PETEY

Petey wants to be in Our Gang!

Do you ever wonder how we decide who needs us the most? Every day, we receive pleas for help. Sadly, there is never a shortage of dogs in need no matter what the breed. They are everywhere. But some need us more than others. Petey needs us a whole bunch.

Guessed at 5 or 6 years old, Petey was found alone in a rural area outside of Toronto at the beginning of June. He's been in the care of a first rate shelter ever since. This shelter has been around for years and the staff there know all too well about the plight of beagles in rural townships. Many are used for hunting and if they don't cut it in the field, you don't want to know what happens. These dogs are a dime a dozen. There is little regard for those that don't make the grade. Of course, we know there are exceptions to the rule with some hunters but, sadly, the responsible ones are few and far between.

It's mere speculation with Petey, of course. He doesn't show the telltale signs of life as a hunting dog - there are no visible scars to prove he's been in the bush, but make no mistake ---- there are scars. After nobody came to claim Petey, he was moved into adoption where everyone thought he'd win someone's heart in no time. Petey is that sort of beagle. Loves to give kisses and full of beagle energy! But then, the staff noticed something wrong. When Petey went out for tinkles, he appeared to be in terrible pain in his back end. They rushed him to their vet the very next morning where poor Petey was poked and prodded from nose to tail. During the course of that thorough examination, the vet found the spot that hurt the most. He knew it because his sweet little patient gave him a nip at that one touch. Just a little nip and certainly not out of the ordinary for any dog in pain, but Petey wasn't just any dog. He was a homeless dog in an animal shelter and rules are rules. Despite having a very good excuse for protecting his tender bottom, Petey could not be returned to adoption. But there was no way they were going to end this dog's life. He'd touched their hearts far too deeply.

Petey may not be able to tell them in words, but the experienced staff have a hunch about their Petey. They figure he was probably a hunting beagle flunkie. When he didn't live up to expectations, the staff fear that Petey may have been kicked in the back end resulting in some damage to his spine. The shelter's budget only allows for general vet care so very little could be gleened from his examination. More thorough work needs to be done to know for sure. It could be that Petey need only be on an anti-flammatory as the shelter vet prescribed, or he could need something more.

You know we have the finances to support little Petey...thanks to you. But now, we're faced with the other all too familiar challenge. Our foster homes are full. They always are. We need a loving foster home for Petey.

Here's a little more about Petey: We spent a good chunk of time with the little rascal today out in the country. He's just a wee little thing, probably under 25lbs. We took him for a walk in the woods and when it started to rain, we took cover in the shelter's office, cuddling up with Mr. Cuddles and taking his picture. It was hard to get him to sit still! He's got a serious case of Ants in the Pants! But this little guy seems to know how to behave inside. Never once did he lift his leg indoors. A perfect gentleman! Then, the ultimate test! We brought in another shelter dog to see his reaction and again, he was a gentleman. Sure, he conducted your typical sniff inspection but ever so polite all the while! The weirdest thing about the Pete? He had no interest in the milkbones offered to him! Perhaps, he's part fussy feline... ( ;

So, dear friends, please let us know if YOU might have an interest in fostering Petey the Sweetie. If we can find him the perfect foster home, we can drive back out to the country and scoop him up! First, he'll be heading to our vet's for a full medical and neuter!

It is our hope that Petey does not have any serious medical issues. The trouble he was having at the shelter is no longer being observed which is a good sign, although he continues to appear tender in the back end and we wonder whether he's had an old injury that flares up occasionally. How anxious we are to find out for certain and rid him of any pain he might be feeling!

If you met Petey, you'd know exactly why we have our sights set on rescuing him. We hope you'll give us the chance to make his rescue possible. We'd sure like him to be part of Our Gang.