Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie

Transcription

Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie – Presented by Lifeline Dog Rescue
Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie
Presented by Lifeline Dog Rescue
Meet Bert (left) and Ernie (right), two handsome and very friendly mixed breed mutts!
©2012 Central Florida Weimaraner & Dog Rescue Inc. dba Lifeline Dog Rescue • www.LifelineDogRescue.org • Page 1 of 11
DEDICATION
The photo story of rescue dogs Bert and Ernie is dedicated
to the wonderful people who came forward to
help save these dogs from death row.
Through their efforts the plight of these two
pitiful mixed breed dogs came to the attention of
Lifeline Dog Rescue, and we stepped in to rescue both.
The story of Bert and Ernie will certainly have a happy ending.
We felt this Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie
would be the best way to reach all the generous dog lovers
who volunteered their time, energy, and donations
so they are aware they DID make a difference.
A Special Thanks to ALL Who Helped.
The Staff of Lifeline Dog Rescue
February 2012
Updated September 2012
New Pages with Happy Tails Adoptions for Bert and Ernie
Photo Story Introduction and Overview
The cover photo shows Bert and Ernie on February 13, 2012, with just under 2 months
of rehabilitation at Lifeline Dog Rescue. View these older photos (below) taken at the
animal shelter in December 2011 to see how much their condition improved in 2 months.
Bert and Ernie were strays left abandoned and wandering the streets of Miami before
being captured together on December 4, 2011 by MDAS, Miami-Dade Animal Services.
Bert (above left) is a Boxer Mix and about 8 months old in the photo here, and was in
better shape, yet both were infested with mites and had significant skin and fur damage.
Look closely and you will see the fur loss on Bert's muzzle, as well as more damage in
various places including spots and the folds of his skin.
Ernie (above right), a Pitbull Mix and about the same age, appeared half starved and
suffered the loss of most of his fur, plus the damage to his skin from the mites was
extensive. Bare raw skin with red spots and sores covered almost his entire body. There
are more photos of Ernie shown later that better illustrate the seriousness of his health.
Fortunately, mite infestation is not contagious. However, the treatment and recovery
period before they would be adoptable is months, not days, and both Bert and Ernie had
kennel cough to make matters worse.
How, one might think, could any dog in such sad shape ever be adopted?
In truth, they likely can't. Based on their deplorable appearance and the time needed to
recover from health issues, the chance for adoption was next to none. Ernie and Bert
went to death row and would die soon if not saved by an individual or dog rescue group.
Animal Advocates Use Social Media to Help Bert and Ernie
The two previous photos taken at MDAS, and the two below, were published online by
animal advocates who monitor and publicize pleas for urgent death row dogs scheduled
for euthanasia at the Miami shelter. Sadly, both dogs truly looked ill beyond help.
Word spread online among these dog lovers who use social media to publicize urgent
situations. They began to post and cross post for a dog rescue group to come forward to
help Bert and Ernie before it was too late. The deadline of “days” became “hours”.
The photo (above left) shows Ernie and Bert huddled in their cage at the animal shelter.
Notice that little Ernie is leaning into his bigger buddy Bert for comfort. Perhaps he's
wondering if being dumped on the street was a better situation than the uncertainty and
fear he was experiencing now.
Being abandoned by humans and left alone had to be traumatic. Hearing the howls and
barking of 100 other dogs trapped in cages had to be unsettling, as well. Dogs do have
heightened senses, so the smell of fear and death in a public shelter makes it all worse.
The photo (above right) is a closer view of Ernie, and his poor condition is very apparent.
The online rescue campaign for Ernie and Bert began with a social media blitz started on
Facebook by Urgent Dogs of Miami (UDOM) who created a Bert and Ernie Facebook
page to promote their rescue. Dog lovers across Facebook posted, shared, and cross
posted to alert the world of this urgent situation.
Next, a Bert and Ernie ChipIn Campaign by Christina Pino (on Facebook) was organized
to solicit donations to encourage a private rescue organization to save these dogs.
Lifeline Dog Rescue Agrees to Help Bert and Ernie
Lifeline Dog Rescue, a division of Central Florida Weimaraner & Dog Rescue, Inc.,
specializes in the Weimaraner breed, yet does accept other dogs including mixed breeds
like Bert and Ernie. We are a Florida 501c3 non-profit. Everything we do is for the dogs.
Lifeline has a website at www.LifelineDogRescue.org featuring adoptable dogs, and the
site includes a blog with Weimaraner News and More, plus social media accounts on
Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr in addition to a Lifeline Dog Rescue Facebook page.
Facebook page visitors are welcome to comment and post other dog rescue news
including links to urgent rescue needs, as well as ChipIn dog rescue campaigns. Nearly
1500 people as of September 2012 have used the “like” button on our Facebook page
which allows them to follow our activities as well as post on our wall.
When Lifeline learned about Bert and Ernie sitting on death row through Facebook, we
took action to accept both literally within their final hour. We coordinated with volunteers
and had them pulled and transported to our dog rescue property in Okeechobee, Florida.
Here is part of the 3 acre dog rescue property of Lifeline Dog Rescue in Florida, and
shows a portion of the private lake and play area for the dogs. Take a video tour here.
They didn't know it then, locked in a cage, but this was the next stop for Bert and Ernie.
Bert and Ernie Arrive at Lifeline Dog Rescue
There were no surprises when Bert and Ernie arrived at Lifeline Dog Rescue. We were
told in advance that both still had kennel cough, and both required months of veterinary
care and rehabilitation before they would be adoptable.
The two photographs above show Ernie upon arrival at Lifeline prior to being placed in
isolation along with Bert due to their kennel coughs. As mentioned earlier, the fur loss
and skin damage due to mites causes sores, pain, and irritation, yet is not contagious.
That didn't make it any less heartbreaking - to the point of tears - to see how much poor
little Ernie had suffered, and he was still only a puppy. We are reminded of their post on
Facebook where Bert introduces himself and pleas for Ernie in December:
Hi. We are Bert and Ernie. As you can tell by looking at us, we have not had an easy life.
I am Bert and am looking out for my little brother, Ernie. I really want my baby brother to
have Christmas with a family this year, or at least some place where he is comfy and
safe. If you can take me, too, I would appreciate it because I need to show my little
brother how to be a brave, good boy. We love each other lots, but we will love you even
more. Please show us how pets should be treated and loved.
Bert and Ernie are on the road to recovery and would eventually be placed in forever
homes. After arrival the first priority was visits to the veterinarian. The prognosis was
excellent for full recovery, but would take time, extra medical care, and followup visits.
Initially, and once their coughs were cured, they would be allowed with the general
population of resident dogs and dogs for adopton. Can you imagine? Despite their sad
history, both Bert and Ernie are two of the most friendly and happy dogs we've met.
Bert and Ernie Move Quickly into the General Population
The photos below show pals Bert and Ernie at the Lifeline Dog Rescue isolation area
entrance (left) and then on their bed inside (right). The photo on the right clearly shows
fur damage on both dogs, and the extreme skin condition and severe fur loss of Ernie.
Their recovery from kennel cough happened quickly, so each was moved out of isolation
and joined the other canine residents at Lifeline Dog Rescue. As part of the general
population, Bert and Ernie enjoyed the Lifeline private lake and playground shown here.
Moving from isolation also meant spending nights in the house where dogs roam free
during the day though some sleep in crates at night depending on their temperament.
In just over two months, Bert was fully recovered from the mite infestation damage, and
his Boxer Mix profile as adoptable was added to the listings on our website. The photos
below show Bert fully recovered enjoying the lake and playground on February 13, 2012.
Note: Bert was likely adopted by the time you read his story. The updated link above
goes to his Happy Tails page summary of his adoption, new family, and forever home.
Now, and can you believe it – these two photographs are Ernie! Isn't he gorgeous?!!
Compare the above photos taken on February 13, 2012 to his sad condition shown
previously. Ernie does look good with his brindle colors, yet still faced 30-60 days of vet
visits and treatment before being adoptable. The underlying skin needed to fully heal.
A Brighter Future for Bert and Ernie
Here is our cover photograph shown again, only smaller (below left), that makes the
perfect portrait of Bert and Ernie. Notice how Ernie, just like in his shelter cage photo,
leans in to his buddy Bert who has always been there for him through very tough times.
Each was within hours of their deadline before being put to sleep when Lifeline stepped
in to help write a brighter future for Bert and Ernie. The other photo (below right) shows
them free to roam happy and healthy, having fun playing at the Lifeline Dog Rescue
facility. Did you happen to notice that Ernie gained weight and was catching up to Bert?
As mentioned, Bert had been listed for adoption in February 2012 and is already in his
forever home as you read this updated Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie.
They had been picked up together as strays, shared a cell at the animal shelter, were
together on death row, spent a brief time as roommates in Lifeline isolation, and have
had two months to play with all the other Lifeline dogs as well as together like best pals.
Despite the closeness, each had steadily grown more independent over those happy two
months, and each would be adopted out as individuals. Bert was ready within months.
Ernie would be fully recovered in March and originally estimated for April at the latest.
Both are playful, friendly, and happy dogs who interact well with all the other dogs (and
humans). Each will make a loving and loyal companion in their new homes, and we wish
both a happy, healthy life. We'd love to write a lot more happy endings for other dogs.
Please email, print, or share the Bert and Ernie story online with people you know, and
encourage them to spread the word to promote and support the non-profit work we do.
New Chapter in the Lives of Bert and Ernie
We imagine tears of joy were flowing in heaven as we added this new and updated
chapter in the Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie in September 2012.
Bert was adopted in March 2012 and his little buddy Ernie was adopted in September.
Bert lived near the Lifeline Dog Rescue facility in Okeechobee Florida, and came to see
Ernie more than once for play dates before he and his mom Christy moved to Wisconsin.
Here are photos showing them cuddling together on their bed while in rehab (left) staying
in the house on the Lifeline property, and then free to roam while playing outside (right).
Next, Bert (left) and Ernie (right) are shown below fully recovered and ready for adoption.
That's an amazing transition going from sick and homeless to being safe and healthy!
Forever Homes and Forever Families for Bert and Ernie
Bert was adopted to a new forever home in March 2012 and Ernie in September 2012.
Bert gets hugs from his human mom Christy in March 2012.
Ernie gets hugs from his human dad Eric's niece in September 2012.
We are truly grateful for all the wonderful people who helped make this a happy ending.

Photo Story of Rescue Dogs Bert and Ernie

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