| July 15, 2010
Scarlett
Finally Safe After Three Years of Neglect
Here at Take Me Home, animal neglect is something we deal with on a daily basis. It’s not something we ever grow accustomed to however, and there are some cases we deal with that are particularly disturbing. Scarlett is one of those cases as she wears the physical scars of being forced to suffer through three long years without proper medical care. When Take Me Home volunteers rescued Scarlett from the county shelter, she had lost so much hair, and her skin was so covered in painful infection, that she looked as though she had suffered severe burns. Her entire body was covered in a thick layer of crust, accompanied by painful swelling and open sores from head to toe. Her front ankles were bound in thick bandages as her wrist joints had broken open and were leaking uncontrollably with infection.
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One may think that a dog in this poor condition would have some sort of serious disease or an ailment that could not be easily diagnosed or treated. Yet perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Scarlett’s medical condition is that it is easily diagnosed and easily treated with simple oral medication and antibiotics. Scarlett suffers from non-contagious demodex mange; a condition that would have never progressed to this degree had she received simple medications. Instead, as shelter records indicate, Scarlett’s former family allowed her to suffer from this condition for three long years before finally relinquishing her to the shelter; taking to her to the vet every so often where she was repeatedly diagnosed with demodex mange, yet never providing her with the consistent medication she so desperately needed. As a result, Scarlett needlessly suffered through the first three years of her young life.
One may also be inclined to think that a dog this neglected would be detached from humans and reluctant to trust. Yet nothing could be farther from the truth. Scarlett loves nothing more than to be petted and loved by the people around her and is an extremely affectionate girl, despite being shown such a lack of compassion her entire life. And she has the sweetest, most soulful brown eyes that tell such a heartbreaking story to everyone who meets this special girl.
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Once in our custody, Scarlett was immediately taken to our vet where her diagnosis was confirmed and she was prescribed a combination of medications to treat her mange and secondary skin infections. She was also given special baths to help ease the itching and burning of her terribly painful skin. In addition to mange treatment, blood tests and exams were conducted to ensure that she did not suffer from any additional medical conditions as a result of her long-term neglect. Thankfully, we discovered that Scarlett is an otherwise healthy young girl, with the exception of a minor heart defect that is easily addressed with daily medication.
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Scarlett is now safe and sound in a loving foster home where she is finally receiving proper daily care and knows the love of a family who adores her. Much to our surprise, Scarlett has proven to be 100 percent housebroken despite the fact that she was likely never allowed indoors. And now that she is finally able to experience a life without daily pain, she is making up for lost time and reliving a puppyhood that she was never able to experience. Scarlett loves her toys and loves nothing more than to romp and play. The difference in Scarlett’s physical condition is nothing short of remarkable. She has transformed into a beautiful Boxer girl with the prettiest soft fawn coat. To see such an improvement in her appearance in such a short amount of time is a grim reminder that her suffering was so unnecessary and so easily avoided.
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The fact that Scarlett suffered such neglect for three long years is inexcusable. However, the good news is, that with your continued support, Scarlett’s wounds will heal and we will be able to place her in a forever, loving home where she will never be forced to endure such pain again. But that healing comes at a cost. In addition to all of Scarlett’s ongoing medical care, she will require basic training as is the case with any dog like Scarlett that has been isolated to the backyard her entire life; isolated by owners who never even showed her what it’s like to take simple walks on a leash and deprived her of the basic training that every puppy needs and deserves.
On behalf of Scarlett, Take Me Home thanks you for understanding that three years of neglect is three years too many; and for believing that together, we can show this very deserving girl the bright future that she deserves. Scarlett is looking for her forever family, so if you are interested in adopting Scarlett, please go to the “adopt me” page on www.takemehome.tv.
It took a village of support and networking that helped sweet Scarlett find her way HOME!
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We believe that Scarlett’s journey led her down the path that she was destined for; right into the loving arms of Lynn and John in her own beautiful Paradise. Scarlett is surrounded by her loving family who are dazzled by her beauty, entertained by her antics, and blessed by her presence in their lives. Scarlett was at home the moment she walked through the door and has not looked back since. Lynn and John tell us what an honor it was to adopt Scarlett and that she is pure love. All of us at Take Me Home are so grateful to the many people who helped Scarlett find her own piece of paradise. A special thanks to Tracy Hon of Chico Boxer Rescue, Sarah Ciscel, Shana Kaplan, and Colleen Steckloff, Scarlett’s amazing trainer, who made the trip to settle her into her new life. We also want to give a very special thank you to Amy and Brett Thelander. Amy and Brett are two outstanding people whose belief and tireless support sponsored Scarlett’s training with Colleen.
Take Me Home wants to thank you all for your prayers, support and love!
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Below are some pictures of her journey home, enjoy! Scarlett getting ready to go forever home and saying goodbye to old friends…
 
Scarlett traveling with her trainer, Colleen, and TMH volunteer, Shana, to her new home...
 
Scarlett is forever home - her first walk in Paradise and at home with her mom….
 
Thank you for never giving up on Scarlett.
To make a donation, please follow link below:
http://www.takemehome.tv/paypal.htm
Take Me Home Rescue
2633 Lincoln Blvd #207
Santa Monica , CA 90405
310-967-4637
Email: TMHrescue@gmail.com
For more information about Take Me Home rescue, A 501(c)(3) nonprofit:
http://www.adoptapet.com/adoption_rescue/76796.html
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1490.html
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/220497
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