This is for all the rescuers out there who see these cases all the time, how does the poor dog do after being surrendered? If he can't even stand up straight, will he be in pain the rest of his life? I saw those pictures and immediately thought of his poor future. The person(s) who "owned" him didn't seem to care about lessoning his suffering, shouldn't we??? I don't want to sound so pessimistic but I would like to know if cases like this do get better. Is all the treatment being done now in the best interest for the dog or are we just prolonging his suffering?
I am trying hard not to take offense to your questions, because I do understand what you are trying to ask. Although I have only volunteered with the rescue for a short while and only on and off, I will do my best to answer, maybe someone else who has rescue longer and more consistantly will also chime in. Without knowing what exactly the vet said about Charlie's condition, it is hard to say if he would be in pain. Having said that, the individuals who run that rescue are wonderful, compassionate people and if that dog is in pain, I have no doubt they would not seek to prolong it. They simply recognize that deep soulfullness in his eyes and know that they have to do everything and anything in their power to make him comfortable and send him off to the best life he will ever know.
I think this comparison is fair, think of the things you would do to treat you dog if it was ill or hurt. The people in the rescue believe every abandoned, neglected, mistreated dog is their dog and seek to help and treat them in the same way you would your own dog.
As for cases getting better, some do and some don't. I can share the story of Hope with you,
http://www.adoptaboxerrescue.com/availdogs/Avail2006/Avail0610/6MoPupCrueltyCasePA.htm (pictures are graphic so beware). But there are also cases like Zena or Rufus,
http://www.adoptaboxerrescue.com/availdogs/Avail2007/Avail0702/ZenaPA0702.htm ,
http://www.adoptaboxerrescue.com/availdogs/Avail2007/Avail0707/RufusPA0707.htm.
I know that you were in no way questioning the motives or characters of the people at the rescue, so my next comments are just my own thoughts. Since the day I picked up my first rescue 1.5 years ago, I have been continually blessed, not only with my three babies, but just to know the people who live and breathe rescue. I never had a role model growing up, but these people, they are who I aspire to be. They are special people and I don't have the words in my vocabulary to extol their numerous inspiring qualities.
The woman who coordinates the rescue in my area, she was Snubby's foster mom before I adopted her. I won't ever forget when I called to tell her Snubby had passed, she sat on the phone and cried with me, I know she loved that dog as much as I did and I believe she loves every dog she comes into contact with. These are simply extraordinary people.
Now that I have gotten completely off the topic of your question, I hope that answers then in some ways and maybe other people will respond with other answers and takes on your questions.
