Gabriel, Our Christmas Angel
Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue started receiving emails and phone calls about a neglected Weimaraner in the Mt. Airy area on Saturday 12/12/09. At first we didn’t know if we were dealing with several dogs or if numerous people were just contacting us about the same dog, but clearly there was a Weimaraner crisis.
Alice, an animal advocate & lover in Yadkin County, had spotted a Weimaraner in an outdoor pen who was apparently grossly neglected and starving. She contacted Mona with Stokes County Humane Society who starting rallying her troops - Lissa, Karen, & Dianne. On Monday Alice bravely approached the home and politely inquired about the dog. The man who answered the door very abruptly said he was taking him to the pound in the morning and slammed the door in her face. She knocked again and offered to take the Weimy – he did not even open the door but yelled “NO, I’m taking the dog to the pound in the morning.” Knowing that the shelter would most likely put him down due to his condition, with no chance of adoption, she wasn’t willing to stop there….
Calls were made to the shelter pleading with them to spare this dog and allow Rescue to take him. Messages were also left with the sheriff. Mona started diligently making calls trying to get the shelter to commit to giving her the dog as opposed to putting him down. Karen & Dianne were on standby ready to help where needed.
Due to persistent calling, Dianne uncovered that the shelter had in fact been contacted by a woman informing them she would be dropping off a Weimaraner the following morning when the shelter opened, claiming he has 'nervous' problems and is chewing at his legs, and that no one would probably adopt it. Lissa, a freelance in home foster provider for several groups in the area, was set & ready to be at the shelter when they opened in hopes of obtaining the dog upon arrival.
That morning Alice learned that the woman was willing to turn the dog over to her, and she instantly jumped into action. Once in her possession, the dog was then immediately transported by Lissa to Animal Care Clinic of Rural Hall for further medical attention.
During the transport, he gently laid his head on Lissa’s shoulder & that is all it took to win her over…he eventually curled up on the seat beside her enjoying loving touches for the remainder of his ride.
Animal Care Clinic of Rural Hall wasted no time evaluating him. We were all relieved to learn that despite terrible hookworms and due to the blood loss somewhat anemic, he is heart worm negative. He is very, very thin at 52 pounds - at least 20 -25 pounds underweight and has sores on his back and face - probably never had a chance to heal due to such poor nutrition. Even with all he has been through Holly at Animal Care Clinic of Rural Hall relays that he is an absolute sweetie, not dog aggressive, not cat aggressive, and not even food aggressive. Truly amazing as he is so very thin and obviously never had enough to eat for a good long while.
Animal Care Clinic of Rural Hall is not only providing his physical care (warm shelter, antibiotics, 4 small meals a day and treats) but is lavishing him with constant TLC as well.
We have named him Gabriel, Gabe for short, a fitting name as he is Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue’s Christmas angel. Everybody that has met Gabe is falling in love with him. We are fortunate to have this sweet boy in our care, and once he is back to good health, we are committed to finding him the best forever home possible. This special dog deserves to spend the rest of his days in luxury, loved and cherished. From abused to adored – this is our commitment to Gabe.
Our canine angel, Gabriel, is and has been in the hands of many amazing human angels. We are so appreciative of all who have helped getting Gabe out of his abusive situation and on the road to recovery. Please send your kind thoughts and prayers his way during this holiday season.
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