Today was a day I've been dreading for a long long time, the day I had to say goodbye to my best friend and the dog that had more of an influence on SHAK than anybody else, including myself.
Scooby came to SHAK in May 2009 with a horror story: tied to a tree, stabbed in the eye with a screwdriver, at the time it was the worst case of abuse we'd taken on. I drove to Birmingham to get him and he thanked me by biting me twice before I could even get him in the car. The sheer scale of the project I'd taken on was clearly apparent, 4 hours to get him in the car and a week and a half to get the lead I'd put on that day off, were just the start. However he made up for all of that and so much more.
Scooby was called "The Lord" because he ran the place, he kept his kennel nice, had a mattress that he slept on, and made a total mockery out of anyone who dismissed an abused dog as aggressive and destined to end up in a skip. Because of Scooby, SHAK changed focus, was recognised by the Kennel Club, and became the sanctuary for tortured souls that you now all know us for.
After looking a bit shabby yesterday an appointment was made for him to go to the vets this afternoon, however on arriving at the kennels this morning Jill found him collapsed in his kennel. Thanks to her and Mike for getting him into the SHAK Van, and a quick pitt stop so us exchange vehicles on the A1 and a rush to the vets.
I was with Scooby all the way, scans showed multiple tumours in his liver and I was shown the areas of internal bleeding that were killing my best friend. I had no choice, the dog that had both shaped the charity I formed and proved to the whole world that every dog deserved a chance, was dying on me.
Scooby left this world this morning surrounded by love and tears. Jonathon the vet at Moorview was incredible, and its testament to Scooby that he almost shed a tear with me (although I'm sure he won't admit it.)
Scooby was a legend, he will live on a legend, and an inspiration to me to continue to help the dogs that need it the most. No dog has ever given me more than Scooby. He taught me so much, and so many of the dogs at SHAK owe their lives to him. I wouldn't of had the confidence and skills to save their lives without him. I really don't know how I will go on without him, but I must. SHAK must. I am so so proud of everything he achieved, and getting bitten off him that first day was the best thing that ever happened to this charity.
Run free big lad, I miss you so much and owe you so much. You were SHAK, thank yo for showing us the way.
Below are links to his diary page when he first arrived. Due to server changes, the pictures do not show. However, the story is still the same. Also I have posted my account of the day he changed me forever, the day he filled a whole in my heart.
http://shak.myfreeforum.org/Scooby_s_Story__about85.html
http://shak.myfreeforum.org/Scooby_2_about104.html
"Sunday 31st May 2009.
A manic day sees Scooby a badly abused German Shepherd arrive at SHAK. Scooby represents one of our biggest challenges yet, as he was found chained to a tree in his back garden after his owners had emigrated. Here’s the horror story, Scooby is blind in one eye after it is alleged he was stabbed in the eye with a screwdriver.
As you can imagine, Scooby is very insecure, and is showing signs of clear stress and fear aggression. However, under all of that, he did show me that he can be a nice dog, it’s just going to take a whole lot of time and hard work to help him trust people. The damage that has been done to this dog is truly sickening.
Several urgent phone calls and emails over Friday and Saturday lead to me bombing down to Walsall to offer this big guy a chance, and after a good start it turns out to be quite a day.
I was greeted by teeth and barking as I approached his kennel, but hot dog sausages soon put an end to that. After a few gentle strokes he allowed to handle his collar, and he was very pleased to see the lead. We had a wonderful 40 minutes walk and after more hot dogs and strokes, he was eager to jump into my jeep. That’s when things took a turn for the worst. As I tried to give him a little lift up, he turned on his blind side and promptly started chomping on my arm. I take full responsibility for this, as I shouldn’t have put him in this position. Scooby is obviously very defensive and feels vulnerable if he is physically handled. I think his lack of vision in his left eye and the fact that he has obviously been beaten accounts for so many of his issues.
What followed was a total nightmare, as Scooby decided he didn’t want to be near anyone. Even sedated he was very upset, and I think this poor guy has been through hell. He gets very distressed if you try and muzzle him, and unfortunately his immediate reaction is too lash out in self defence and not worry about the results, as long as people stay away.
Four long hours later, and having coaxed him into a cage,( A special thanks to John from Wrights K9– Academy for giving his time to help) we managed to lift the cage into the back of the jeep, and set off towards home and safety. Even with a 3 and a half hour drive, Scooby wouldn’t relax, and I just couldn’t help but feel so sorry for the way this boy has obviously been made to fear people.
This really is going to be a tough ride, but it is a battle we NEED to win. Scooby showed me on his walk that can live life as a normal dog, and that he is willing to trust people, we just have to get through his defences. Please say a prayer for him, so he can realise that not all humans want to hurt him, and then we can at least let him live out the rest of his life in peace."