Sometimes there are no words.

The majority of the stories in rescue are positive and have happy endings – most of them are never read or heard about because there are just too many to share. We have lots of positive, happy, stories. On the flip side there are those sad stories, and we’ve had our share to share, that are heartbreaking.

Mable’s story is no exception. We are going The Extra Mile for Mable.

Our rescue takes in all kinds of dogs from puppies to seniors to medical cases and we don’t discriminate. We are an equal opportunity rescue if you will. For the last decade we have helped out the folks at the Richland County Animal Shelter many of times taking in dogs when they were over populated, dogs that were getting ready for the euthanasia list, dogs with heartworm, dogs with tumors (most recently Bob the Bloodhound) and this week we took in a senior toy breed. After reading a post from Lori, one of the volunteers we work closely with at the shelter, and we knew we had to step up and help.

“This little old girl breaks my heart. She was left in the outside cages at the shelter. She was so matted that there was nothing else to do but shave her down. Her legs and feet were the worst I have ever seen. I have never come across toenails as long and curled as hers. There is no way she could even walk. She doesn’t seem to see, either.  Susan sent me a text to see if I was coming to the shelter today, so that I could groom her. I couldn’t even imagine how bad she looked. Rachel helped me get her groomed. We are hoping someone may recognize her ‘before’ picture so that the Dog Warden can talk to her previous owner. Rachel and I decided to name her Mabel. I am taking her home over the weekend to spoil her.”

Mabel is a senior Shih Tzu/Poodle mix. Abandoned at a rural shelter. Blind. Confused. Alone. Neglected. Her skin unable to breathe due to all the matting. Her nails curled (and we mean curled) and curled and curled making it impossible for her to walk.

This was the no name dog left behind in the dark of the night:

Thank you Richland County Animal Shelter for being there for Mable.

Shame on her owner for not asking for help. We hope you are caught and ‘Goddards Law‘ finds you.

This is our Mable. Maybe your Mable?

Luckily for Mabel we have terrific, fast acting volunteers and within an hour of hearing about her we had a volunteer signed up to drive to Richland the following day and bring her up to Cleveland. Another volunteer from our Foster Provider network stepped up and picked her up that very night so she could stay in a home and have companionship. She went to Gateway Animal Clinic this morning for a check up, vaccines and heartworm test. Mable is now up to date on shots, she is heartworm negative and she will be spayed in the coming weeks. Her teeth are in need of a good cleaning which we will take care of through donations made to The Extra Mile fund. She is unable to produce tears and will remain on eye drops for the rest of her life.

Mable is sweet senior and she is looking for a crash pad to call home. She likes dog beds, dogs and being held or on your lap. If you are looking to give an old gal a fresh start for the remainder of her time (and we hope it’s years!) please apply to adopt her.