A dog saved from torment

Anne Arundel County, MD - The photos of a dog named Rocky Road (aka Otis) are making the rounds on Facebook right now, along with a warning about the dangers of posting dogs as "free to good home".

Rocky Road's body is harsh testament to the brutality of dog fighting.

Rocky Road is being treated for extensive wounds which criss-crossed his body. Nearly every portion of his skin has been ripped and torn by teeth.

The veterinarian which treated Rocky came to the conclusion that he was most likely a bait dog.

Which leads back to the "free to good home" discussion.

Rocky Road is a friendly dog who seeks out affection from the people around him. As such, it is quite likely that he was someone's companion at some point in his life.

Whether or not he was given away for free cannot truly be determined, but what has happened to him is a brutal reminder of what can happen to dogs who are handed over to strangers for free.

Dog-fighters have one goal in mind...to make money.

In order to increase the blood lust of the fighting dogs, "bait" dogs are utilized to whet the appetite...dogs with gentle demeanors being the preferrable choice as they typically don't fight back.

Those involved in the dark underworld of dog-fighting often seek out "free to good home" dogs from sites such as Craigslist.

These people pose as a caring new owner, but the reality is a far cry from the fake persona that they offer to the unsuspecting individual who is trying to find a new home for their dog.

Tragically, many of these dogs are accumulated for "free" and then put into fighting rings to train the competing dogs.

Dogs who once enjoyed a comfortable, happy life with a family, are put into situations that are violent and painful.

Many (perhaps most) do not survive.

Some have called for a ban on the "free to good home" listings on sites such as Craigslist, but where there is a will, there is a way. If someone wants to be rid of their dog, they could skirt the "free" rule by offering their dog for a dollar. 

If that fails, they could abandon their dog and hope for the best.

The key to protecting dogs from dog-fighters is to educate. People need to be aware of what might happen to their pet if they offer them up for free.

If individuals insist up a "free to good home" offer, they should be prepared to conduct, at a bare minimum, a phone interview and a home check. 

As for Rocky Road - he is going to make it. 

Thanks to the person who found him and brought him to safey. Thanks to the county animal shelter who could see that a kind, gentle dog was beneath the mangled body.

Thanks to the veterinarian who provided life saving treatment.

And thanks to Tara's House Animal Rescue who will see to it that he finds a home which will never hurt him again.

Please stop by Tara's House Animal Rescue on Facebook and let them know that the care they are providing to this dog is appreciated. 

Wishing you a happy life surrounded by love and kindness Rocky Road - be well.

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