We often see extremely heart-wrenching situations with animals that come through our doors but something about what happened to Abel, an 18-month-old Terrier mix, seemed extra awful. Abel was found running the streets with a rubber-band wrapped so tightly around his neck that it had embedded itself deeply into the skin. Witnesses said they had seen him running from house to house frantically for a few days. It became very apparent that Abel had been suffering for much longer than that.
The embedded rubber-band required emergency surgical removal and left a large sutured area across poor Abel’s throat. It’s going to heal up in time and did not do permanent damage to his trachea or other important breathing structures but caused an unthinkable amount of pain. Once the sutures come out, hair will grow over the scar and it will be but a bad memory for Abel. Dogs are resilient and soon forgive.
He has settled in quite well and is showing us an absolutely adorable and loving personality. He is a tiny little guy, around ten pounds, with a fun-loving and spunky air about him. With a dainty little trot and ears that can arrange themselves in all directions, Abel is an instant comedian who is winning hearts left and right. He is extremely social with other small dogs and loves to play. He would be a wonderful companion to another playful small dog but would also be great as an only dog in a home where a lively yet cuddly sweetheart would be appreciated.
He comes when called, is learning to walk nicely on a leash and is never seen without a wagging tail. Although he is active, he doesn’t hesitate to jump up and lounge on a lap or two when all you’re looking for is a little cuddle. Abel would be a kids best friend in a minute and is the kind of dog that could really make any family complete. Come show this dog the kind of love humans are capable of!
If you would like to help animals like Abel and his orphaned friends, please consider donating to the Santa Cruz SPCA. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization and receives no government funding, relying solely on public donations to run its many programs that benefit the animals and people of our community.
For more information call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA is located at 2685 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA 95065 and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m.
