A Dog Facing Certain Death Due to Starvation if Someone Didn’t Step Up

9/29/2023: When I was young, I became fascinated and immersed in Greek and Roman mythology, in astronomy. I wanted to know every story, every star and constellation, and a fire burned inside of me to consume all the knowledge I could find. 

A few of those stories are my favorites, a few exemplify the current world and it’s happenings. The wars, the punishments, the compassion, the sadness, the joy, the heartache, the strength, the endurance, the battle, all that was overcome, all that was lost, all that was gained and the ever lasting impression left upon those it surrounds.

Wednesday night, one of our shelter partners put out a plea. A dog severely neglected, severely emaciated. A dog facing certain death due to starvation if someone didn’t step up, if it wasn’t someone experienced in refeeding, if it didn’t happen now. I thought about him all night and all of Thursday morning, and I couldn’t think anymore…. I had to do. I texted and made the call. He could come to me. I couldn’t let this boy go to someone who has never had a dog this thin, someone who has never had experience with a refeeding schedule. Because while intentions are always good, the truth is, feeding him too much, too fast, putting on weight too quickly WILL cause his death. It has to be calculated. It has to be slow. It has to be measured, monitored. It has to be intricate, intentional. Too many calories will cause his body to shut down. His organs will go into failure. Too much water, he’ll develop bloat, vomit. Treats will send him over the minuscule fine line of not enough and too much. Not everyone is equipped, not everyone is capable of saving a dog in shape as bad as he is. And even then, he could still crash quickly, and we could lose him. But I will do everything in my power, everything humanly possible, to make sure he comes out on the other side.

I drove today to pick him up. I had names picked out. But when they pulled in, I changed my mind. I knew the perfect name for this beautiful boy.

In Greek mythology, Atlas was punished for the Titans trying to overthrow Zeus. He was sentenced to hold up the world on his shoulders for eternity. Letting go would end in certain death. It Would be the end game for not only himself, but all life. Atlas was forced to carry the burdens of the world, never taking a rest, never slowing down, never giving up. His strength and endurance prevailed and was unmatched. So this beautiful boy, who has carried the burdens placed upon him by vile human beings. This boy who carried chains around his neck, never resting, never giving up, always prevailing, showing unmatched strength and endurance to live, to survive despite every thing life threw his way and more…. His name will be Atlas.

But. The difference is, he will no longer have to carry those chains, those burdens. We have taken them off of his shoulders, and I have placed them on my own. I will be strong enough for him, we will be strong enough for him. I will endure whatever now comes his way, he just needs to rest. To relax. To heal. To know that he never again has to worry about saving himself. Because I will do anything possible to do it for him. 

*the details can not be shared since this is an ongoing police investigation, but what can be shared is he was left chained in a yard intentionally, left to starve.

He is going to need a multitude of tests and care. Despite his condition, and it is literally the worst I’ve ever seen in person, he is strong. He is resilient. He is happy. He is sweet. He has a wonderful appetite. He is using the bathroom normally. He was in the hospital yesterday but he does not need continued hospitalization at this time as being there with no immunity (he has not been vaccinated previously and his body has fought so hard to just live that he can not fight off infection at this time) could cause a greater risk to his health. As long as he continues to eat, drink and use the bathroom on his schedule with no issues and no dehydration, he will return to the vet on Monday for bloodwork and further evaluation. He is loaded with hookworm. He is heartworm positive. He needs to gain about 30 lbs minimum and that will take some time. 

He is going to need a LOT of medical intervention, visits and care. So we are asking that 100 people donate twenty five dollars in his name to cover his vetting. We will keep track and make a list and post a final one. We can’t do this without you. He can’t do this without you. 

We are a 501c3 so donations are tax deductible. These can be sent:

CashApp AbbysAngelsAH 

Venmo abbysangelsanimalhaven 

Zelle 8142797287

PayPal (sending to a friend—do NOT send for goods or services please! This charges us a fee) to Ncw427@hotmail.com 

Or by check to-

Abby’s Angels

120 W Pitt St 

Strfrt 2

Bedford PA 15522

Simply mark “Atlas” when sending. 

We thank you. He thanks you. From every depth of our souls. 

Welcome Atlas, we’ve got you. 💙

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Update 9/30/2023

This was from last evening, but Atlas is in good spirits today! We prob won’t update everyday on him, because we still have other doggos who need help and homes, but we will update!

Thank you to ALL who have sent help for him! We truly appreciate each and every one of you and will post a list later tonight or tomorrow of those who have contributed to help us get him everything he’ll need medically.

We appreciate you.

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Update 10/1/2023