LANCASTER, SC.....Sweet Gabe is a ten month old Pocket Pitty Mix that wandered into someone's yard after being used as bait or a very bad dog fight.  The Family could not take care of him so Animal Control was contacted and some Rescue Organizations.   The Volunteers that grabbed him were not able to take on a dog that had so many injuries, so we were asked to take him into our Medical Program.   

Gabe was brought to Carolina Veterinary Specialist where he was immediately admitted into the ER.   He had lots of dog bites and wounds that were infected.  There must have been several days that passed before he got medical care because the discharge and smell from the infected areas were horrible.  Once Gabe was stable, the Surgeons were able to go in and access his wounds.  The worst of the wounds were near his ear and tail. The best news is that we were able to save his outer ear and ear canal.  Our sweet boy has not suffered any loss of hearing from his attack.  Unfortunately, most of his tail will have to be amputated.

Now for the bad news, Gabe has visible signs of heartworm disease in his heart.  We did an Echo and consulted with a Cardiologist to make sure we could do surgery on him.  He was approved for surgery but will have to come back and have his Heartworm Treatment done under the care of the Cardiologist.   He is a high-risk candidate and will need to be in ICU when the procedures are done and for several days afterward.

We never know exactly what happens to these sweet pups that come in all torn up from bites wounds.   When a dog is sweet and non-confrontational like Gabe is, it is usually from being used as a Bait Dog.  The sweeter the dog, the more in demand they are for fighting dogs to practice on which is why they are called Bait.  There is no chance of the Fighter getting hurt because the other dog does not fight back.  Gabe is one of the lucky ones.  He came out alive and is now in the hands of people that will make sure nothing bad ever happens to him again.  

Once we get Gabe through his heartworm treatments, he will be ready to be adopted.  He is going to be a warm, fun-loving Family member to someone Special.  In the meantime, we have to get him well and raise the funds needed to cover all of his Surgery and Medical expenses.   Please, Donate whatever you can to help us with his Medical Care. Thanks for caring and making his Journey to Survive and Thrive, possible.