A pitifully suffering pit bull arrives at the Gulf Coast Humane Society for our protection and medical treatment. Three out of four legs swollen and thick with draining bite wounds. Her right ear is nearly torn off her head, and a gash extends from the ear over her face. Numerous teeth are broken, and the large pad on her left forefoot is dying, leaving a horrendously infected opening.
But the most life-threatening complications is her severe degree of starvation and dehydration. Her vacant look tells all – a long history of neglect cousing her to give up on human aid.
It is a life and death decision – whether to treat her or euthanize because of the extent of her wounds and pitiful body condition.
Jennifer Galloway, the Executive Director of the shelter consults with me as to the hope of reviving and recovering this dog.
“I would give her 50/50 odds even with the best treatment,” I tell her, swallowing a lump in my throat.
The Director runs her hands over the backbone and sides of the animal as though considering the odds and possible complications.
Then she says, “Go ahead and give her a chance. It’s what we do.”