Dog going through rough time after owner went to assisted living relied on his basketball toy for comfort

A dog named Joe entered the Pender County Animal Shelter in North Carolina on October 24 after his owner went into assisted living. More than likely, Joe had lived his life outdoors chained; a pen had been the only home he knew. And even sadder, Joe had not been well socialized; although he would slowly warm up to people, he had no idea how to walk on a leash; but no doubt had been profoundly heartbroken when separated from his owner.

“No one wanted” Joe, even as the staff and volunteers at the shelter shared photos of the seven-year-old dog who was terrified, barely ate and was “so shut down” he just didn’t care. His basketball toy comforted him, and he preferred to curl up and sleep, however time outdoors did help a little.

… Judging by his condition and behaviors we think he has lived in a pen or on a chain. He is terrified inside, relaxed with us and engaged more outside with staff after about 20 minutes. He has NO concept of walking on a leash. He will hardly eat he is so shut down.Trust me we keep offering a buffet of items. He has an emotional support basket ball he sleeps with. Our best guess is he is a GSD mix, around 7 years old. Not one sign of aggression despite all our poking and prodding, shoving pills down his throat. He is heartworm positive. He is in his twilight years

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Of course, puppies and purebred pooches have a much easier time finding a home, but seniors? And how about dogs who likely spent little time inside of their home and instead lived most of the time chained up and in a pen?

. Joe… he is in trouble. He is the dog that almost no one will want or give a chance. You might read this and think you do, sign up and find out he is more than you wanted and sign out… it happens all the time. So before you do it – look long and hard at Joe – he has been thru a lot. He needs a final resting place, a place to call home – we hope it isn’t the shelter.

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Luckily, a rescue organization did step forward to adopt Joe who needed further treatment for heartworm, but the message remains clear. Please make arrangements for your pets in case something tragic happens to you. Our pets can’t speak for themselves; they all depend on us to guarantee them the best lives they can live.

There are more needy dogs at Pender County Animal Shelter.

So happy Joe got Rescue! We have several more special cases headed out also needing sponsors if anyone is willing to help!

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