One-eyed puppy is unrecognisable after 432 days behind bars (video)

By Greta Inglis Dog Behaviourist | Animal Behaviourist

Published on the 23/10/2024, 13:00

When Spinach first arrived as a tiny puppy, shelter staff hoped they'd soon see him settled in a loving home of his own. But a year later, he was still waiting.

Rescue work can be heartbreaking for the staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to helping pets in need.

They see dogs and cats waiting patiently behind bars for days, months and even years, just hoping a family will come along and choose them.

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An endless wait for Spinach

The white Pyrenean Mountain Dog mix first came in to Austin Pets Alive (APA!) as a puppy.

He had a badly injured eye, which put him at risk of euthanasia. But thankfully, an expert team was on hand, to give him the care he needed and to nurse him through the recovery period.

The little pup was named Spinach, and as soon as the time was right, he was put up for adoption.

432 days

Everyone hoped Spinach's stay in rescue would be short-lived, but 432 days later, he was still waiting.

Desperate to find him the perfect home, Austin Pets Alive shared his story to TikTok.

@austinpetsalive Spinach was in a kennel all last summer – just a puppy back then. Today, as temps hit triple digits, he’s still in that kennel, once again exposed to the dangerous heat. We need your help to give #greatpyrenees Spinach some relief in this scorching weather. This week, we need to replace fans like the one above Spinach’s kennel, put up shade cloths, and make repairs to our HVAC system and other parts of our worn-out facilities. Could you help? Thanks to generous anonymous donors, your gift today will be DOUBLED up to $28,000 to help us buy cooling supplies like… 🐶 Kennel fans – $150 each ❄️ Kennel mister compressors – $2,500 each 🌳 Shade cloths – $30 each 🧊 Bagged ice (15 bags/day) – $45 per day 💧 Gatorade/other items to support people in the heat – $25 per day To help pets like Spinach now, visit the link in our bio. 🐾 Can’t donate but want to help? Sign up to foster or adopt today! #austinpetsalive #austintx #texasheat #shelterdog #beforeandafter ♬ оригинальный звук - Bah Rouz

The clip was viewed over 4 million times, and it may have helped Spinach find his forever home!

An update later revealed the gentle giant had travelled all the way to Oklahoma, where he was busy exploring his new surroundings and getting to know his new family.

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