Nebraska (Bear) Cruelty Case

July 3, 2010, Nebraska —Acting on a tip, we accessed where Buck and Bear lived from the neighbors property to take pictures. Bear is the bigger dog that was in a pen with a metal shed. It was 95 degree's the day we were there. Bear was wimpering, which isn't unusual for dogs that are penned or chained. I think most times it is anxiety. But not this time. Bear would die that night.

I approached the owners of the dogs and asked to get them groomed and help with a fence so they could be together. She was reluctant at first but finally agreed. The groomer was to call and make an appointment with her. But Bear died before we could get back there. After I found out Bear had died, I asked the groomer to call ASAP, so we could get a better look at Buck. We made plans for Buck to be groomed the next day. But when it came time to go, the owner told the groomer she couldn't drive Buck the mile to her house. So I drove to Wymore and picked him up myself. Boy, am I glad I did! I could tell as I lifted him into the vehicle that he was unusually light.

It took the groomer five solid hours to get that filthy, feces covered and matted coat off that poor boy. We found just a skeleton with skin underneath. He is without any muscle at all, and his legs are very weak and he wobbles when he walks. I took him right to the vet when he was done being groomed. A deputy met me there and took photo's and more information. We all were touched at what a sweet docile boy he was, and what a trooper to stand for five hours when he is so weak. He weighed just 46 lbs. and should have weighed around 80.

The owners have been charged with cruelty. Buck has been confiscated and is in our hands. The sheriff is going to try and pay for his care. I offered for DDB to pay for what they didn't, so they would not put the dog down. Unfortunately, he is heart worm positive. He will need vaccinations and neutered when he is well. The deputy thought they would be able to cover most of his treatment and will let me know next week. Fingers crossed!

Gayla Hausman
Dogs Deserve Better, NE Area Rep., Reg. 2 Rep. Coord., NE  

UPDATE: July 21, 2010, Nebraska —Buck has begun his heart worm treatment. It has made him horribly sick, but he is starting to pull out of it. He has gained 7 pounds. He remains the most docile, sweet dog we have ever had. The kind you can put around a baby or toddler!

Gayla Hausman
Dogs Deserve Better, NE Area Rep., Reg. 2 Rep. Coord., NE