In an Orange County Dog Examiner exclusive, the first pictures of Courage, the starved and neglected German Shepherd rescued earlier this month by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, are released. And they tell quite a story.
In just two weeks of love and feedings, Courage has gained nearly 20 pounds.
He's walking, eating up a storm, playing with toys and even horsing around a bit with people and his foster brother, another German Shepherd. In short, Courage is learning how to live.
He came in to Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove, Calif., unable to even lift his head or swallow, weighing in at a mind-buckling 37 pounds and wailing in pain from the muscle atrophy and the dirt blocking his intestines. Dogs of his stature should weigh around 80-90 pounds, and even 100 pounds is not out of range. In 15 days, Courage now tips the scales at 55 pounds.
"This is the worst case of starvation I've ever seen, by far, in over 20 years," said Dr. Bill Grant, Courage's veterinarian. "The body was eating itself."
So far, medical exams and lab tests have shown Courage's internal organs are recovering, as is the dog's mild anemia. No other underlying medical issues, such as cancer, are found at this time. Grant is still monitoring Courage's kidneys for any damage caused by the starvation, but he has high hopes the blood samples taken today will prove that Courage has turned a corner for good.
"It's remarkable, and almost miraculous, [how well he's doing]," said Grant as he smiled down at Courage playing with a rubber toy on the exact same plot of grass where, just 15 days ago, he couldn't even lift his head or stand. "As fast as he's [recovered], it is incredible. He's a hero."
Shawn Hollub, a volunteer with GSROC, sat with Courage when he first arrived, and she feared she was cuddling a dying dog.
"And two weeks later, I am playing tug-of-war with him," she said with a laugh. "I wouldn't have believed it. He's defied every odd out there. He's a miracle. We watched him come back to life.
"It's the Courages of the world that keep us going," she said. "He is going to do something spectacular in his life. God wanted this dog to live for a reason."
The dog's spirit amazes everyone at the rescue and the veterinary hospital. Despite a lack of human contact and food, despite his mistreatment at the hands of people, Courage is a joyful, peaceful, loving dog, say GSROC volunteers. He barks, but he gives kisses more. When he's not getting quite enough attention, Courage takes his big knobby head and bumps his foster mom's hand to encourage some petting and ear-scratching time.
Despite putting on 20 pounds in two weeks, Courage is still severely underweight. His condition was so severe the day he was brought in for emergency care, Grant said euthanasia was discussed. His foster mom, who tears up every time she speaks of that day, marvels about how the medical team wasted no time in easing Courage's pain and helping him to get where he is now: playing tug-of-war and sitting politely for treats.
"Now it's just food and TLC," said Courage's foster mom.
"A lot of both," answered Grant.
For more pictures and videos, click here and here. Don't forget to check out the Spring Fling page, too, for more info about dogs, adoption and Courage.
Don't forget to check out Examiner.com's Spring Fling adoption drive!
Comments
Great to see how he is doing! Thanks for the coverage!
Happy to know he will be OK, after what that evil woman did to him!!!
Courage you brought tears of joy to my eyes...may you only know love from now on....
Thanks for the coverage and updates. This dog has touched a lot of people worldwide
What a heart warming video! To all of those involved in the rescue and ongoing care of Courage...you're the BEST! Thanks for your love of animals and the efforts made to help this beautiful dog.
I hope that woman suffers for the rest of her life. May every breath she take bring her pain and heartache. It is evil and sick what she did, there's NO excuse. I'm so glad this lovely dog Courage has been rescued and is improving. When I first heard the story on the radio, it just made me sick to my stomach. I like 5 min alone with that stupid B. Love Courage, sweet, sweet Courage.
Quite simply...put her in jail. There is no excuse for this kind of cruelty. It is frightening to think she was hired as a vet tech and allowed to be near any animals.
Bless all the people who are helping this beautiful boy to get healthy and have a future. Sending you love and prayers, Courage!
May Courage only now love from now on. This story tells us of the beauty of people who really care for animals.
We have rescued many dogs and what happened to them in the past seems to haunt them for quite a long time. May Courage forget what was done to him!
Courage is a very handsome dog with the most intelligent, loving eyes. I hope the inhumane mentally twisted, sick female that did this suffers greatly in life. It needs to start with a harsh prison sentence. It is also very scary that she is raising a child. Does her cruel heart stop at animals?
God Bless COURAGE and EVERYONE involved in his rescue and care! You are God's Loving Angels! That evil woman will have her judgment day!!
Thank God and God bless you for finding him, what kind of human would let this happen, i am so glad he is getting better, he is so gorgeous! thank you!
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