Meet Mia and Mistral. They were called Maya and Miss but for their new lives here, they have new names - but names that sound similar.
When they were taken out of their Hell Hole yesterday, the owner had to sign papers and apparently he shed a tear when they left! Oh really! As my best friend, Candy, in America wrote:
"I truly think the guy who kept them in that condition should bloody well be put in a pen and forced to live on top of his own shit for 8 years. Punishment fits the crime. Asshole." Too right!
Within about 15 minutes of their arrival, they seemed to know it is 'OK' here and since then have followed me everywhere. A miracle! Their temperaments are absolutely superb. Mistral (the blacker one in last pic below) is confident with everyone. My neighbour came to visit them yesterday evening and she went right up to her. Mia on the other hand is terrified of people, but as I said, now trusts me. They freely wander the garden, even tho, they wobble a bit. They have absolutely no muscle and when they wake up, they have some difficulty in getting up. Hardly surprising as they've been confined to a 2 metre square area of excrement for 8 years.
Both are in bad physical condition, particularly Mia who continually scratches and bites herself, poor dog. Her skin as you'll see in the lower photograph is very bad. Both are on antibiotics, have had special baths after the flea infestation was removed and tomorrow, they get more baths. It will take time. They have a bacterial skin infection caused by the conditions under which they have lived for so long. They have both had loads of litters too, as is obvious by their large nipples - particularly Mistral.
Feeding time is crazy - both are frantic for food, even tho Mistral is actually quite fat - fat with bad quality food tho. They are used to eating out of the same bowl but I've learned I have to separate them - and then encourage Mia to eat. She is the timid one and it is Mistral who has eaten most of her food in the past.
I woke to two enormous puddles this morning - tonight I'll let them out in the middle of the night, which is no big deal for me as I wake up anyway. And Mistral is in full heat today. Wot fun! Once they are in condition, they will be sterilised, of course.
Tomorrow, pictures from the garden and more progress - and a big thank you to everyone for their encouragement. It will take time but really the main thing I worried about was their temperament with other dogs and it's perfect. They totally accept and interact normally with other dogs. Just people are a problem for Mia. As for letting them out free in the garden - they love it, wander about and come back in when they are ready.
18 comments:
That's a mighty big first day, m'dear. Slow it down a bit, maybe. Mainly for your sake ... one step forward ... and you end up backwards. Take care ...
This is so heartwarming Jilly. I have tears in my eyes. I am so happy they have found a wonderful home with you and have adjusted so well. They are beautiful!
They know they have been rescued. Amazing! It will be interesting to see their transformation over time with the care you will give them.
I too have tears in my eyes, Jilly. You've done a wonderful thing by rescuing these poor animals. How anyone could keep them in such squalid conditions is beyond me. I agree it will be great to see their transformation into healthy happy dogs.
Chris.
I don't have tears in my eyes as does Tanya...more like fire in my eyes and murder in my heart for the former owner. What a bastard. Where were the neighbors? The bystanders, in my humble opinion, are just as guilty for allowing these conditions to exist. Although you are in for an exhausting period of time before the dogs are well and comfortable in your blessedly kind and caring surroundings, the rewards cannot be measured because they will be so enormous. Hats off to Jilly and much love for the dogs. I admire you enormously for your love and service to many canines that are fortunate enough to meet you!
It's so wonderful to see these dogs resting on soft, clean beds for the first time in many, many years for them (perhaps the first time in their lives?). Thank you for keeping us updated on their progress.
Oh poor Mia. I hope her skin gets better and that she gains confidence real soon. I'm glad they have even temperaments and get along well with your other dogs. I'm sure that's a big blessing for you.
Please don't forget to take care of yourself too, Jilly.
I am so happy for them. Specially that they KNOW that you are helping them and accept you. I bet they just love to be able to roam freely.
Thank you so much. MB
I think your friend Candy is my kind of gal! She is absolutely right.
What great news that they are settling in with you. Wish I could sit and give them a good scratch behind those big floppy ears. I wllll be checking on them everyday. And in heat......oh lordy, that's all you need on top of everything else!!!
Hugs to you all,
V
I feel so badly for these poor animals! It is a wonderful thing you are doing! I really don't know how people can be so horrible.
These two are such pretty dogs.
I have looked forward all day to meeting these poor 'girls', and will be watching their progress, you are a truly remarkable person, Jilly
I had not checked Menton Daily Photo lately; looked this a.m. and stumbled upon "Hell Hole" photos. Frantically waited for today's post: what joy!! An infinity of thanks to courageous Michele; the vet; the groomers; and most of all to Jilly who listened to her soul. Bless you Jilly, and many happy hours/days/years to you, to Mistral, and to Mama Mia.
Firstly , thank god the temperments are fine - why they are I do not know but that will make it easier as you know. Mia may be like my Rosie - she chews on herself still - its an anxiety thing. I have yet found a way to stop her but its gotten less and less.
Please tell Candy that Karma gets those guys! I just hope its a good one too!
Like everyone has said, Jilly, take good care of yourself , I can see these two ladies know they are in a good place .
Ah Jilly...I had the utmost respect for you before today but this is just the icing on the cake....to give these two darlings all the loving care they've missed out on all their lives is just awesome.
Bless you and yours,
Sue Caissy
I read the previous post with interest and this post with relief. The dogs are adjusting very quickly, really. It's great that they can go about in the garden alone - not having to pull on a leash (and on you) is great! They'll pick up muscle tone in no time.
We adopted our beloved Boz from a rescue shelter. He's a member of our family. It's beyond my understanding how people can treat dogs any other way.
Heroes like you help these animals adjust and give them lives worth living.
I just stopped by before bed to see how the girls were doing. Meant to tell you how I loved the photo of that big floppy ear hanging over the dog bed. and the bottom photo with those big sad eyes. Best to you three. will check tomorrow.
Hugs,
V
It is amazing how dogs seem to know when all is good....I am so glad they are as good as they are...hopefully it won't take long to clear up their skin and improve their muscle tone....they look so wonderful in their beds!!!
Dear Jilly, I've been following your two new3 dogs' adventures. Bibi was rescued from a 'shelter' here, which is nowhere near what a shelter should be. Run by a lady in her mid-sixties, this shelter is home to over 300 dogs, who live in poor conditions, though the owner herself tries her very best. She knows them all by name, and they respond. She has daily volunteers, and receives odds and ends food donations in the form of old bread and fat... I am unable to physically help her on a regular basis, but take her some food for herself, and clothing donations, from time to time. I am going today and will photograph her for my blog. She's a wonderful person, but just how long she'll hold out and what will happen worry me. As for your two pups, I imagine you know how grateful they must be, as Bibi was, to be spared from a further life in poor conditions.
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