Last Hope - Gracie's Story-Left to Die Full Story

Last Hope - Gracie Left to Die Full Story

Abandoned and left to die - Gracie's story

Full story- January 2007:

As it happened everyday, Bev Orr, of Last Hope received yet another call telling her about abandoned, abused and discarded animals and asking for Last Hope's help.

A Pitbull/mix mommy and her 8 puppies that had arrived at death’s door. The mother was a skeleton and her puppies thin and hungry. The mother who we named Gracie was rushed to intensive care to receive hydration and food. No one knew if she would live or die. The puppies are in better shape but will need a week or so before they can be ready to be vaccinated and adopted.

It seems that a boy and girl were bicycling in St. Paul near Jackson and 35E when they heard the sound of puppies crying. There was an abandoned trailer where the noise seemed to be coming from. When they opened the door, they saw a grizzly sight. A Pitbull/mix mother and her 8 little pups had been left to die with no food and water. Everything this mom had she gave to the puppies to keep them alive. You may click here to see the photo, but beware it is not for the faint of heart.

The children bicycled home to get a car to rescue the animals. They tried to feed the mother but she vomited it all. Realizing that they could not help they took the mom and one puppy to Southview Vet Hospital in Inver Grove Heights, where they were rushed into emergency care. They paid what they could but could not afford the vet bills. Unable to pay more than $75 for vet care, they asked for someone to take over and care for Gracie and her pups. They gave all they could and knew it was going to take much more to save Gracie.

Bev was called to see if Last Hope would accept these animals and pay for their vet care. Bev said she would because “No animal should be left to die or be neglected like this.” Money would be found somewhere for the over $800 intake for the mother, Gracie and her pups, not to mention the ongoing care and hospitalization needed for the mothers. The pups would need medical care and vaccinations. Donations will be needed to meet this need.

Charlie, a Last Hope volunteer, was called upon to pick up the rest of the puppies and take them to Southview. Seeing the situation, Charlie charged into action! If you know Charlie, you know just how energetic and passionate she is. When Bev called her, she ran to the vet to check on the animals. Appalled by what she saw, she began her crusade! She contacted every television station in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and pitched her story: Mommy and her 8 pups left to die in abandoned trailer in St. Paul.

Channel 4 WCCO Heather Brown was on the story immediately – sending a crew to Southview Veterinary Hospital to interview Charlie from Last Hope and Laurie from Southview. Photos were taken and WCCO went on to do some investigative reporting. At this time, we are waiting for the airing of their findings. This is a link to their newscast: http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=23508@wcco.dayport.com Thank you so much, Heather and WCCO for bringing this abuse to the public. We'll fill you in here so check back with us.

It is not too late for you to help. You can donate directly to Save Gracie and her Pups by clicking here or by sending your donation to: Last Hope, Inc. PO Box 114, Farmington, MN 55024 – Your donations are tax deduction because Last Hope is classified as a 501(C)(3) with the state of MN. We are a non-profit no kill all volunteer, foster-based animal rescue. 651-463-8747. Send our web link to friends and family to share this story.

We will keep you all updated on the health and care of Gracie and her puppies.

January 18, 2007 Update on Gracie: Gracie is gaining weight gradually. She now weighs 27# when she should weight 40#. New problems have developed due to her neglect and dehydration. Gracie will need insulin shots twice-a-day with frequent veterinarian evaluations to determine her insulin needs as she gains weight . She is also on a special diet and can only eat about one and one-half cups of food and must be fed every four hours.

January 24, 2007 - Gracie can stand and go for short walks. She still looks terrible, but, she wags her tail and is beginning to mend. She may be able to go into a home on Friday.

January 25, 2007 - KS95 Minneapolis/St. Paul based radio station personalities Greg and Cheryl will report on Gracie during morning drive time reaching thousands of commuters with this story of hope and the generosity of our community. www.KS95.com

January 26th, 2007 - Gracie went to her new home today with Pam, a hospice nurse. Pam also has a SharPei/Shepherd mix at home, and a fenced yard for them to play in. We put Gracie's parka on her before she left (it was really cold outside!) and you can tell by the look on her face, that she was totally humiliated! The other photo is Pam & Gracie, and then Pam, Gracie & Me in the last photo. She will bring her in every week until they get the insulin dosage regulated good, and then back in a few weeks to get spayed. She is still horribly thin, but is now eating two meals a day at 1-1/2 cup each.

Pam, Gracie, Charlie, Last Hope Volunteer

February 3rd, 2007
Hey Charlie-
My apologies for not sending you an update sooner- It has been a busy and fun week getting to know Gracie.
The first couple days she was a little shy, quiet but sweet as ever. Chloe has been very good with her, patient and gentle she licks Gracies ears as she goes down the stairs in the morning. Chloe is looking forward to them being able to play and as the week has gone on Gracie has been willing and able to show a little spunk and playfulness.
The last 3 days she has gotten a spring in her step, has been running a little with Chloe in the back yard and has found her voice and announced to the neighbor dogs she has arrived and wants to run with them as well. She has played a little with the tennis ball and with a sock, she still sleeps a lot and is of course still bleeding some. Her appetite is great, she sits for her insulin and tolerates the kennel during the day, though I think after she gets spayed and the bleeding is gone she too will start getting some privileges. I was pleasantly surprised that she is well house trained and only had 1 accident the first day home. So far no chewing or concerns- she is so far a very good girl. I still look at her and cannot figure out how someone could have walked away from her!!!
Pam