You may have seen some of the recent press regarding “anti-tethering” laws. Some states have very specific regulations regarding tying dogs outside, others cover tethering in their animal cruelty legislation, and far too many still do not have any restrictions at all on their books.
Marigold’s story sheds light on why these laws are so vitally important to the innocent dogs they protect.
Marigold was named for her sunny yellow coloring and sweet disposition. She was first spotted by some Atlanta good Samaritans, wandering outside of a gas station. She was thin, dirty and clearly injured based on the matted hair and blood around her neck.
When the kind strangers could not coax her, they called in reinforcements. The highly trained Dekalb County Animal Control officers who responded to the call were able to catch the frightened pooch after just a few tries. They brought her to LifeLine Animal Project‘s Dekalb County Animal Services shelter where veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn Haines examined her.
The dark matted area around Marigold’s neck turned out to be a horribly infected wound caused by a collar. Someone had placed the collar on Marigold when she was a pup and it had not been properly adjusted to fit her growing body. As a result, it had become embedded 2 inches deep into the tender flesh of her neck.
Dr. Haines immediately took Marigold into emergency surgery to remove the painful compression and clean away the dead, infected tissue. Despite the agony and neglect she must have experienced while the collar slowly embedded itself into her neck, Marigold did not let it destroy her faith in humanity.
The LifeLine staff expected her to be timid and apprehensive when she awoke from surgery – as she had every right to be – but Marigold woke up wagging her tail and offering kisses to her caretakers! Now that she has finally been brought in from the cold and experienced human kindness, she is ready to forgive and forget the horrors of her past.
Marigold’s wounds are healing beautifully and she is so appreciative to be free from her life of suffering. Now she is ready to start her next chapter – a brand new life with a warm home and a family that values her as a member of the pack, not a yard dog to be tied out and forgotten.
Do you think you are ready to shower this sweet girl with the love and happiness she deserves? If so, send an email to adoption@dekalbanimalservices.
There are far too many dogs like Marigold suffering in silence. Click here to find out about the tethering laws in your state. If you don’t like what you see, contact your local lawmakers and become a voice for the voiceless.
Story and All Images via LifeLine Animal Project
