Soldier

Late one night, a truck pulled onto a campus field. Two people got out of the truck pulling a frightened dog, then tossed him into the field. As the truck sped away, the dog ran after it until he could run no longer, trying desperately to catch up with his beloved owner. The security guard on the campus watched the whole event take place. Like any loyal shepherd would, the dog returned to the spot where he had been dropped off, thinking that that his owner would come back to get him. They never did.

This loyal, loving shepherd waited in the same spot for almost 2 weeks, sleeping under the same light post every night, expecting his owner to come to retrieve him any minute. He drank water from the sprinklers and depended on a kind animal lover who dropped off food for him daily. He watched people walk by with their pets and families, but he never left his post. Finally, the security guard built up enough confidence to approach him and call animal control. That’s when GSROC was called to the rescue.

We have named this faithful shepherd Soldier because he held his post night after lonely night, waiting for his family to return for him. Soldier is a large boy, approximately 4 or 5 years old, who looks like he was well taken care of at one time. Soldier deserves to find an extra special family–one that will cherish him and promise to keep him safe no matter what challenges life brings…one that will reward his loyalty and devotion with a lifetime of love.

GSROC relies entirely on donations in order to continue our work. In order for us to continue to come to the aid of abandoned shepherds like Soldier, your support is vital. If you are touched by Soldier’s story, but cannot adopt at this time, please consider making a donation toward the cost of his care by going to our DONATE page.

UPDATE 9/13/08
Soldier suddenly stopped eating and began having serious diarhea. He was rushed to our vet where we have had xrays, bloodwork, and a special fungal test done. We do not know the results of the tests yet, but we fear that Soldier may have an unusual fungus in his lungs. We will know more shortly. In the meantime, he is on IV fluids and antibiotics to help him feel better. Soldier needs a hero right now—could that be YOU?

UPDATE 9/15/08
Our vets have sent tests to Arizona to determine the source of Soldier’s pneumonia. It could be due to a fungus or it could be due to a bacterial infection. We have been assured that it is most likely not cancer, but Soldier is still struggling to breathe. The good news is that his temperature has returned to normal and he is eating on his own. The bad news is that he is still weak and his lungs are still filled with fluid. With the help of our supporters, we have been able to pull dogs through bad cases of pneumonia, but the treatment is expensive. If you can donate any amount to help us with Soldier’s care, it will allow us to continue to battle his illness.

To arrange to meet Soldier, please complete the online application first and then contact Johnandebhancock@aol.com for more details.