On this Fathers Day, we ask the Village to wrap their arms around one of our own #VillageDads as we say ALOHA to our beloved #HomeSanctuary #ElderBull, #NMDOG PILGRIM 
Sadly, last week I got a call with concerns that PIGGY appeared bloated & did not eat his breakfast - both very out of the ordinary for our boy. I responded immediately, took one look & I knew he was in serious trouble
His abdomen was severely distended, he was unenthusiastic about my arrival & his gums were very pale. I loaded him up & we went straight to see our #VetMed partners with Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists. Poor PIGGY..... they took him back for triage & rads, then returned with devastating news. PILGRIM was full of cancer & it was clear what needed to be done....my heart sank as I called his Dad.I was shocked to see the number & sheer size of the tumors in his chest, around the heart, his abdomen & liver....PIGGY never showed us any signs that he was even sick! PILGRIM just had a spa day the week before & hes never missed one single meal while in our care...he didnt get the nickname "PIGGY" for nothin
We had 2 options - both with the blessing of PILGRIMS ER Doc - I could leave PIGGUMS there, go pick up Dad go back to the clinic & say our goodbyes or, we could administer some supportive care - as I was assured he was experiencing minimal (if any) pain - take him back home, monitor closely to allow them a little more time & have our home euthanasia Vet meet with us later in the day. We choose the latter
With lots of treats, so many kisses, snuggles & wags...we all said goodbye & we told PILGRIM what a #BestBoy he was, what a difference he made in many lives & what an honor its been, being his rescue.
It is both a blessing & a curse that his cancer came on so quickly & so seemingly out of nowhere. We are grateful that PILGRIM knew only health, happiness & LoVe since coming into our care...as this is our ultimate promise to each of them. PIGGY-WIG was #UNchained in a #ValenciaCounty cruelty case, Thanksgiving 2019. He was our first Valencia County Animal Control case ordered to pay restitution & an order that his abuser not have custody or control of any dog while residing in the County. We are so proud of the progress we have seen on the #FrontLines in Valencia County over the past few years....& PILGRIM was one of our fave enforcement success stories! Everyone did such a great job on his behalf: Vet Team; Field Officers; Shelter Staff; Volunteers & The Honorable Judge #PILGRIMthePioneer we are so PROUD of you little buddy
Chained for 10 long years, suffering allllllll of the "things" = patterns of fresh wounds & old scars from dog fights & dog attacks, injuries with no medical treatment including losing the use of his eye, internal & external parasites, tick-borne disease, malnutrition, severe periodontal disease, osteoarthritis, sunburn, scars from frostbite, flystrike & more....PILGRIM retained his #BigGiantPitty heart & LoVe of people, despite the hell he endured. I believe the day that stupid chain was removed from his neck was truly the first day of the rest of his life! #BestDayEver & PIGGY did not waste any time.
Once PILGRIM healed from his many medical issues & really began to feel better...we learned what he needed & wanted for his #JustRight FoReVeR home & we made that happen for his special needs, by way of the NMDOG Home Sanctuary Program. As an NMDOG HS Kid, we pledge to cover all expenses involved in the LIFEtime care & considerations for each specific Dog. Whatever it takes to provide the best quality of life in order for them to live well in a true home environment...we go to the ends of the earth to make that happen for them. PILGRIM had a wonderful time with his wonderful Dad for the (almost) 3 wonderful years he was with us...& we dont do this work alone
True Sanctuary (with ALL needs being met) requires a lot of commitment & support...& #NMDOGvillage, you enable us to right these kind of wrongs....every. single. day. Your ongoing support of our lifesaving work enables us to turn tragedy into a #HappyTail giving once Forgotten Dogs like PILGRIM a brand new life! His bright shining spirit & his story of triumph sparked inspiration to many along the way. PILGRIM also touched the heart of our Friends with The Grey Muzzle Organization as well as their fans & followers across the globe. The photo taken during PILGRIMS #adoption ceremony (below) got lots of attention & will soon be seen in a national campaign promoting #SeniorDog #SeniorPeople matches & healing their broken hearts.
Our precious PIGGUMS packed a LOT of living into what feels like 3 short short years & I know his Dad packed in a lot of LoVe in that short time as well. We are so grateful to PIGGYS Dad Woody....for giving our #BullyDozer boy such a sweet spot to spend his best best years!!
PILGRIM will always be remembered as our big ol goofy #CouchSeal who never lost his will to LoVe & live
Fly free Mr PIGGUMS....now you have your wings
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