Bootsy

sex: male
born: 16 August 1999~
birth place: Wisconsin

given sanctuary: 01 June 2006

 

Bootsy's Story

No one knows how old he really is, or much else about his history. That information went with his previous owner when she died unexpectedly in May of 2006. Bootsy, at least we think that is his name, was not alone, there were twenty-one additional wolf-dogs living on chains in intolerable conditions. They were breeding stock for a backyard breeder. As time went on the circumstances grew worse. No one, it seems, realized that their owner was ill for several weeks before her passing. As the days passed the water ran out, there was no food and the animals’ situation deteriorated.

This was all taking place in Wisconsin. Finally, a friend of the breeder's arrived to check on her when he couldn’t reach her on the phone. What he found when he arrived was horrendous. His friend was close to death. The wolf-dogs were dehydrated and malnourished. Several of the animals were also close to dying. The small Wisconsin town rushed emergency service to help Jamie but was ill-equipped to handle the rescue of that many animals. It was at this point the Animal Humane Society (AHS), from a neighboring town in Minnesota, was asked to help with the wolf-dogs. Jamie did not survive her illness. Sosity died from starvation, Trekker and Lance were so ill from dehydration and malnutrition it became necessary for the Animal Humane Society to euthanize them. In addition to all this horror, Happy the youngest of the wolf-dogs was missing.

Wolf received a call from the AHS to ask if we could take the wolf-dogs and the Wide Awake Rescue was begun. Bootsy would be one of eighteen who would make the long trip to Colorado from Minnesota. Unfortunately, even rescue would be a horrible experience for Bootsy and the others. During the catch-up of the animals the transport people found it necessary to use a catch pole noose on all the animals. Muck was one of the most terrified of all the wolf-dogs that arrived at Wide Awake. We understood why when a Wolf Volunteer found a photo of Muck on the internet. This photo showed two very large men holding Muck four feet in the air suspended by a noose around his neck and his back end being held up by his tail. At this time Muck weighed all of 38 pounds, was terrified and totally blind. We can only imagine the terror and pain poor Muck and the others experienced. We were also told that the animals would be transported in an air-conditioned trailer and that a Veterinary Technician would accompany the animals to care for them in the event of an emergency. None of this occurred as we were told it would. The animals arrived jammed in a horse trailer so tightly that even water could not be given to them.

Furious about the way these animals had been treated on their trip, Wolf Volunteers immediately started to unload them and place them safely in their new home. Bootsy and the others would never have to worry again about food, water or being on a chain. They had room, trees, and each other. Physically, they would all have a comfortable place to live.

Unfortunately testing has revealed that 15 out the 18 animals saved were heartworm positive, including Bootsy, who was even diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease. It will require extensive treatment to save their lives. Conventional treatments for heartworm infestation will not be able to be used as it would require six to eight weeks of confinement in a small kennel. This confinement would be totally inappropriate for these beings and their spirits. A new treatment plan was developed specifically for these animals, but would require two to five years of treatment before they could be considered totally heartworm free. Although they are still very far from being healthy physically, at least they now have a fighting chance.

Likewise the emotional trauma will be very difficult to remedy. Their past treatment by humans has left deep wounds, which will take years, for caring humans to help heal. Although many individuals would question the financial resources devoted to bringing these individuals back to health, Wolf believes firmly in the value of every animal’s life. Once Wolf accepts responsibility for the life of one of these beings, we believe they deserve every option and chance possible to have a healthy, well-adjusted existence.

 

 

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