One evening, a couple of years into this journey of rescuing dogs, I received a call from a friend telling me two dogs were tied up outside on a street corner in Homestead, Florida. I immediately went to see if I could help. What I found was horrifying: two schnauzers were tied to a tree with wire. The female schnauzer was pregnant. Both had been there so long that the wire was embedded in the male’s leg flesh. Whoever abandoned them did so with food and water that was long gone, their bowls now full of dirt. They looked as if they hadn’t eaten in days.
At first, they were so fearful, and it took a bit of patience to gain their trust so my friend and I could remove their restraints. We offered them both water, which they each lapped up urgently. Luckily, both had collars, which allowed me to attach a leash and bring the female schnauzer to my car. Our goal was to secure her either in a large crate I had brought with me or in the back seat. I think she knew I was there to save her. She gracefully leaped into the back seat, sitting still and panting, very pregnant.
When we went to get the male schnauzer, I brought over my first aid kit, knowing we might need a bandage after removing the wire. One look at his leg with the embedded wire and fishing line and I knew he would need to see a veterinarian post-haste. For now, all I could do was cut the wire to free him. I was ready for him to snap at me, but instead, as I began to cut the wire, he kissed my hand as if to say thank you. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
. . . he kissed my hand as if to say thank you
Eventually they both got in the same crate for the trip home. Once I got them home and settled with food in their bellies and a comfortable bed, I arranged for much needed vet visits. The male and soon-to-be-papa schnauzer was my first concern. Over three hours, Dr. Scott carefully removed the wire and fishing line, saving his leg.The mama schnauzer was ready to start whelping any day and enriching her diet for steady milk production was essential, especially since both of them were obviously undernourished.
The mama schnauzer, we named Sunny, delivered ten babies in my house just after she arrived. Suddenly, I found myself caring for a new mother and her ten babies and their dad, Sawyer. My work was cut out for me, but this experience solidified my commitment to rescuing dogs in need.
Sawyer and Sunny were adopted together and are now living the life in their forever home. Once their puppies were ready, each one found a loving forever home. ♥
At Max’s Ark we count our blessings!
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Max’s Ark Rescue is currently setting up a fundraiser and auction to raise funds for our ongoing work. Your support can make a significant difference. Whether through adoption, donations, or participating in fundraising events, every contribution helps provide rescue dogs with the care and love they deserve. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these wonderful animals.
