Dog used in fighting loses his life

November 8, 6:27 PMIndianapolis Pet Rescue ExaminerMonica N

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I received this email the other night and would like to share it with everyone. This was written by Nina Gaither and is re-printed with her permission.

Valor's Story"

Valor is a 5 year old Pit Bull who was found as a stray tonight, on 11/06/09.
A pair of good Samaritans found him on Guion Rd north of 71st street in Indianapolis.
The good Samaritans said that they saw a huddled mass on the side of the road
so they pulled over, opened their door and Valor came limping to them.
The good Samaritans used a sleeping bag to wrap around poor Valor and to place him into their car.
They drove directly to the Humane Society of Indianapolis (HSI), hoping that Valor could be helped.

The caring staff at HSI immediately recognized that Valor had been the victim in the heinous "sport" of forced dog fighting.
Valor was calm and docile, despite his immense level of pain.
The staff was easily able to sedate Valor so that a thorough exam could be performed, his wounds flushed and radiographs taken.

Valor was NOT microchipped.
He was, however, intact.
Oddly, Valor only had two toes on his right foreleg (a genetic defect, not a result of injury).
Valor came in seriously injured, apparently from being forced into REPEATED and NUMEROUS dog fights.

Valor had more than 50 puncture wounds, some new and so deep they were gushing blood,
others were just beginning to heal while still more were completely healed and evident by the deep scars left behind.
Valor had a new serious bite wound on his lip which went almost completely through the thick skin.
One wound on the top of his head was open, gaping and actively bleeding.
The worst of the wounds was on his chest...this wound continued to gush blood throughout the entire medical exam.

Upon taking radiographs, it was discovered that Valor had TWO broken forelegs.
One leg was recently broken and needed to be amputated.
The other leg was healed and the elbow so misshapen that the vet at HSI determined that it could not support Valor's weight if an amputation were to be performed.
Due to Valor's extensive wounds, the risk for infection and his inability to bear weight on his forelegs, the unfortunate decision was made to let Valor go.
Valor was humanely euthanized while under anesthetic shortly after his radiographs were done.

What we learn from dogs like Valor is that HUMANS are truly the monsters in this world.
The same people who are capable of forcing dogs into the sick combat of dog fighting and others who ignore and deny this horrible "sport" practiced in their own neighborhood.

For those who deny that organized dog fighting happens in Indianapolis, please view the pictures of Valor and decide for yourself.

For those who are all too aware of the canine victims of organized dog fighting, give your pup a big hug and consider a donation to your local shelter and breed advocacy organization.

I can honestly say that I feel like I have seen some brutal "stuff" in my life....
but NEVER have I been so appalled at what humans are capable of when at their WORST...
and never have I been SO ashamed to be part of this "human race". 

Nina Gaither
Indy Pit Crew
Humane Society of Indianapolis

WARNING-These pictures are VERY graphic. To view pictures of Valor's wounds, click here

Dog fighting can happen anywhere. If you know of a dog fight in progress, call 911. If you notice suspicious signs of dog fighting or animal cruelty such as puncture wounds, paraphernalia such as treadmills in yards, or dogs who appear in poor health on heavy chains and left outside at all times, call 262-TIPS to report anonymously. Additionally, if you suspect animal cruelty, you can call Animal Care and Control at 327-1397 or the Mayor's Action Center at 327-4MAC. Ask for a case number so you can follow up to ensure a resolution

For more dogfighting resources, click here. To view some of the more than 12,000 Pit Bull mixes that are available through Petfinder. click here.

To stay updated on local rescue info, click the Subscribe button at the top of this page. If you are a member of a rescue group or shelter and would like to have your group, events or animals featured, please send me an email at indypetrescue@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for opting to adopt.