A lot of humans can learn the meaning of loyalty and family from dogs.
We have read heartbreaking stories of dogs who were dumped and surrendered by the people they know as family because of ridiculous and petty reasons. And now, another dog’s heart is broken because his so-called family dumped him at the shelter for a ludicrous reason.
Meet Darwin–an 8-year-old Beagle who was dumped by his previous family at the shelter. The reason: he was TOO OLD and TOO FAT.
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/1155330177838952/?type=3&theater
Darwin was at the Van Nuys shelter in California for a month. Older and obese dogs like him would be hard to get adopted and he would’ve been put down if he stayed longer. Luckily, he was rescued by Karma Rescue–a rescue organization based in Los Angeles. When Darwin arrived at the shelter, he weighed 90 pounds. He was obese and his weight made him look older than he really is. Darwin had an owner, but it appeared that he has been neglected all his life.
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/900249670013672/?type=3&theater
Jason Espiritu of Karma Rescue told The Dodo:
“He could hardly walk. He was at least twice what he should normally weigh. Darwin could have died from heart failure or all kinds of other complications.”
Darwin is a sweet and friendly dog, so the volunteers of Karma Rescue were wondering why he’d been neglected. Darwin obviously didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. He needed love and he needed to be cared for. He deserves so much better.
When Darwin was checked by the vet, he was diagnosed with a thyroid condition. It was most likely that his owners had overfed him and didn’t take time to exercise him.
Darwin needed a transformation. He was prescribed with thyroid medication and a strict diet. And after spending weeks at the vet hospital, he was ready to meet his foster parents.
In foster care, Darwin was gradually introduced to exercise and other activities. His weight last June 2015 was 90 pounds. And now he has dropped to 38 pounds! And since his weight loss, he has become more active, more lively and he has more energy! Darwin loves to go for walks and he loves to swim.
And to add to that, Darwin is also a graduate of Paws For Life–a dog training program that partners Karma Rescue with LA County correctional facilities. There he learned socialization skills and basic commands. And it as also there that they were able to address his anxiety issues. Darwin used to cry, bark, and howl when he was left alone. And during his time with the inmates, Darwin was slowly crate trained which helped him build confidence so he can relax when he’s left alone.
Watch the video below and learn more about sweet Darwin!
UPDATE:
Darwin is living a happy, healthy life in his new forever home! We are so glad that the folks at the Karma Rescue – as well as his new family – have given him the second chance that he deserved!
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/1155330314505605/?type=3&theater
Doesn’t he look great?? Not only is he slim and healthy, you can see in his eyes that Darwin is truly happy.
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/1155330231172280/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/1155330244505612/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/KreateKarma/photos/a.115926525112661/1155330344505602/?type=3&theater
