Newest Rescue: Chip

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Our newest rescue, Chip, is telling his story today! Thank you to everyone who stepped up to save him, and let’s share his story so we can get him a forever home soon!

Hi my name is Chip. My mom was sick. Sometimes she forgot to feed me.But I love her so much and always waged my tail when I saw her. But my mom left and went to heaven. I miss her very much. My brother went with her too. I think he was weaker than me and couldn’t make it without food. I miss him very much too. He was my other half.

When the police found me, there were discussions about putting my down. Thank God, my friend came over and saved me. She took me home, even though she could have gotten in a lot of trouble. She took me to the nice people at True Blue Animal Rescue as soon as she could get me a spot! I was a little nervous at first. But these people are really nice, and my food bowl is always full.

There are a lot of dogs here and I get a lot of playtime, but I really wish I had a home of my own again. Can you please share my picture and my story and find me someone to love again?

Throwback Thursday – Dancer

Our #ThrowbackThursday animal is also our Pet of the Week! Dancer was removed from his owner by law enforcement. He had been left in a stall was starving and had overgrown hooves. His road to recovery included special farrier work, lots of nutrition and a month of natural horsemanship training by Juan Vendrell of TC Ranch Ventures. Now he accepts a saddle and rider and is ready to finish his training. If you want to know more about adopting Dancer email [email protected]
TBT Dancer

Foster Feature: Sage

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Late in May True Blue Animal Rescue received a call that a dog was living at a rest area in Washington County. Melanie, the founder and president of T-bar, went to pick the dog up. What she found was upsetting. The Staffordshire Terrier mix was a senior dog in poor health and in need of food. More upsetting was the lack of concern people nearby seemed to have to an animal in need.

Melanie had to load the dog by herself and it wasn’t hard because the dog, later named Sage, was eager to leave her harsh surroundings. Once at True Blue Animal Rescue the dog was given shots and a dewormer pill to set her on the path to being sound. However, on closer inspection, poor Sage was missing hair, had skin growths, had many small cuts and had a serious eye infection that needs antibiotics.

Sage’s case is one that is sad because she is a senior pet, close to ten years old, that must have had a family at one point, but they decided to let her go. Melanie stated the dog had a lot of health issues but the answer is never throwing an animal away. Aside from the eye infection it is obvious that somehow Sage had injured her hip or her leg and it healed incorrectly. When standing in front of her looking her head on her right leg sticks out farther than her left. Surprisingly, Sage tested negative for heartworms.

Sage is a very shy dog and in dire need of a lot of TLC. Her recovery will be long and costly. If you would like to help Sage out with a donation, no matter what size please visit the T-bar web site at www.T-bar.org and hit the “Donate Now” button. No matter how big or small your donation will mean everything to this older dog’s recovery.

(Warning, images below may be too graphic for some viewers)

 

Pet of the Week: Summer

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On March 8, 2014, True Blue Animal Rescue was asked to step in and take custody of a dog in Somerville, Texas. TBAR founders, Dale and Melanie DeAeth, were accompanied by Somerville police to respond to reports that a dog was being severely neglected. Thankfully the dog, later named Summer, was not completely emaciated since a kindly neighbor had been attempting to give the dog food. When TBAR staff met Summer, she was friendly and extremely happy to see people. All she wanted to do was give kisses and be near people, despite the neglect she had been experiencing.Summer was taken to the vet immediately after being seized from the owner. The vet discovered that she was heavy heartworm positive and would need expensive heartworm treatment. Because TBAR is a no-kill rescue and believes if the animal has a good quality of life and treatment is available, Summer was not euthanized due to financial burden and instead Summer blossomed in her foster home during her heartworm treatment. Summer loves playing in the yard and chewing on her toys. She also loves to play tug-o-war and is very gentle. Summer dreams of the day she will have a forever family who loves and spoils her and shows her that not all people are cruel. Can you make this sweet girl’s dream come true?If you think Summer would be a wonderful addition to your family, please contact True Blue Animal Rescue by emailing [email protected] or leaving a voice mail at (936)878-2349 and we will return your call at our earliest convenience.You can also visit our website at www.t-bar.org for more information about TBAR.

Chance’s Rescue

*Warning* Post contains photos and descriptions of a graphic nature that may be disturbing to some (especially younger) viewers and readers*

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On April fourth, in Caldwell, Texas, an injured dog wandered up to the Komar family’s property. On close inspection they saw the dog was seriously injured by a gunshot to the head. Despite being shot, the dog wanted their help and rather than look the other way, the Komar family stepped in to lend a helping hand. Sadly the family was not allowed to keep the dog themselves due to living on rented property. First, they tried calling law enforcement but were told that the dog would most likely die. Upset and not getting the help they needed, they began to call other rescue groups. A few turned them away but at last they found help with True Blue Animal Rescue.

Jacqueline Komar, or Jackie, didn’t bat an eye when she was asked if she could drive to Dr. Lee Panko’s office on a Sunday in Brenham, Texas. There, with two of her children, Destiny and Gabrielle, Jackie brought in the wounded Catahoula. Jackie lifted the dog on the examination table and her, the kids, and Melanie and Dale watched as Dr. Panko began his exam. The dog’s eye was the first thing Dr. Panko probed at and the top of the dog’s head was next. As Dr. Panko did his examination, the family that had cared for him for three days asked tons of questions. The vet answered them all as they came, letting the kids know the dog was one to one and a half year’s old, and that he wasn’t chipped or fixed. As Dr. Panko spoke he checked the dog’s sinuses, reflexes, skin condition, and hearing; all were found to be sound. After Dale found out the Komar family had not already named the dog, T-bar members decided to name him Chance.

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While doing the examination, Jackie informed the vet that when the dog panted Chance had an odor about him. Leaning closer, Dr. Panko agreed and said the smell was from the massive infection the dog had from the wound he’d suffered. By the skin that was trying to grow back over the wound Dr. Panko guessed that Chance had been shot only three or four days before, meaning the dog had, thankfully, found the Komar family almost right after being shot.

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The dog had a ring around its neck that was made by a collar that had been on long enough to wear down the fur; a few months. Also his tail had been cropped too short leaving him nothing, not even a nub. Chance’s gums were a pale pink, rather than a healthy deeper color, which Dr. Panko suggested was due to blood loss and malnutrition. The wound on his side was thought to be ringworm but Dr. Panko said that it was not, but a scab covering an old wound. Dr. Panko believed the gun shot went through an eye and came out the back of Chance’s head. The vet decided that removing the damaged eye would be better for Chance in the long run because if it healed on its own the scar tissue would be painful for the dog.

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All during his examination Chance was quiet and calm, even with seven people huddled around him in a tiny room. Destiny wanted Chance to have a toy that she had bought all by herself before her family had to say goodbye to him. The Komar’s wished they could keep Chance but were relieved that True Blue Animal Rescue and Melanie DeAeth, had stepped in for the dog and his care. Once in T-bar care Chance was treated to new toys and treats by the Snook school children and also an interview by KBTX!

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Chance has a long road to recovery but thanks to so many people being touched by the battle this little guy has gone through his emergency care visit has been paid for. He still has his eye removal operation coming up. His T-bar status is listed as in Rehab, but will be listed for adoption as soon as he is well. People have asked if he will be a special needs dog after his horrific injury but Dr. Panko sees no long lasting health issues once Chance has his eye taken care of.

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If you would like to help T-bar with Chance’s bills or just want to make a donation to True Blue Animal Rescue please use the donation button. No matter how big or small your donation it makes all the difference to animals in need. If you want up-to-date news on Chance he now has his own Facebook page. Chance’s second Chance.

*UPDATE* Enough funds have been raised to cover Chance’s vet bills! Thank you for the outpouring of generosity for this beautiful creature!

 

 

 

 

Foster Needed for Gracie

Gracie’s Story

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*Warning: This posts contains an image that may be disturbing to some readers*

TBAR received a desperate request for help when a dog was taken to a Houston shelter. This sweet girl, later named Gracie, was found wandering around Lily’s new work and animal control officers were called because they knew this poor dog needed medical attention. She was covered in sarcoptic mange and you could see the desperation in her eyes crying out for help. Despite her discomfort, she was very loving and gentle and she touched Lily’s heart. She needed a vet’s care and Lily was determined to find a rescue who would give this dog a chance at life. The shelter she was sent to does not allow adoptions of bully breeds (to protect the dogs from possibly being used for breeding, fighting or as a bait dogs in a fighting ring). For many who send very loving and sweet dogs to these shelter’s thinking they are helping the animal not aware that the dog’s fate is likely euthanasia, it’s very heartbreaking knowing that the animal will end up put to sleep because it’s not safe for them to be adopted out. Shelters have a very high intake of animals constantly coming and going so they are not able to follow up with adoptions the way rescues can. So adopting out these dogs who are often targeted by people with less than humane intentions without being able to check in and see how the animal is doing could be very dangerous and irresponsible. These shelters may not allow public adoptions for these breeds, but they do allow rescues to pull them to give them a chance at a safe and loving home.

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True Blue Animal Rescue responded to Lily’s desperate request and was willing to help this sweet dog. Gracie was pulled from the Houston shelter and immediately taken to the vet office to receive treatment. This is when we learned that not only did Gracie have sarcoptic mange, but she was also diagnosed with heartworms which required immediate treatment.



Gracie has been doing well at the vet and Lily visits her often. Once Gracie’s mange is under control, she will desperately need a foster home where she can continue her heartworm treatment until she is healthy enough to be listed for adoption. Please consider opening up your heart and home to this beautiful girl. She has been given a second chance at life and you can see how grateful she is to have people who love and care for her. Now all she needs is a foster home where she can blossom into the amazing companion she was meant to be!

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Gracie, please email [email protected] or call (936)878-2349. If you can’t foster or adopt, please share her story with friends and family or donate for her medical care. If you can donate $1, $5, or even $15, every little bit helps and goes towards her necessary medical care.

 

 

Popeye’s Story

Popeye

 

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Popeye Jun07aWebJune 2007 T-Bar Name:Popeye T-Bar Number: D245 Weight: 3lbs
Sex: Neutered Boy Age on 5/2007 1 yr
Breed:  Beagle / Boxer
Color:  White with orange patches
ADOPTED – Thank You! Location: Washington, Texas
Update June 2008: A very special family came along that fell in love with Popeye. Even though Popeye was not officially up for adoption, this family was able to do whatever Popeye needed to make him a part of their family and make him happy. Slowly and gently, Popeye was transitioned to their home. And Popeye fell in love with his new family. He’s happy, healthy and has his very own family. A wonderful, fairy-tale ending to Popeye’s story! Update June 2007: Popeye is recovering nicely. He has lost vision in one eye, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.  He has won the hearts of all the TBAR volunteers who care for him and his sponsors with his charming personality and happy attitude. His favorite activity is to pick up a soft, fluffy toy in his mouth and accompany the volunteers on the feeding rounds. He loves his toy! So full of life and love, how could any one hurt this dog?!

Update Dec 2007: Popeye’s abuser was found guilty! He was sentenced to 30 days in prison, has to pay the court $500 and has to pay Tbar the $600 initial vet bill that we paid. He also has to go to a mental health evaluation and anger management classes. Justice for Popeye!

* WARNING: Popeye’s story is horrible. Stop reading now if you don’t want your heart to break. **

Original Story: Popeye was seized by the Sheriff’s Department because a man had tied him up and beaten him with a golf club. X-rays showed that Popeye had a fractured skull, broken sinus cavity and a bulging eye. They also showed that he had been shot in the head. Later, the man confessed that Popeye was a stray and he was ‘doing us a favor’ by trying to get rid of him. While his injuries were critical, through it all, Popeye was wagging his tail and showing love to his caretakers. TBAR and the vet couldn’t give up on a dog who wanted to live so badly and could show love after all his abuse. The first few days were touch and go for Popeye and he wouldn’t eat. But slowly, he started to feel a little better and started to eat. Popeye has a long recovery, but he deserves a second chance at life, don’t you think?

 

Popeye before

If you would like to sponsor Popeye and contribute to his rehabilitation, we’ll keep you updated on his progress. You can know in your heart that Popeye will never again be hurt or suffer; he will only know love and kindness from now on. That’s our promise to him.

 

Thank you to Popeye’s sponsors:  Angela Sera