Adam Parascandola is a member of the Humane Society’s rescue team. The scene he walked into when he met Billy the Chihuahua was sadly not out of the ordinary. Responding to a call about a puppy mill, Parascandola found a shed stacked to the ceiling with cages housing dogs in deplorable conditions. Sure the dogs had water, but the water was green. The team then bent to the sadly routine task of removing the dogs from the property.
That’s when something different happened. When Parascandola wrested open Billy’s cage (the latch had rusted shut, suggesting that the dog had never been outside of the crate), the severely malnourished dog (he was given a body condition of 1 by an on-site vet, the worst score an animal can receive) put his head on Parascandola’s shoulder, closing his eyes as if finally at peace.
That’s when Parascandola suddenly felt a profound compulsion to protect Billy the Chihuahua from ever returning to such a fate. The little dog’s life was changed forever.
Despite missing half his bottom jaw and coming from a dark beginning, Billy instantly blossomed into a warm, playful little companion, ready and eager to trust again.
This is why, as the holidays are upon us, we urge you to pass along our “A Puppy Is NOT a Present” message. The impulsive purchase of dogs from pet shops is what creates sad stories like this in the first place. Billy got a second chance at a new and wonderful life — but many, many more dogs are not as fortunate.
Via Jezebel
