Life changes in an instant and it's really only in those times of change that we realize just how good we have it. Ten years ago, a Kansas City family of three decided to save a dog from their local animal shelter. Once the family fell in love with a destitute pup sitting all alone in a cage, they were compelled to make him a part of their life. On the day that the adoption was scheduled, they drove through a snow storm just so they could save the dog. The family had spent months searching for the perfect fit for their home and after nearly giving up they finally found a match and they weren't about to make him wait a day longer. It wasn't long before the dog had a name ("Budd") and the perfect family. And for seven years, the family lived the perfect life. Budd was considered the "second son" and his position in the family was unmistakable. Budd and his human brother played and grew and their bond increased more with every day that passed. And then, the recession hit.
One of Budd's "parents" lost their job when their employer shut down. The family scrambled to try to exist on one income and all of the priorities in their life changed. Eventually, another job was found but at a considerably less wage than what the family was accustomed to. For three years they fought and struggled to keep their head above water but each day they were pulled under longer and further until eventually, they could no longer reach the surface. Beaten but not defeated, the family realized that they just couldn't win the war of saving their home so it was placed in foreclosure. In an attempt to help other families, they donated all of their excess belongings to a charity that helps people rebuild their lives after a natural disaster or fire. Even when things were the darkest, the family still saw the light and they had faith.
They searched and searched for a new place before they were forced out of their home and after months of denials due to poor credit, they finally found a new place to stay. Thankfully, someone was willing to take them on their word and their character, rather than what was written on a piece of paper. The bad part of the good luck, the landlord wouldn't accept dogs. After begging and pleading for help and receiving no response from shelters or rescues, the family was forced to move out of their home and to leave Budd behind. While the home is in foreclosure and the paperwork is being completed, Budd is living all alone and the family is visiting him three times a day to provide food and attention. While Budd does have utilities on in the home and he has the warmth that electricity and gas can provide, it's nothing compared to the warmth of the family that he is missing. As the days have passed, Budd has grown more and more depressed.
Last month, Budd injured himself while living alone at the foreclosed home. While no one knows what really caused the injury, one can assume it's because he is upset. Budd misses the family that he's had for so many years. After a visit to the vet, it has been confirmed that Budd suffered an ACL tear. Now not only is he a homeless dog but he's now an injured, homeless dog. If no one would respond to pleas for help for a healthy dog, what makes rescuers believe that anyone will care now?
There is a very urgent and desperate need for a foster, rescue or adoptive family for Budd. He is located in the Kansas City area but transport may be arranged for a qualified rescue or family. Budd is a senior Jindo-mix weighing in at 80 pounds. Budd is not a "touchy-feely" type of dog and he requires his space so a home with older or no children is preferred. During evaluations, Budd showed no signs of aggression. While he tested okay with other dogs and cats, it is best that Budd be an only pet. He will require patience, love, understanding and some additional care to help him recover from his ACL injury. If you would like more information on Budd, contact Kris Winzurk at (816) 564-9711 or by emailing her at cwinzurk@gmail.com. You can also contact the author of this story by clicking here.
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