SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Volunteers in Orange County are fighting to save the life of a German shepherd whose owner may have been intentionally trying to starve it to death. Courageous efforts were made to save him by Orange County volunteers.
The 3-year-old German shepherd is named "Courage" for a reason. He's a survivor of extreme abuse.
"How can anyone do this?" asked volunteer Shawn Hollub at the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. "He's so sweet, so loving, how can you intentionally let this dog starve to death?"
Just one week ago, Courage weighed less than 40 pounds, less than half of what a healthy German shepherd should weigh. He was so weak that he could not lift his head or swallow. Veterinarians said he had been starved for more than a month.
"He survived by eating dirt and rocks," said Hollub.
Courage was rescued by a Good Samaritan from an unknown location in Bellflower. The non-profit German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County then stepped in. The community veterinary hospital in Garden Grove worked to save him.
"Around-the-clock feeding, we had to syringe-feed him, tube-fed him," said chief of staff Dr. William Grant of Community Veterinary Hospital. "I have seen a lot of abuse cases and in my 20 years, this is probably one of the most severe I've ever seen."
4/10 Dogs Deserve Better DONATES $500 TO GSROC
4/23
I'm Recovering! SPECIAL UPDATE! from GSROC
We have named this valiant boy Courage. He has already undergone extensive emergency treatment including blood and plasma transfusions, a complete GI flush, antibiotics, fluids...all to help save his life. His entire intestinal tract was full of DIRT---he had been eating DIRT to try to survive. At the time of his rescue, this adult shepherd weighed 37 pounds. He is currently bones and skin. Our vet confirmed that he would not have lived one more day without intervention. He just arrived 4/7 so we will provide more info as soon as possible. We are desperate for donations to help save his life. Please help. We are all in shock right now and will update soon.
4/10/10 Update -- Courage is defying the odds and responding very quickly to treatment and care. He is eating special intestinal diet dog food and keeping it down! Volunteers have been sitting with him, stroking him, and telling him what a wonderful boy he is.
4/11/10 Update -- Courage will spend his days at the ER clinic (but no longer on IVs) just being monitored, fed often, and kept comfortable on his heap of pillows. At night, he goes home with an ER vet tech, who feeds him his small meals round the clock. He is making impressive improvement already....he has gained 4 pounds on his special diet.
4/12/10 Update - Continued improvement today with him starting to want to get up! His care givers say that he wants to eat everything in sight...bowls, blankets, etc. but he has to be fed small portions at regular intervals to protect his weak system. Everyone thinks it's a miracle that he is doing as well as he is after such a short time. Tomorrow, we will transmit a Press Release posting a reward for the capture of his tormentor. $1,000 Reward for information leading to arrest thanks to a generous animal lover who posted this for us.
4/13/10 A really great day today! He is struggling to stand and has taken a few baby steps! This boy is an inspiration to all of us. We know he feels the love and warmth of so many people pulling for him. Courage did a media 'interview' today and even had a few words for the camera! The reward story hit our local paper so we hope that our phone starts ringing with tips!
4/15/10 Continuing to defy the odds, Courage is rebounding very well. He is taking steps and really doesn't seem to know what all the fuss is all about. He just cares about eating and getting lots of attention! A suspect is under investigation and we are hopeful that an arrest will be made!
April 16 - Nine days after his rescue, Courage's tormentor has been CAUGHT! This success is thanks to EVERYONE pulling together to close in on this animal abuser.
April 18 -- Courage is recuperating nicely in a quiet foster home. He is walking a little more each day and eating well. We have had an offer to get him some "swim therapy" to help him grow stronger, so we may treat him to this!
Courage asked us to thank everyone for their generous gifts for his care. He has met his fund raising goal and asks if his supporters can turn their attention to Pluto, a fellow canine in need of vet care. Please visit Pluto's bio page.
April 22 -- Courage went for his blood test today. He has gained 20 pounds since his 4/7 rescue! (So much for his past owner's excuse that he thin because he was sick!) He is upright and has found his voice! This is one talkative dog--he has a lot to say! He is still bony but not as frail and he definitely has more stamina! Hurray!
