Animal Shelter Tries To Save Senior Dogs Surrendered To Be Euthanized
A pair of senior dogs from California where given a second chance at life after their owner surrendered them for euthanasia, but then tragedy struck again.
In a video shared on TikTok on Thursday by the Valley Animal Center in Fresno, the two pooches, named Morticia and Gomez, could be seen on their best behavior as a veterinarian checked their health after enduring severe neglect.
"POV: Your owners tried to surrender for euthanasia," reads layover text displayed on the clip, as the pair wag their tails as if showing gratitude.
"These two sweet souls were saved just in time by a kind-hearted Good Samaritan after their previous owners tried to surrender them for euthanasia. These older, sweet pups have endured severe neglect—covered in ticks, fleas, and painful mats. Morticia is also suffering from a massive hernia that requires surgery," a caption says.
"Despite everything, they still wag their tails, holding on to hope for a better life. But they need your help... Please note: They are not available for adoption yet as they are going through treatment."
A spokesperson for Valley Animal Center told Newsweek that despite their best efforts to give the dogs the care they needed and deserved after being saved from a heartbreaking situation, one of them ended up not making it.
"Sadly, Gomez began showing signs of distress shortly after arriving in our care. What initially seemed like a minor cough quickly turned into a serious issue, and after further evaluation, our vet discovered trauma to his trachea, likely from previous harm. He started to have difficulty breathing. And despite our best efforts, we had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to him," said the rescue center.
"Morticia is still with us and receiving medical treatment, and we are doing everything we can to ensure she has a chance at a happy, healthy life. We are heartbroken by Gomez's loss but are committed to giving Morticia the care and love she desperately needs."
The Humane Society of the United States website states that since cases of animal abuse are not compiled by state or federal agencies, it's difficult to calculate how common they are. Moreover, only a fraction of animal cruelty acts in America are reported or successfully prosecuted.
Not all states have laws in place for such atrocities. Currently, only 49 out of the 50 states have laws to provide felony penalties for animal torture on the first offense, only Iowa doesn't have such a law.
Each year 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet ShelterWatch Report found.
Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.
Valley Animal Center's video quickly went viral on social media. The TikTok video has so far received over 60,900 views and more than 4,300 likes.
One user, Beth Burnett, commented: "Poor babies!! glad someone saved them... I can't imagine doing that to my pups."
Tray_see said: "To the lady who saved them, I love you with all my heart, and I will have you in my prayers."
Gloriadavis043 added: "Some people can be so Evil!"
This story was originally published September 23, 2024, 1:13 PM.
