Dogs who are rejected from the blood sport of fighting usually end up abandoned or in shelters, as was the case with pit bull mix, “Six.” After being burned with acid and left for dead, Six spent a year in the shelter system. Six was rescued by New York based animal rescue organizations, Guardians of Rescue and Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue, to be trained as a service dog. Sadly, his health has taken a turn for the worst, and the rescue groups are looking to the community for help.
Through the joint efforts of the Paws of War program, the organizations assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Animal therapy has proven to be beneficial in helping veterans overcome this condition. Six excelled in his training to become a therapy dog and was placed with a veteran employed in the Washington, DC area. Since then, the pair have been inseparable. Unfortunately, after he began to limp, Six was diagnosed with having a condition in his elbows and will need to undergo a bi-lateral orthopedic surgery. The surgery typically costs up to $10,000, and his new owner simply cannot afford the medical treatment.
Graciously, Dr. Allan Carb of the New York Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, Farmingdale, New York, has stepped in to help, and have offered to perform the surgery at a reduced price of $3,000. “While the discounted rate for the surgery is so unbelievably giving, we still need help raising funds for this much needed operation,” says Dori Scofield, vice president of Guardians of Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization. “Six is a wonderful dog whose life is dedicated to helping others. Now it’s our turn to help him, and we are asking the community to please help in any way that they can,” he adds.
To donate, or for more information about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.