Abandoning a pet is one of the most heartless actions an owner can take.
Unfortunately, cases of pet abandonment have been on the rise in the U.S., particularly in South Florida, as reported by the University of Florida.
These heartless owners not only abandon their pets but often subject them to abuse, creating harrowing situations for these innocent animals.
A recent case in Broward County starkly highlights this cruelty.
A Heartbreaking Story
On a chilly February day, a couple traveling through South Florida noticed something unusual in the desolate Florida Everglades.
Amidst the darkness, they heard faint moans and discovered a dog lying curled up on the dirty ground.
The dog, who appeared both dirty and sad, avoided their eye contact. They quickly realized that it had been abandoned and was in a very weak state, likely having starved for days.
The poor animal seemed to have lost hope, teetering on the brink of shutting down completely.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, the couple sprang into action. They spent nearly four hours trying to get help but to no avail. Desperation set in as no rescuers or organizations responded to their calls.
Officers on Duty
“We were calling all the rescuers and organizations for four full hours, but nobody responded,” the couple recounted. “In the end, the police came.”
Responding to the call about an “extreme case of abuse,” officers from the Broward Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene.
One immediately approached the dog with kindness, offering a small amount of food and water to help him endure the journey ahead.
Although the officers managed to gain a bit of the dog’s trust, he was so weak that he couldn’t move. Assisting the dog into the car was a challenging task, but with determination and care, they managed to get him into the vehicle.
These officers exemplified the true spirit of their duty, showing remarkable compassion and dedication.
The Aftermath of Cruelty
Once the dog, now named Powder, was stabilized, the deputies contacted Dezzy’s Second Chance Animal Rescue.
The rescue organization responded swiftly, with founder Sandra Dezelen meeting the officers to take Powder into their care.
Sandra immediately recognized that Powder had been out in the wild for some time and. She added that his recovery would be taking a long time.
The following day, after extensive testing, it was revealed that Powder suffered from a severe infection, causing redness all over his body.
Additionally, Dr. Rob Schneider, a local eye surgeon, diagnosed Powder with Entropia, necessitating surgery on both eyes.
Powder’s condition was a stark reminder of the severe consequences that result from such cruel treatment by heartless individuals.
A New Life for Powder
Despite the trauma he had endured, Powder found himself in the loving hands of Dezzy’s Second Chance.
The dedicated team provided the necessary medical care, and Powder began to heal from the red spots on his skin. His eye surgery was successful.
Additionally, he gained 4 lbs., transforming back into a playful and happy dog. The loving environment at Dezzy’s Second Chance, coupled with the companionship of his new dog siblings, helped Powder regain his confidence and trust.
Sandra later confirmed in a comment on the “Lost Pet Found Pet” Facebook Page that Powder had been adopted into a loving family.
Although there was no official announcement, it was heartening to know that Powder was now enjoying a new life filled with love and care.
We hope that his new family continues to shower him with affection and helps restore our faith in humanity.
References:
1. University of Florida, https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/research/current-studies/florida-animal-sheltering/, accessed September 9, 2023