Auburn Hills, MI (July 25th, 2007)- Wrapped in white gauze and carrying a sad look on his face, an eight year old sheltie with severe injuries to his neck and face was brought into the Oakland Pet Adoption Center on Tuesday, July 23 by a concerned Waterford resident.
“At first when we took off the gauze we thought he had an embedded collar,” said Shelley Grey, Oakland Pet Adoption Center veterinarian technician. “After a closer look we saw deep bite marks and puncture wounds on his neck and head.”
Wounds, Grey believes came from another dog.
“We gave him pain medication, shaved the injured areas and cleaned the wound thoroughly,” said Grey. “For the next ten days we are going to carefully monitor him and give him antibiotics and ointment to prevent infection. He has a very good prognosis.”
Once his injuries have healed, he will go up for adoption to find a new home, unless claimed by his original owner. Unfortunately, this sheltie did not have identification so his owner could not be contacted.
“He has such a sweet temperament, and he’s very loving, although he is still a bit traumatized from his severe injuries,” admitted Grey.
On top of not carrying identification, this sheltie wasn’t neutered, making him more likely to wander or stray from his owner’s yard.
“We see lots of animals like this sheltie come into the center,” said Joanie Toole, Oakland Pet Adoption Center assistant manager. “The hardest part is knowing that their injuries could have been prevented.”
Here are some tips to keep this from happening to your dog:
* Make sure you dog is wearing identification: Not only is it Michigan State Law, but it can also ensure your dogs safe return home if he gets out. (For extra protection, consider microchipping.)
* Spay or Neuter you pet: Once fixed, your dog is less likely to wander or stray from the yard.
* Fence in your yard, or a least a portion that you dog can run and play in: If your community discourages this type of structure, try an invisible fence.
* And in the event that your dog does go missing, immediately check with the Oakland Pet Adoption Center and surrounding shelters.
For more tips or information regarding this Sheltie, contact the Oakland Pet Adoption Center at 248-391-0286 ext. 228. The center is located at 1700 Brown Road in Auburn Hills.
