Second Chance Stories
CVAS has a special fund for animals who are needing a "Second Chance" at life - dedicated to those who come in in need of emergency medical treatment. Thank you to everyone who has donated, as every monetary donation - no matter the amount - can save a life! We want our amazing community to see all the good they have done for not only the residents here, but the shelter as a whole. Below are some of our recent brave boys and girls, and a look into all they have overcome!
Luna
Hello, my name is Luna. I am a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, and I have been at the shelter for 10 months now. You haven't seen me until now though because I was going through treatment for Heartworm. Set back and let me tell you the story of how I ended up at CVAS. It all started when some people started to see me on their game trail cameras in the mountains, I was actually running with coyotes in the pictures. Several days later I was found in a foot trap and brought into the shelter. My foot was a little sore from the experience but in a couple of days it was okay. I do have some slightly crooked legs that seem to have had an injury a long time ago and were healed, so I do have some arthritis. When I got to the shelter the nice shelter staff ran a weird magic wand over me that beeped when it went over my shoulders! They got really excited because it meant that maybe I had a home to go back to! They did some research and found out that I was originally from a shelter in SOUTH CAROLINA! I knew I was far from home but did not realize how far it really was! They called the shelter and got my owner's information and contacted them. I had been missing for over a year and unfortunately, they could not come and get me due to some changes that occurred in their lives, but they were happy to hear that I was okay and very happy I was safe! I don't remember how I got to Pennsylvania. But now I had landed in a safe place and while my wild friends were fun, I much prefer being with people! One day the nice Veterinary Technician said that she needed to do a "Heartworm test" whatever that is because she saw in my records sent from the shelter in SC that I was positive for it when I was with them. That was a silly process! I got a big hug, and I gave my paw and just as I was expecting the treat for all my hard work, she took some of my blood! I did get a treat afterwards so I guess I can let the thievery slide! She put the blood on a little white thing that snapped when she pushed on it. Some time passed and apparently wasn't good as she looked very surprised and worried, not only did I still have heartworm, but I also had some weird sounding things called Lyme, Ehrlicia, and Anaplasmosis (which I later learned were from tick bites ew!) So, I was examined by the Vet and it was confirmed that yes, I needed treatment for my heartworm and all those nasty tick diseases. I was wondering why I didn't always feel the best and had a bit of a hard time breathing but I just thought it was because I was getting older. Well, I went through all my treatments and here we are 6 months later, and I have been cleared of Heartworm (and the tick diseases)! I definitely feel much better without those things being in my heart! I am now looking for my forever home! My ideal home would be with someone that understands my breed's needs as we are an active breed that can get somewhat stubborn and bossy! I have been known to herd my caretakers from time to time if I feel like they are getting out of line and have done a little gentle nip to remind them that I need their full attention! I am a smart girl and while I am not quite as active as some members of my breed I still think like them! I would prefer a home without small children, I find them unruly, and I prefer predictable adults. I don't really mind the cats here at the shelter, but they tend to just ignore me when I walk past, but I may try to herd them if they run from me. I have been through a lot in my life and am looking for an active person that can keep my mind busy as well!
Michaux
Michaux is a special guy that was found badly injured in the Michaux state forest area. He arrived at the shelter in rough shape, he was skinny, had wounds all over his legs and his back left leg was degloved, infected, and broken!
He was taken to be evaluated and thanks to our Second Chance Fund, Michaux underwent the surgery to remove his leg and ultimately save his life.
Michaux certainly did not let missing a leg slow him down! He is a lovable guy who was a big fan of being carried around while he was adjusting to one less appendage.
He's recently been adopted by a wonderful family, and has wanted for nothing since his arrival home. And from what his new mom has told us, he doesn't even realize a leg is missing, he gets around better than anyone!
Check out Michaux's follow up here!
Tryp
Tryp was found during the time of the Michaux state forest fires in April. When he arrived, Tryp had a large infected wound on his neck, was skinny, had burns on his feet and over parts of his body, and such a bad ear infection that he had maggots in his ears! He had his wounds and ears cleaned out and had a drain in his neck wound for awhile. Due to the burns, it's possible that Tryp was caught up in the forest fires. Even though Tryp had to have been in immense pain when he arrived, he was nothing but the sweetest, most lovable guy the minute he walked into the shelter, and all during his recovery!
Tryp has since been adopted - to no surprise to staff and volunteers. He's had nothing but wiggles and kisses to offer to every person he meets, and he didn't mind the company of other animals either.
He's now happy in a home with a few fellow fuzzy friends! Thankfully, Tryp will never have to worry about being lost and hurt in the woods again!