooklyn shelter to get the dogs, but he didn’t even bat an eye – he was on it and out there early in the morning.
In the morning I checked online for confirmation that the cats and dogs were coming and I found out that Jose was pulled by another rescue. Yay! That’s great. But on the dog page I saw a dog that was dying that morning that was NOT THERE at 10:00 the night before! A dog named Robert. My eyes were immediately drawn to him. It was a terribly poignant picture. He was crippled and holding himself up by his front legs. His face had the most amazing expression on it that I had ever seen. I can’t really describe it. I put the picture here for your to see and determine what that expression is for yourself.
For ME it was an expression that I couldn’t turn my back on, but my staff is terribly over worked. Every single one of them works more hours than they are paid for, they are dedicated, they work HARD, I never see them hanging around or lounging – they are so committed to the animals here and taking this dog in would put a lot of extra burden on us all. I asked for Janet, our medical staff person, and Sue our adoption and intake coordinator, to come to my office.
When they got there they said “What’s wrong, your voice was terrible”. I said “Look” and turned the screen to then. Instantly their faces changed and they said “awww” and then “Are we taking him“? At that point I wanted to cry. I really did. This staff is just astonishing. We all know what taking in a serious medically difficult dog means to us all, and we all know how expensive it may be too, and we all know how much time it will take to help and handle a crippled dog. But thy didn’t hesitate. They thought we should reach out to help him.
And with that, I called and pulled Robert and sent follow up emails to the CACC staff asking for him. I worried it might be too late. Why would he have NOT been on the CACC death list the night before and yet put on it that morning? It was 9:45am and they usually kill earlier than that. Was it already too late? I called John and asked him to rush to the Brooklyn center and try to save him before it was too late. He was already on his way. A few moments later though I received a confirmation email that Robert was “held” for us. He was safe. He was coming.
I looked over the thread in his Facebook post and there were so many comments from so many people that cared and were pleading and begging someone to help Robert. There was even an offer of a wheelchair from Eddie’s Wheels – a great organization that makes and fits crippled dogs with a wheelchair to get around! Here is a sampling of some of the Facebook posts.
Of course while he was there, John texts me and says that there was only one cat on the death list the night before that was not pulled by rescue. His name was Sam and he had a fractured front leg. Did I want him too?
Sheesh. At this point I have a senior cat, a senior dog, a blind dog, a crippled dog – what the heck, throw in a broken legged cat!
And so Sam was saved too.
John gently put Robert in the back of his car, along with our two other dogs and two cats and headed up to Pets Alive. Over an hour and a half drive in a snowstorm. I told you he was dedicated, didn’t I? GREAT guy (hey girls, he is single too – just sayin!)
After speaking to him, and to Janet we decided that the best thing to do would be for John to go directly to our vets office. Dr. Furman is a great guy and his staff is fabulous and they made room for us to come right in with the broken legged cat and our crippled dog.
I took this little video of Robert at the vet office: http://twitvid.com/GJTU8
and another of our vet with him: http://twitvid.com/KCADF
I met John there and after examination Dr. Furman said that Robert needed immediate care. His bladder was full and he was unable to express it himself. (Dr. Furman did that for Robert to make him more comfortable) and he also felt he was in considerable pain. It was undetermined from the X-rays and medical reports from the CACC if Robert was hit by a car, or if this was an old injury of some sort, but Robert also had lacerations on his face and legs. Dr. Furman felt that he might have had a very serious condition to begin with and then being hit by the car exacerbated it and made him a complete paraplegic. He did note that Robert DID have some feeling in his back paws so if we were to have ANY chance of operating on him, he could not lose that feeling entirely. So he wanted him to go immediately for an MRI, and surgery, as it would be Robert’s best chance of survival and recovery. He also said that his bladder was very full and if we did not have someone round the clock to help him express it then there was a chance of it bursting or causing him a lot of discomfort and pain. He needed critical care and he needed it asap!
Ouch. A snowstorm. Hazardous road conditions and it was 4:30 pm now. How were we going to get him over an hour away to Oradell?
I called Janet to try to figure out what we should do. Many people think Pets Alive is this huge organization, with this immense budget, but the truth is that we are about 10-12 people strong (and some of those are part time) and our budgets is such that we run in a deficit every month until our annual Furball fundraiser and our smaller fundraisers all year that help to fill in the holes.
So looking at $8,000 to $10,000 worth of costs for Robert, a dog we didn’t even KNOW and the care he would need did stop my heart for a moment. How the heck were we going to manage this? Then I looked into his face, and I smiled at him, and he thumped his tail at me. Thump. Thump. Thump.
My heart melted and I called Janet – “What are we going to do?”. She said that she was going to call her fiancé and that she and he were going to leave right then, come and pick up Robert and head to Oradell with him. Right then. At night. In a snowstorm. For a dog she hadn’t even met yet.
She is one of the more astonishing and amazing people I know. Janet is everything you would hope for in a person that works for you, but more than that she is so amazingly caring and giving and loving to the animals of Pets Alive. She is irreplaceable. I admire her so much, and more than that I respect her, her work and the person that she is. I was so touched.
I left Robert in Dr. Furman’s care, while I took Sam back to Pets Alive. Oh, and Sam the cat with the broken leg? Yeah. No. Nothing wrong with the leg. Dr. Furman did an X-ray and it was completely clean. Sam has a little bite wound in his leg, and it is sore..that’s all. And his temperament is not hissy and aggressive as his sheet says. He is a total sweetie. A very nice cat. I handed him over to Becky for intake and came home to write this blog.
Robert is on his way with Janet to go to Oradell. I don’t know what his future holds. In the end if we can’t manage his pain and we can’t help him we may be forced to let him go, which would kill us all after all of this.
We have a connection to Robert, and a commitment now. We looked into his eyes and we made him a promise. I wish he had not lain at the CACC for days when immediate surgery could have maybe saved him, but that is the state of our city run shelter. We will do the best that we can by him because this dog after being treated horribly, after being not cared about, after being hit by a car, after laying in his own filth, after not being able to release his own bladder, after living in pain for days…this dog looked at us …. and thumped his tail.
Pets Alive asks you to please help us with costs for Robert. He is worth saving. He is worth having a life and having someone to love him and having a chance at walking again.
We’re all pulling for you Robert. Please keep fighting. We are all fighting for you.
aw man, what a guy (and story). hope he gets better real soon. this motivates me to scrap the pet-sitting biz and start a dog rescue!!!
Words cannot express my gratitude to you for saving Robert and everyone else. I have donated $50 to his care and I pray that he makes it. Thank you so very much.
I just made a doation for Robert. I just love him and thank you all for rescuing him along with the others! God bless you all for your compassion and har work.
Bless your hearts! Robert is gorgeous! Good job guys!
Typing through tears~just can’t thank you enough for saving this guy–and the others–today. Just an amazing effort on your part! May Robert’s tail continue to thump for a good, long time 🙂
Gave what I could and shared on my FaceBook Wall. Praying for Robert, his face just melted my heart. God Bless you all for caring so much and doing such great work. I call it God’s work.
GOD bless you! We all worked so hard to share and cross-post him! I am so happy 🙂
Thank you so very very much!
God bless you all!! You did the right thing. Robert’s sweet face just breaks my heart. You are safe now, sweet boy!
Dr. Carberry, at Oradell Animal Hospital, saved my little dachshund, Chico, not once, but twice. although he has many issues that can befall a dachshund, he has made it to age 13+ and is not just hanging in there, but doing well. He was unable to walk for a few months after his surgery, but he did. Don’t give up hope and give Robert time. Chico also has Cushing’s Disease which is controlled by expensive oral chemo drugs. I am unable to send $ for a chip-in but Robert will be in my prayers. Dog bless you for pulling him.
Are you familiar with Leggings for Life? They might be able to help Robert if he doesn’t regain the use of his back legs. They make custom crocheted “leggings” to protect the legs of pets whose hind limbs are paralyzed or deformed. Here’s a video showing how they work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bazbEgq6jwc
While the video shows a cat, they make them for dogs too. Since the organization is not-for-profit, the leggings are provided to pet owners free of charge through the Leggings for Life Facebook page.
Unbelievable story. As many as I have rescued and rehabilitated over the years, these animals never cease to amaze me how they still trust people. Good luck to Robert and thank you for all that you do for these animals. God bless.
You’re wonderful people and bless you all. Thank you thank you thank you for what you did for Robert. Donation forthcoming!
Can’t stop thinking about this sweet soul languishing in pain at the ACC. Thank you so, so very much for saving him! I’ve sent in my donation and I’m sharing his story.
I don’t even have words to express how I feel about everyone involved in trying to help Robert and the others. Seeing Robert’s photos is almost too much to bear. I have to hope and pray he didn’t get this far without a chance at life. I donated and hope others can.
i cannot say thank you enough for saving roberts life.. His pic in the shelter last night tore me apart.. i donated a little wish i could give more.. praying for robert
This story brought me to tears and tugged at my heart. I thank you all so much for saving this gentle soul. I can’t even find the words to thank you enough. We need more people like you in this world! I sent a small donation, not nearly enough to cover the vet bills you will have with this baby, but I wanted to help be a part of his recovery. Every little bit helps, right?
I saw Robert’s post last night and asked all my furangels to send an angel to help this little guy, my babies came through. All I can do is pray for and share these precious babies, being disabled and tons of medical bills I have no money to give. I do volunteer at the only no kill shelter here in Houston,TX and when I got home tonight and saw he was saved it was the best part of a bad day. Thank you for pulling them all these precious ones. Please keep us updated on Robert. I know how terrifying it is to lose the use of body parts and Robert’s eyes show that terror.
I’m one of them that pleaded for Roberts life last night, his picture broke my heart. I can not find the words to express how thankful I am for your warm, loving beautiful heart and your wonderful staff. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart and may God Bless you all
Reading your recent Blog on Robert was one of the most heart touching things I have read in a long time, thank you for your compassion to you and your staff you are amazing and saving Robert and giving him the chance to recover while being loved warms the heart. Not only did you rescue Robert but all of the animals that you took as well that same night takes a special person. God has to bless your efforts you are truly an amazing person!!
Please keep us posted – will be praying for him. I don’t think that I could have looked him in the eye and let him go either.
You asked what we saw in his eyes?
I see pride. I see him saying “Look at me. I’m so ashamed. I’m better than this. I don’t want you seeing me like this. This isn’t what I used to be.”
And you loved him anyway. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt blog–even with the tears!
Donation–and very likely volunteering-will be headed your way!!
What I saw in Robert’s eyes was initially forgiveness–but then Hope–thank you!
Angels, all of you!
I feel so proud there are people like you in the world. Good kind people who are able to help those animals in need.
I saw Robert yesterday on the website and was struck by his big beautiful eyes and his hopeless situation.
When I saw you had taken him in I shed a tear or two of relief.
You want to know what I see in his eyes?
The first picture taken in the ACC I see a dog who has given up and the second picture I see a dog with hope in his eyes, there is a spark which was not in the first picture. Its as if he is saying “Thank You”
donated a wee bit and reposted on facebook..love you Robert
Gotta love a vet named Furman. God luv you all.
Just donated a small amount, caring for 3 rescue Danes and helping our rescue too I know how hard it is, but every little amount helps. I hope he is able to rehabilitate his legs and live out his days surrounded by love.
I have tears running down my cheeks as I read this. Robert is a beautiful soul and has been fortunate enough to have the ANGELS of Pets Alive come into his life. There are not enough words to be able to thank you. I am sending my donation now and hope that many more will too. How can anyone not be deeply touched by Robert “thumping” his tail when he is suffering so much??? Again, thank you, thank you, thank you and PLEASE keep us posted!!!
Robert has touched my heart so deeply….I have been bawling since I read this!! As soon as I get my paycheck I will be chipping in for his care. God bless all of you at Pets Alive for all you do and for trying so hard to save Robert. Please post updates whenever you are able….you are all heroes and I am so grateful to all of you!! Stay strong Robert….we are all praying for you!!
I have just made a donation for Robert in memory of my dogs Sienna & Chulo who I lost just a yrs ago within 2 months of each other. Roberts story hits very close to home as Chulo has a resuce who was hit by a car & ended with a shattered pelvic & severe hip displasia in both hips. After multipule surgeries & lots of tlc he was my baby for 13yrs!!!! After his sister Sienna died of cancer his old bones & broken heart gave up & he crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her. So to Robert, my prayers & thoughts are with you every day in hopes of a good recovery, your story has touched my heart & soul & will be routing for you!!!! xoxoxo
And to all the staff at Pet’s Alive: You truly are ANGELS!!!! God Bless you all!!!!
Just donated for Robert and shared his story on Facebook. Thank you for saving him.
Thank you so much for all that you do. I sent a donation – I wish it could be more. There is a special place in heaven for you all.
Just donated!!! Hope everything works out well for sweet Robert!!
I saw the posting on FBook and it broke my heart, but thanks to you wonderful people Robert has a chance! I donated a little and will be looking for updates
God Bless you and your organization, as well as Robert. The story was beyond touching and Robert deserves a good life. I just donated $50. Seems like so little compared to the amount needed, but with each paycheck, I’ll continue to donate. I’ve also shared this with various friends and family as well as posted on my various social network accounts. Thank you for doing what you did.
Just donated. Will forward this on to everyone in my address book.
S.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do. Keeping our angel Robert in my thoughts and I will donate towards his care. <3
You are truly amazing people. I just want to take Robert home myself and snuggle him up. My only regret is that I can’t donate more. Hopefully you’ll reach your goal for Robert. We need more people like you fighting for animals.
I just made a $75 contribution for the care of Robert and I pray he survives and that his life becomes a comfort and joy to him and whomever takes him into their life. Thank YOU folks for taking care of these gifts from God and doing what you do so that we can also help. Healing and LOVE and JOY to Robert! Linnea
When you have days that seem dark and dreary the universe always shows you hope. This is hope… you people give hope… you remind us all there is hope and goodness in a world where somedays you’re not so sure. From my four bully breeds, Angus, Maggie, Dakota and River and myself, we applaud you and sent $50. Please keep us posted. And thank you from the bottom of all our hearts for having hope for all creatures great and small.
Reading this story yesterday broke my heart. Have sent a small donation from London, UK and will be sending as many healing vibes as possible for a good recovery for Robert. To know he is in caring / loving hands now is a blessing. Thank you.
My favorite line in this post is “there was only one cat on the death list the night before that was not pulled by rescue.” Great job, rescuers of the NYC area! When I was volunteering at CACC I had no idea what an incredible rescue community exists in the area. Lots of love to Robert and I’ve donated to his fund.
Oh my! I am crying for Robert, hopefully he is “fixable” to at least a comfortable level. I have seen many dogs like this in my years at vet clinics, so I have hope for him. He looks so much like our Pit Bull mix we lost in December, it is uncanny. Our Gator(who was also a rescue) went down with hind limb paralysis, but quickly progressed to front limb paralysis with suspected Botulism poisoning, so we had no choice but to euthanize with the grim prognosis. I will be watching for updates, and THANK YOU for helping him!
I’m only sorry I couldn’t donate a little more – His story broke my heart -prayers and well wishes for this strong boy! <3
Thank you so much for wanting to help this sweet guy. I always fall for the hardest of the hard luck ones, have donated to try to help Robert with the hope that he can be saved and brought back to a state of happy and reasonable health. I have donated to help many special needs, serious health problem rescues. Some make it, and some do not, but they all touch many hearts. I hope and pray that Robert will be one of the lucky ones. <3 Thank you for caring about him.
I donated as much as I could and posted on Facebook…I hope everything goes well for Robert…he looks so sweet! Sending him good vibes…
Oh. Reading this broke my heart into tiny little pieces. Thank you for saving him, and for being there to show him that we humans aren’t all bad. Knowing that he will get the care he needs, and the love he deserves from you guys is the ONLY reason I was able to bear reading this. I don’t have much right now, but I’ve sent as much as I can spare. Lots of love to poor Robert, and to the staff there for being the kind of awesome people you are.
Good luck, Robert. Hugs, kisses, love and prayers from me!! I donated!! 🙂
I’m crying so much after reading this; it breaks my heart. Just made a donation and will be hoping fervently for a good outcome.