Romeo
Playing Hard To Get
Determination, perseverance and patience were key to the difficult rescue of a dog in desperate need of help.
In late January a couple discovered a puppy in the culvert next to their home which was located in a fairly remote area. Almost a week later and 5 miles further out in the woods another pup was found. It was apparent that these two were siblings, beautiful and very sweet, they were quickly adopted with families to call their own. A third dog, a bit older, was discovered in the same area, a few weeks later. Given the remote location we speculate that all three could have been dumped. The pups were probably littermates and the third dog, although similar in appearance, may or may not have any relation to the puppies. It is hard to understand why anyone chooses to abandon animals, leaving them to fend for themselves, being exposed to predators and starvation. In reality, the reason doesn’t even matter because nothing could justify the cruelty of the act. There are so many other humane options available, endless choices and resources one could’ve chosen to do instead.
Thankfully, the world is also full of animal lovers willing to right a wrong.
Cathy and Stacey were two such people! They jumped into action and organized an effort to rescue the third dog. He was extremely elusive and soon became a big challenge to capture. But word spread and several people in the community came assist in the rescue. The lure of food, shelter, and human kindness was not enough. After a couple weeks of failed efforts, it was time to regroup and reassessed the rescue. Determination, perseverance and patience were going to be key to the rescue and everyone involved was up for the task. So, they narrowed down the involvement to include only a few rescuers hoping that less activity would be better. WAAG was called for advice and to share potential resources. Cathy and Stacey contacted an experienced dog trapper in Olympia, DD Ponder, for assistance. She proved to be one of the many rescue angels willing to help, driving all the way from Olympia, bringing a live trap, cameras and her expertise. She is an amazing woman with a huge heart for animals, dedicated to this type of work, having caught hundreds of dogs over the past 8 years. A trap was set, baited with food, and cameras were strategically placed to capture any activity. Because of the remote location, it was one of the most difficult rescues she’d encountered. DD even braved a few frigid February nights on a “stake out”, in hopes of a successful capture.
Although he was frequenting the trap site, he remained evasive. After several days of rescue attempts and occasional sightings, the camera was showing that he was getting noticeably thinner with each passing day. By mid-March things had gotten even more desperate. The camera showed him taking the bait inside the trap, it was obvious he was very hungry, but unfortunately the trap malfunctioned and he got away. If that wasn’t disappointing enough, a few days later the camera captured a shot of him, only this time it was evident that he’d tangled with a porcupine and had a face full of quills!! The situation became even more dire now that he was injured and in pain. Many prayers went up that our luck would change.
Finally!
On March 15th, he once again returned to the trap site to eat. This time the trap worked! Our prayers were answered! Those who’d been following the rescue were jumping for joy after hearing the news he’d finally been captured. By this time he’d been out on his own for well over 4 weeks! Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, help was on it’s way!
For a dog who’d been so elusive, fearful, injured and in pain, no one knew what to expect from him now that he was caught. He had every reason to be aggressive and distrustful of people. As it turned out he was an absolute love! He totally surrendered to the help he was finally going to get. He desperately needed rest, both mentally and physically, food and medical attention. Cathy immediately organized a Go Fund Me on Facebook to assist in his medical needs. Anticipating his eventual capture, WAAG had been in contact with Animal Health Services in Longview and had arranged for an emergency appointment. Animal Health Services was ready when they received a call from WAAG saying he’d been successfully trapped. He was seen the very next morning for a medical assessment and treatment.
Romeo, Oh Romeo!
After his rescue, he was named Romeo because he turned out to be such a lover. He was thought to be about 1-1/2 years old. All but 3 quills were removed, which were under the skin. With a little time, the quills would come out on their own and antibiotics would fight off any infection. Weighing in at a mere 33 pounds, he was well under his normal weight range of 50-55 pounds. A cracked tooth was also giving him trouble. As he recovers and gains more strength, he’ll receive all his vaccinations. Time is on his side now, once he becomes healthier with a proper diet, is well rested, and gains weight, he’ll also get neutered.
Romeo faces a bright new future as his new chapter begins! The Go Fund Me that was set up for Romeo exceeded its goal in a matter of hours! Thanks to WAAG and Romeo’s Go Fund Me, his medical expenses will be more manageable. One of vet technicians caring for Romeo was accepted to foster him through WAAG’s Foster Care Program. She also intends to apply for adoption and officially make him a permanent member of her family.
Thank you!
There were so many people dedicated to seeing a positive outcome for Romeo. Thank you to rescue organizers, Cathy Gawith and Stacey Wegdahl, who started it all and saw it through; DD Ponder, for traveling many miles and spending sleepless, cold nights to help a lonely, frightened dog; Rebecca Hompe at WAAG, for advice, resources and encouragement; Animal Health Services for seeing that Romeo got medical care so quickly; Destiny, for giving Romeo a 2nd chance; all the donors who contributed to Romeo’s medical expenses; to all those who assisted and supported the rescue; and so many who sent up prayers for a happy ending.
Update!
Two weeks after his rescue, WAAG was able to stop by for a home visit to check on Romeo’s progress. He has gained 7 pounds and is starting to let his personality shine! His new home comes with 2 cats and a small dog, who were only too happy to welcome him into their pack. His new mom, Destiny, has been able to take Romeo to work with her everyday where not only his medical needs are met, but the exposure to people, sounds, smells etc., helps develop his social skills and overcome his shyness. He’s wants to please and is learning to trust again. With a little time he is going to BLOOM!
