JAKE

This is a cross post from a GSD message board, please do not respond to me, thanks....
 
This message was passed on to me, Kim-  dogresqr@yahoo.com from Renee. She does not have email, but you can email me, otherwise please respond to the sender (Renee), if you think you can help. The best thing would be to call her directly as she lives next door to Jake. Her number is: (631) 924-9264.

Dear GSD Rescuer,

I was contacted yesterday about an URGENT situation on Long Island, NY. A 10-12 year old pure breed Shepherd who's been tied up all his life in a yard has virtually been abandoned and needs immediate rescue. This sweet neutered male named Jake belongs to a man who had many farm animals who died due to neglect. Jake lived among them, his only companionship, but now he is alone and tied up to a three-sided shed, his only source of shelter. He is provided with some water and food by a neighbor who does cat rescue. She also got permission from the man to take Jake to the vet and have his terribly flea-bitten ears treated along with treatment for a skin condition that has since cleared. If not for her, Jake would have died. Don't know how he survived the brutal winter having no where really to hide. The local SPCA would not give this their attention because technically, he has "shelter" and there is a food and water bowl outside. But Jake has graciously (and sadly) accepted his fate. He
 used to bark and bark, but now he's quiet. When Renee comes to pet him and give him love whenever she can, he melts into her arms and is desperate for attention. Jake has a gentle and friendly disposition. Renee said that at one time, Jake had children who came to pet him, but since the man's divorce, no one is around. She said that the man is ignorant and thinks that Jake has what he needs to survive. He throws food out there before he leaves for the weekend. Jake is good with other dogs, cats and farm animals. He loves people, despite the betrayals he has endured. While he has never been physically abused, he has never known what it's like to be loved. It has been a hard life.
The owner, who spends all his time away from the house (at work and on weekends with his girlfriend in NJ) said that Renee has his permission to "get rid of the dog". He will sign a surrender agreement. She contacted me for help to get him out of that situation ASAP. It is too hot for this old boy now, and she is praying that Jake will have somewhere to go where he will be given a decent life for however long he has left (hopefully many more years) and lots of love. There's a long past he needs to forget...
I am an independent mixed breed rescuer, and I pretty much just help out at a local shelter and do not know much about Shepherds except that they are loyal, soulful dogs. I'm crying as I write this, thinking of what this poor boy must have suffered all these years. I'm turning to you as you have dedicated your lives to this special breed, and I'm hoping you can take Jake. I will make a $100 contribution and will help with transport. I can also go to meet Jake and take a picture if you need me to. A worker at my local shelter who evaluates the shelter's dogs said she'd come with me to meet him on GSD rescue's behalf. Or, if you have any affiliates in the area who could help, please let me know. Thank you for anything you can do. God bless.

Gratefully, Kim
dogresqr@yahoo.com
(631) 979-8148