Faces of a Puppy Mill

Lynn & "Lucky"

I walked into Suncoast Animal League one Saturday afternoon with absolutely no intention of bringing home a male that was unneutered. As I walked into the room I saw many dogs that all were begging for my attention. I looked to the far right and noticed in the top cage a small dog #324 all curled up looking at me with sad, tear stained eyes. Scared and shaking, I began to talk to him. His little bare tail started to wag and he reluctantly came up to the side of the cage. I noticed he had no hair on his back or his legs, was not neutered, his skin was blackish with sores, was underweight, and his breath almost gagged me. His feet swollen and with the deep cuts in his pads, I knew he must be in pain.

As I turned to look back at the other dogs all barking, I saw him revert to the corner and look at the wall. I slowly opened his cage door and he crawled over and let me pick him up. His heart was beating fast and his legs were stiff, but immediately he grabbed me around my neck and as he stared into my eyes….well, I was hooked. With many years of experience with the Pomeranian breed, I knew in my heart, I could bring this little guy out of his shell.

He came home with me that Saturday afternoon and I am proud to say that seven weeks later he is an absolute joy and one spoiled dog. After many nights of soaking his feet and giving him antibiotics his pads are all healed. He runs and plays ball in the grass and does not have a care in the world. Every other day I give him a bath in medicated shampoo and I am now starting to see an improvement and maybe some growth in his coat. With great nutrition, and many supplements I am sure he will continue to improve. He sits while I hand scale his teeth, so that finally his checks aren't blood red from all the tarter and his breath now smells like mint toothpaste.

The only problem I am having, is that because he was a stud, he likes to lift his leg in the house. With the help of the bellyband, it is under control. It is never hard to be patient with him, when I just have to remember how he used to live. He is now trusting of everyone and lives a happy life either on the couch or in the bed. He still looks into my eyes as if to say, "thank you".

I still cry at night when I look at him and wonder how anyone could treat such a gentle, undemanding, grateful, "Lucky" that way. I wonder if he remembers how his life used to be? I am very blessed to have made a difference in his life.

Lynn