George, a blind, deaf, elderly Shih Tzu, was brought to Lawrence Humane under the worst circumstances imaginable. His owner had passed away in their home and no one knew for a long, long time. George and the other dog in the home were left to survive on their own without food or water. Unfortunately, the other dog didn’t make it, so George was left completely alone with no idea of where his person was and why this was happening. By the time George was discovered, he was severely emaciated and dehydrated. His weight was less than half of what it should have been and every single rib, bone, and vertebrae protruded. George’s muscle tone had wasted away and he was unable to walk or even stand, so his fur was matted and yellow. All he had the strength to do was occasionally throw back his head and howl at the injustice of it all.
A lot of places would have given up on George. After all, he was old and in a terrible physical state. Not everyone might have wanted to invest time and resources into him, thinking it might be best to euthanize. But Lawrence Humane staff believed that George’s story didn’t need to end there – he could still have a happy ending.
George went home with a staff member and put on a calculated re-feeding plan because too much food at once could case organ failure. He was bathed, swaddle in blankets, and loving reassured that everything was going to be ok.
As he built his strength, George began to do some physical therapy and build back the muscle tone that he lost. Once he was strong enough, he received an extra gentle grooming at Art of the Groom and a dental from the Lawrence Humane veterinary team, allowing George to feel better and his mouth be pain-free for the first time in quite a while.
George has now gained back much of his lost weight and muscle tone. He resides in a loving home that includes dog and cat siblings who adore him. Best of all, his home includes a new best friend – Blanche, also a blind, deaf senior Shih Tzu from Lawrence Humane. Blanche and George can be found snuggling and snoozing the days away together.
That is, when they’re not shuffling around the backyard together in their matching sweaters! And while George can’t quite get around as well as Blanche, the fact that the is able to stand and even walk short distances with buddy is great cause for celebration!
George will never again know hunger, suffering, or loneliness. And that’s because of our community’s support.
As we near the end of the year and begin to plan for the year ahead, we want to ensure that Lawrence Humane is able to help as many “Georges” as possible. We care for over 6,500 animals per year and that number is only growing. We are committed to ensuring every single one of these animals receives the kind of happy ending that George now gets to have.
Will you join us by making a gift to Lawrence Humane by December 31st? Your gift in 2023 helps us make sure that we are able to provide the upmost care for every animal that crosses our threshold in 2024. Please know that every gift is appreciated and will go to serving the thousands of Douglas County animals we support every year.
Your support is what makes it possible for us to ensure that animals like George have a happy forever, regardless of the circumstances from which they come.
